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: Twelfth Night: A Nonsensical Medieval Romp, Actors’ Church
A medieval romp in name more than spirit, Nonsense Theatre’s outdoor Twelfth Night offers competent Shakespeare with welcome strong flashes of comedy.
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Review: Richard III, The Cockpit Theatre
Misguided and unconvincing
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Review: love you long time (already), Theatre 503
A masterclass in writing, this one-act play packs a punch and leaves you wanting more.
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Review: Sister Lines, The Hope Theatre
A work-in-progress with real promise that examines the concept of grief and AI reincarnation in a quietly devastating manner.
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Review: Thou Shalt Sit The F*** Down, The Queer Comedy Club
A show about keeping the magic alive that struggles to create enough of its own.
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Review: Cataclysmic, The Hope Theatre
A highly experimental, emotional one-person show that explores grief and memory through classic and immersive performance.
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Review: The Effect, Old Red Lion Pub and Playhouse
Driven by electric chemistry between its leads, this is a tender and intelligent exploration of what it means to feel.
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Review: Chess, Royal Academy of Music
A dazzling array of talent illuminates this popular musical by taking it back to square one.
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Review: Wife to James Whelan, Jermyn Street Theatre
Small town hopes and frustrations brought to life, but beware ongoing pride and stubbornness.
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Review: The 2nd Annual Great Canadian Theatre Festival!, Old Red Lion
If these two script-in-hand productions are a taster of what Canadian theatre is all about, then we should be welcoming our overseas friends along more often.