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: Deliver Us From Evil, Bridewell Theatre
An unsettling but predictable dramatisation of the origins of the Witchfinder General, Deliver Us From Evil is passionate but in need of some polish.
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Review: One Millions Words, The October Gallery
A reflective rather than narrative exploration of creativity, ideas and purpose
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Review: PsyTreedelic Xperience, Rosemary Branch Theatre
I stepped into the Rosemary Branch Theatre feeling quite lethargic, for it was 9 pm on a weekday. A tree branch is suspended from the ceiling. The lights dim, and out of the corner of my eye I spot another…
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Review: Offgridland, Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Paul Richards is warm and engaging, relating one man’s quest to just have a few minutes’ quiet lunch.
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Review: Grave Matters, Lion & Unicorn Theatre
With plenty of potential to unearth in this play, Grave Matters never quite manages to bring the bones fully to life.
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Review: Bathroom, Etcetera Theatre
A domestic drama performed in Mandarin that focuses on the breakdown between a couple whilst commenting on larger themes of racism, migration and cultural assimilation.
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Review: this app is a haunted house, Hen and Chickens Theatre
There’s plenty of fun to be had in this dating app/slasher horror movie cross-over, but there’s also plenty of room to tidy things up.
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Review: Spare Room, Drayton Arms Theatre
A year on from its Camden Fringe debut, Spare Room is now a much tidier affair that allows it to better focus on its themes of toxic masculinity, consent and complicity.
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Review: Lone Star, Etcetera Theatre
A Vietnam veteran and his brother have a frank conversation in this 1979 comic drama
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Review: Big Dog, Riverside Studios
Three ghostwriters, one invisible boss, and a company that profits from tragedy: Big Dog is smart, silly, and sharp all at once.