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: The Musical Medea, Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Some great foot-tapping music and singing, but shame about the words!
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Review: Noises Off, The Questors Theatre
Probably the wrong play for a modern theatre audience, the show has moments of real brilliance but struggles to make the best of a flat script.
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Review: Animal Farm as Witnessed by Moses the Raven, Barons Court Theatre
A one-man show that manages to bring Animal Farm to life
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Review: a small and quiet light, Orange Tree Theatre
A wartime story of skill and courage that needs to be heard – after a little tidying up.
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Review: Causa: The Trial of the Illegal Potato, Lower Marsh Arts Club
Culinary courtroom drama serves hot potato politics.
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Review: No Photos, Vaulty Towers
An energetic spoken-word performance tackling timely questions around social media, visibility and AI
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Review: The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media), New Diorama Theatre
An ambitious production tackling the confronting subject of media influence on public opinion in the first year of the Gaza Genocide
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Review: Girl Out of The Blue, Tabard Theatre
A casual date in a wine bar has far-reaching effects for all concerned in this Pirandellian rollercoaster fun ride.
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Review: Table 17, Kiln Theatre
A charismatic rom-com that occasionally struggles to match its charm with substance.
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Review: Look up at the Stars, The Hen and Chickens Theatre
Star and writer of eighties Doctor Who reunite for an impressively acted, bittersweet one-woman love letter to the golden age of British cinema.