A review is an assessment — a book review, a performance review, or to look at something again. A revue is a theatrical entertainment made of sketches, songs and satire. A critic writes a review; a company stages a revue.
The core difference
An assessment and a type of stage show.
- review — an assessment or re-examination: a film review, under review.
- revue — a light theatrical show: a satirical revue.
The French spelling
Revue is the French form, kept for the theatrical sense to distinguish it. Both descend from the same word meaning "seen again" — a revue was originally a show reviewing the events of the year, which is a link worth knowing because it explains why one spelling took the specialist job.
Where you meet revue
Chiefly in theatre history and in the names of student and satirical shows. It is a narrow word, which is exactly why review gets substituted for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling is the stage show?
Revue, the French form.
Are the words related?
Yes — both mean "seen again". A revue originally reviewed the events of the year in sketch form.
Is revue still used?
Chiefly in theatre history and in the names of satirical and student shows.