Off West End
Much like fringe theatre, trying to define what Off-WestEnd venue really means is a debate that would take us long into the night. So for our own sanity, we define it as those venues that are slightly bigger than the fringe venues (so roughly 100+ seats), but not the big West End or similar venues that form part of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). Like fringe venues, Off-WestEnd are eligible for consideration for awards via the Fringe Theatre Awards.
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Review: Drifting, Southwark Playhouse
Strong female performances and atmospheric staging stand out, although the script’s vagueness can leave much for the audience to interpret.
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Review: Rent, Bridewell Theatre
A heartfelt, energetic, creative show with a fantastic company of incredible performers
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Review: You, Seven Dials Playhouse
A shattering exploration of forced adoption across decades and generations. With minimal staging and maximum emotional force, this intimate two-hander captures the grief, rage, and longing of parent and child torn apart by circumstance.
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Review: Old Fat F**k Up, Riverside Studios
A deeply complex and revealing show that hides nothing
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Review: After Sunday, The Bush Theatre
An important piece of writing marred by heavy-handed direction
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Review: Ocean Child, Irish Cultural Centre
A beautiful lament for lives lost, expressed through stirring performance
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Review: Carl Donnelly: Another Round, Leicester Square Theatre
It’s as if everyone’s gathered for a few pints and a catch-up
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Review: From Dusk Til Dawn, Hackney Church
An immersive, theatrical journey through four centuries of music. Clever staging, individual instrument highlights, insightful commentary, and dynamic lighting creates a unique storytelling experience that carries the audience from night to dawn.
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Review: Karen, Underbelly Boulevard
Cathartic potential is clear, but emotional connection is missing.
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Review: Even more… Ghost stories by candlelight, Battersea Arts Centre
Don’t let the lights go out