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: Mrs President, Charing Cross Theatre
A play which all too often feels like a stern lecture rather than a natural exploration of the characters: not even a superb performance by Keala Settle can save it.
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Review: Dance Til You’re Dead, Hen and Chickens Theatre
A witty, smartly performed cautionary tale about the price of success. While its direction doesn’t embrace the darkness at the heart of its story, standout performances and a rambunctious soundtrack shine through.
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Review: Safe Haven, Arcola Theatre
A play that depicts the historical events of Northern Iraq in 1991, but struggles to fully captivate its audience.
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Review: The Silence That Follows, The Hope Theatre
An absorbing fantasy adventure that delights and entertains as it explores the power of music as well as the dangers of letting obsession get the better of you.
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Review: A Grain of Sand حبّة رمل, Arcola Theatre
In this gripping 60-minute piece, it’s the voices of real children begging us to listen that leave their mark.
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Review: Rukhsati, Collective Theatre
While the script needs refinement, the production shines through its striking visual design, vibrant DJ commentary, and charming, unique choreography
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Review: Things I Know to be True, Tower Theatre
A family drama that captures the messy, painful reality of generational clashes
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Review: Asylum King, Collective Theatre
A sensitive and insightful piece that carries us on a journey from sensationalism, to denial, indignation and utter resignation.
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Review: ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States, Park Theatre
Good laughs, but more farce than satire.
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Review: Beautiful Little Fool, Southwark Playhouse
A glossy musical biography that leaves a genuine 1920s tragedy unexplored by trading uncomfortable truths for banal, lazy storytelling.