Yes, I know. I’m the one people who know everything about books, theatre, cinema or other cultural stuff are shaking their heads. And (hold your breath) I’m not a theatre goer. It’s not that I don’t like it, but I prefer a good film or a good book. But I’m reading and watching nearly everything or at least I give it a try – no matter if it’s mainstream or highly recommended by critics written in a very fine language where every single word, every single letter is very well chosen in the one and only attempt to tell me what I have to watch or what I have to read. (Trust me, I do know how journalists work.)
But: I don’t care what critics think.
I don’t care if they tell me that fans of Benedict Cumberbatch will watch Hamlet because of him. Because I am a fan.
I don’t care if they believe that I’m a woman who is silly and weird. Because I am when I’m not on duty. Mostly.
I don’t care if they are rolling their eyes, strongly believing I have no idea what Hamlet is about. Because I do know Hamlet – even as a non native I’m able to understand most of Shakespeare’s play. (There are very good translations and even bilingual editions out there.)
I don’t care if they think that I can’t behave myself. Because I have survived Sherlocked, I met Benedict, I didn’t scream, but had a nice but very little chat with him.
I don’t care if they think fans travelling from other countries to London simply for a play are in no ways to be taken seriously. Because I did it for The Imitation Game. And I will do it for Hamlet. Again.
Honestly: I like reviews with a strong opinion that are absolutely clear about the verdict. But I hate it when critics don’t know what they are writing about, when a simply internet research could help. And I hate it when they are disrespectful to an audience they know nothing about. And yes: fans are an audience, too. And I am one of them.