Fringe/ OffWestEnd
We could argue for hours what makes a fringe theatre venue, and even then we doubt we’d come to a satisfactory definition. So to keep it simple, fringe here simply means the wonderful little venues, generally less than 100 seats, often located above or below or next to pubs, and very much at the heart of our theatre world, where all the magic usually starts.
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Review: Time Sliders, New Diorama Theatre
An action-packed race across time to understand what’s really precious, with challenging themes that are sensitively managed.
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Review: Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story, Pleasance Theatre
A standout (dare I say titanic?) performance in a sharp script, supported by excellent sound and lighting.
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Review: Love Letters to Stalin, Golden Goose Theatre
Despite a fascinating historical setup, this production fails to find its heart, resulting in a repetitive, humdrum tale
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Review: My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar, Brixton House
An interesting start soon becomes a mash-up of styles, and the show fails to live up to its early promise.
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Review: Knocked Conscious, Riverside Studios
Viscerally talented sketch comedy
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Review: I Was a Teenage She-Devil, The Other Palace
A cartoonish rock musical with more volume than heart
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Review: Stuck in Transit, Old Red Lion Theatre
An interesting story demonstrating two very different halves of society, hampered by an uneven pace between them.
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Review: Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Arcola Theatre
A gentle, uplifting wartime love story told through letters, filled with humour, heart, and hope. A beautifully staged reminder that even in dark times, human connection still shines.
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Review: Sister Act, London Oratory Theatre
The best am dram production I’ve seen in a long time – filled with beautiful vocals, an energetic ensemble and a fabulous feeling of sisterhood!
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Review: Talking Heads, The White Bear Theatre
Compelling performances and inventive staging refresh Alan Bennett’s seminal monologues, carrying the audience to devastating depths.