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: Lifers, Southwark Playhouse
A meticulously crafted, powerful yet accessible consideration of growing old in prison that's rich in dark humour.
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Review: Blessings, Riverside Studios
A brisk yet timeless domestic drama with an evocative setting, though its subplots feel underconnected.
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Review: code of engagement, Coronet Theatre
An unconventional and captivating performance reimagining the human body that has a problematic use of space.
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Review: Scenes from the Climate Era, Playground Theatre
A kaleidoscopic, funny, informative and positively therapeutic consideration of the human experience of climate change.
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Review: (the) Woman, Park Theatre
A funny, often-stirring account of motherhood and creativity
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Review: Lee, Park Theatre
Shaking off the woman-behind-the-man image, Lee paints a dynamic picture of Lee Krasner, widow of Jackson Pollock, in an exploration of creativity, vulnerability and independence.
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Review: Billy Budd, Wilton’s Music Hall
Atmospheric staging and stirring music give Melville’s tale new power, but this could have really soared without the scripts in hand.
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Review: English Kings Killing Foreigners, Soho Theatre
Ingenious, funny and sharp, English Kings Killing Foreigners is a clever interrogation of Shakespeare, nationalism, theatre, and performance.
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Review: Reunion, Kiln Theatre
A spectacular ensemble brings warmth, tension, and black comedy to a stormy family gathering.
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Review: Esther Manito: Slagbomb, Soho Theatre
A fearless, high-energy performance that blends razor-sharp wit with honesty and heart, even if it doesn’t reinvent the genre.