Kate Maltby

Biography

Kate Maltby is a widely published writer and critic. She is chair of the Critics Circle (drama section), Prospect magazine's theatre critic, and deputy chair of Index on Censorship, in addition to her work as a lead columnist for the i newspaper.

Recent Articles

Shakespeare has always engaged with those on society’s margins – it still does

OpinionNov 26, 2024

A totally anonymous theatre critic is something that I would love to see

OpinionOct 28, 2024

In an age that positions all our critical practice in relation to our identity, could someone test the possibility of writing criticism without giving any clues to their sex, race or class, asks Kate Maltby

Women are people, not plot devices – why do I still have to say this in 2024?

OpinionSep 27, 2024

The depiction of Marilyn Monroe in David Edgar’s Here in America leaves a lot to be desired in an otherwise thought-provoking play, say Kate Maltby

Critics are not marketeers, but the lines are being blurred on social media

OpinionSep 3, 2024

Kate Maltby discusses the issue of receiving press tickets in return for ads and why that is damaging for the industry

Theatre etiquette: covering up their cameras is the least audiences can do

OpinionJul 30, 2024

Why are ‘radical’ theatremakers so quick to kowtow to King Charles?

OpinionJul 3, 2024

King Charles clearly wants to help the arts, but organisations offered direct patronage by the royals face a genuine dilemma

The UK is internationally engaged – so why can’t it get surtitles right?

OpinionMay 21, 2024

Foreign-language shows are welcome, as is the rising awareness of deaf access needs, but surtitles need to be better incorporated into stage designs

Predatory autograph hunters outside theatres pose a dangerous risk

OpinionApr 13, 2024

Theatre’s security staff face an increasingly tough challenge to ensure safety, with often aggressive fans – or commercially minded autograph hunters – thronging outside stage door, says Kate Maltby

Is theatre excluding dissenting voices in its pursuit of inclusivity?

OpinionMar 18, 2024

Kate Maltby argues that we need to look more closely at the underlying manifesto of shows such as Nye, which is based on an assumption of shared values. Does ‘inclusivity’ mean embracing diverse political opinions of audiences and theatremakers?