Fringe Theatre
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: SCAPE, Colab Tower, Tunnel 1
A great premise and solid performance, staged in a difficult space!
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Review: Vernon, Jack Studio Theatre
Part of SE Fest 2025, Vernon is a one-man show about a funeral director, with writer Gary Bates also performing as the eponymous Vernon. It’s hard to tell if there is an autobiographical element to the writing: if so, it…
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Review: Dear Young Monster, Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Sheffield
This is a unique piece of theatre describing one person's trans experience with honesty, authenticity and power. An extraordinary autobiographical performance from Pete MacHale.
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Review: The Remarkable Ben Hart, Wilton’s Music Hall
Is there room for magic in the modern world? Or have we cancelled out anything enchanting, anything out of the ordinary, anything remarkable? Ben Hart says no–but do we agree?
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Review: Pitchfork Disney, Kings Head Theatre
Disturbs the audience as brilliantly as intended - make sure you read the content warnings.
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Review: Lavvies, The Space
Get a sneak peek into the Essex nightclub DAZZLERS’ ladies’ loos in LAVVIES. Witness the high-drama of a wild night out, have some big laughs, and celebrate friendship.
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Review: Becoming Tosca, Arcola Theatre
A Tosca with a backstory in Argentina instead of Rome? Hmm... Great music to hear, but despite a promisingly reimagined setting to this most dramatic of operas, this revival misses its mark.
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Review: Still Here, Golden Goose Theatre
The Golden Goose is a typical pub theatre: a compact black box in an unassuming room in a less-than-glamorous pub. For Still Here, the sparse seating is arranged on three sides in a thrust stage formation, with boxing ropes marking…
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Review: Cascando, Jermyn Street Theatre
Unusual promenade experience of Samuel Beckett’s short play written for radio. Excellent performances in the pre-recording but some dialogue may be missed due to the nature of the walkabout.
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Review: Mark Guest: Believe, Calder Bookshop Theatre
Awe-inspiring feats of magic mentalism, raising money for cancer research