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: 12 Last Songs, Battersea Arts Centre
A thoughtful and absorbing piece of durational performance art that puts real workers at the heart of the action and reminds us of the beauty in everyday acts.
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Review: Game of Crones, Jacksons Lane
This show will have you in stitches but may leave you with a concussion.
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Review: The Elizabeths, The Playground Theatre
An exciting premise that ends up feeling more like a history lesson than anything else.
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Review: The Exoplanets, Hackney Empire
A powerful performance by the City of London Sinfonia of new music composed in response to the discovery of Exoplanets, overshadowed by lengthy and unnecessary breaks for discussion.
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Review: When We Were Us, Jack Studio Theatre
A well-intentioned exploration of abuse and friendship is undermined by an overcrowded script that muddles its message.
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Review: Ancient Grease, The Vaults
A Grease‑in‑Greece parody with committed performances, but uneven comedy and execution that never fully realises its potential.
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Review: Yentl, Marylebone Theatre
Part rom com, part fairytale, part theological rumination, part social critique, Yentl is a compelling, sometimes stressful watch
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Review: Hung Dance: Push and Pull, Coronet Theatre
A sometimes playful, sometimes sinister exploration of a binary construct, through tai chi inspired dance.
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Review: Nosebleeds, The Glitch
A clever and quietly devastating exploration of identity and distance during conflict. Small theatre with a surprisingly strong pulse.
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Review: Keep Your Sunny Side Up: The Gracie Fields Story, Museum of Comedy
The story of a working-class girl from Rochdale: spanning a global career and reminding us us of her fame, her talent and her generosity.