Michael Taylor looks back at 2025 and why Fringe Theatre is the place to be
As part of our end of year look backs, we asked some of our reviewers to give their thoughts on the year. Here Michael Taylor considers why reviewing at some of the smallest fringe venues is not just important for the creatives, but also as rewarding for the reviewer.
When I joined the Everything Theatre reviewing team back in 2024, I quickly discovered that there is a huge range of shows running non-stop across London; at venues big and small, for runs long and short, and of all genres and tastes. There are far more shows than can possibly be covered even by all Everything Theatre’s reviewing team, even combined with those of the many other theatre websites around.
I also learnt that one of the greatest strengths and values of Everything Theatre is in highlighting the smaller fringe shows, which will never gain as much attention from audiences and reviewers as the larger shows to be found elsewhere. They are shows performed at small venues, often pub or community theatres, often only running for only two or three performances, and often created by first time writers, directors even first time actors, produced with limited development time and budgets, especially for marketing.
Nevertheless, these shows can still showcase great creativity, enthusiasm and talent from the creatives and cast. It is those taking their first tentative steps into the world of theatre who benefit far more from the encouragement of even a single review to support their future endeavours. And It’s this value of reviewing fringe shows that was really highlighted to me this year.
A review can only ever be the informed opinion of an individual. After I’ve submitting each review, it’s always enjoyable to see how the thoughts of fellow reviewers compare to my own. Most often, I find that our judgments and ratings are aligned. Yet sometimes I also find that many of the shows may only have been reviewed by one other reviewer, or in some cases just myself for Everything Theatre. Of the 30 (mostly fringe) shows I’ve reviewed this year, I could only find one other review for six, whilst on eight occasions, it seems I had the unexpected distinction of being the only reviewer to have attended. So my thoughts alone were the only ones to provide prospective audiences with an insight and (hopefully) encouragement to give fringe a chance.
So it feels appropriate that for my end of year round up I take a quick look back at those eight to give them another mention.
Tuesday at the Hope Theatre showcased an engrossing and tense battle of wills between two women who use half-truths and deceptions to out-manoeuvre each other; you were never sure whose side to be on.
The Even Stranger case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at the Old Red Lion was a fun and creative ‘sidequel’ to the classic story, with two new characters intersecting with established ones: all portrayed by just two writers/producers/stars.
The Bloopers! An Improvised Musical Biopic saw an ensemble cast at Phoenix Arts Club creatively bring a spontaneous yet cohesive story to life, using only their quick-wits, imagination and a piano.
At the Hen and Chickens, Spoons presented an educational and entertaining insight into the impact of chronic fatigue syndrome, and the Spoon Theory those living with the condition can use to manage it.
The Space Between at the same venue was a refreshingly balanced exploration of a critical moment faced by a couple, presenting the perspectives of both sides with equal understanding and compassion.
You Are What You Eat, presented at Little Angel Theatre, followed misadventures of two amateur detectives. Balancing comedy and drama, it also featured a clever meta commentary on the different styles and tropes of the crime genre.
Back at the Old Red Lion, H.P. Lovecraft’s From Beyond effectively brought the unnerving supernatural atmosphere of the original short story to life, whilst also developing the psychological battle between the human characters.
And there again, Never Tell Me The Odds delved into the mind of a woman in a rehabilitation centre, engaging with real and imaginary companions to learn the power of connecting with other, just in time for Christmas.
It’s not just the pleasure of reviewing in fringe though that makes it so rewarding. I always enjoy meeting the creatives and casts who you will often find in the bar afterwards, and who are often grateful to have even a single reviewer attending and sharing their thoughts with the world. It is likewise very rewarding to know that my reviews can make such a real difference to them.
If you want to join Michael in exploring the many fringe venues that we review at all year round, why not get in touch and chat to us about joining the team. You can find more information here.
