How interesting it is to be on the other side of the fence.

Over the years, I've published thousands of reviews, whether it be of theatrical performances, music concerts or restaurants.

And when, on the odd occasion, there have been complaints from offended performers, directors, or chefs, I've taken them with a pinch of salt.

This morning, I picked up my copy of The Northern Echo with trepidation and raw excitement, desperate to see what my deputy Chris Lloyd had said about Titanic: The Musical at Darlington Civic Theatre.

I appear in the show as my illustrious predecessor William Stead who perished on the ship 100 years ago.

Chris is glowing about the show, describing it as "grand beyond compare".

The only performer who comes in for criticism is me. I am described as more wooden than WT Stead's original chair which also appears in the spotlight.

"How dare he?" I yelled, flouncing around the house when the paper landed this morning.

"That's the last time I buy that bloody rag," I went on, before remembering that I actually edit that bloody rag (48 pence from all good newsagents).

I then raged on Twitter about his damned impertinence. I announced that he had left the company by mutual consent.

It was, of course, all tongue in cheek. Of course I'd given him express permission to take the mickey out of my performance. Surely, that's how it should be in my own paper, leaving the praise for a truly talented cast from Darlington Operatic Society.

Imagine if The Northern Echo had declared its own editor as being quite brilliant.

Nevertheless, there have been one or two who took the banter all too seriously. There is one tweeter who really thought I was so utterly offended that I'd sacked my deputy. I can assure everyone that I haven't - although I haven't made him a cup of tea yet this morning.

Indeed, I can confirm that Mr Lloyd considers me to be an outstanding actor in the mould of Olivier.

It's just that he didn't want to look as if he was crawling to the boss.