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: Night City, Southwark Playhouse
A physical and darkly cinematic show about London and the largely hidden workforce that keeps it going.
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Review: Talking People, Bush Theatre
An original, unpredictable and gripping piece of theatre.
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Review: The Human Voice / The Seven Deadly Sins, Charing Cross Theatre
A double bill of two short operas, The Human Voice / The Seven Deadly Sins is a lovely pairing dominated by a great leading vocal performance.
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Review: Bigfoot Ripped My Dog In Half I Saw It, Soho Theatre
A series of pranks spiral out of control in this energetic, precision piece.
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Review: Making Europe Audible & From The Edda, Cockpit Theatre
A double bill of contrasting contemporary opera performances that proves modern music is more accessible than you might imagine.
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Review: The Greater Good Company, The Hope Theatre
An entertaining mystery drama presents a well-rounded and believable debate on morality, with ever-shifting viewpoints.
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Review: The Elixir of Love, Wilton’s Music Hall
A thoroughly charming adaptation that relocates Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore to an English country fair.
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Review: Tartuffe (Remixed), Marylebone Theatre
A sunshine-filled reinvention of Molière’s classic, full of energy and farcical humour, but with a surprisingly complex seam that adds rich depth.
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Review: Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, Stratford East
A modernisation of Helen of Troy set in Essex, offering sharp ideas but unfocused writing and uneven impact.
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Review: Crybabies: The Scaring, Soho Theatre
The freedom and silliness of a sketch show with the scale to make its ridiculous ideas feel spectacular.