revue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'revue' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a variety show or entertainment program that features a series of short acts or performances, such as sketches, songs, dances, and comedy routines. Example: The local theatre is putting on a new revue, showcasing the talents of local actors, singers, and dancers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(I borrowed that dress once. To wear in a school revue. I was playing a Macbeth witch. In an Ossie Clark dress. Dear God!) I don't have many of my mum's clothes but those I have are kept in protective dust-bags.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every Royal Court dramatist was invited to contribute ever-changing material to a revue about Enoch Powell, who could, by coincidence, be seen every morning at Sloane Square station going to work.

The Guardian

His father, Kenneth, was a plate stripper who fought in the Spanish civil war, and his mother, Ruth, was a garment worker who played the lead role in Pins and Needles, a 1930s musical revue staged by the international Ladies Garment Workers Unionon.

The Guardian - Books

He would joke and sing at the drop of a hat (stylish hats, too), heading a musical revue for some years called Smokin Joe Frazier and the Knockouts.

The Economist

They point delightedly to the fact that she once played a Vanna White-like character in a Sarasota musical revue, leading the audience in a chicken dance.

The Economist

He stopped a TV showing of "Oh Calcutta!", the naked revue, at the old Shubert Theatre.

The Economist

She left Denishawn to become a featured dancer in the Greenwich Village Follies revue, where she remained for two years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After receiving an undergraduate degree from New York University in 1955 and a master's degree in English literature from Columbia University in 1957, he penned nightclub pieces and teamed with Paul Klein and Norman Martin to write songs for the revue From A to Z (1960).

Encyclopedia Britannica

During his third year at Cambridge, he was recruited by fellow student Hugh Laurie who later rose to celebrity as a comic actor to join the Cambridge Footlights comedy revue, a century-old student-run organization that had spawned many of Britain's preeminent comedians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 1963 Footlights revue, A Clump of Plinths, toured parts of the world as Cambridge Circus and landed Cleese a writing job for BBC radio.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He also contributed illustrations to the celebrated avant-garde review La Revue blanche.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a show, specify which elements of the "revue" are most prominent, such as music, comedy, or dance, to give the reader a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "revue" as a catch-all term for any performance. It specifically denotes a show with a variety of acts, often satirical or topical.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "revue" is that of a noun. It names a specific type of theatrical performance, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples that showcases its uses in entertainment contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "revue" refers to a theatrical entertainment featuring a variety of acts, often with satirical or topical content. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and usable in writing. Its usage frequency is common, appearing often in news articles and encyclopedic entries. When using "revue", consider whether more specific terms like "variety show" or "musical comedy" might be more appropriate, and be sure the performance you are describing aligns with the definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variety show

Replaces "revue" with a more common term for a show with diverse acts.

musical comedy

Focuses on the musical and comedic aspects of a "revue".

stage show

A broader term that encompasses "revue" as a type of performance.

theatrical production

Highlights the theatrical nature of a "revue".

cabaret performance

Emphasizes a more intimate and often comedic performance style, similar to some revues.

vaudeville act

Refers to an older form of variety entertainment that shares similarities with a "revue".

musical presentation

Underscores the musical elements often present in a "revue".

comedy show

Highlights the comedic segments that might be featured in a "revue".

dance performance

If the revue focuses on dance, this emphasizes that aspect.

sketch comedy

Specifically refers to the comedic sketches within a larger "revue".

FAQs

What exactly is a "revue"?

A "revue" is a type of theatrical entertainment featuring a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirizing current events or popular culture.

What are some alternatives to the word "revue"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "variety show", "musical comedy", or "stage show".

How is a "revue" different from a musical?

While both may include songs and dances, a "revue" is typically a collection of unrelated acts, whereas a musical tells a cohesive story.

Where might I encounter a "revue" performance?

Revues are often found in theaters, nightclubs, or as part of variety entertainment programs. They can range from amateur productions to large-scale Broadway shows.