Mark Shenton: “The theatre world is quite a small one and I spend a lot of time immersed in it, both as a critic and an audience member. Over the years, I’ve become friends with some of those that make the art I love so much. Even though critics are sometimes seen as being on the ‘other’ side of the artistic fence, I don’t see it as an oppositional relationship. We both want the same thing: to be able to participate in the making and watching of great shows. … Being both a critic and a friend, however, is fraught with danger … For me, it depends on a lot of factors. And rules of engagement may need to be drawn up.”