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: Patience, Wilton’s Music Hall
The Charles Court Opera delivers a wonderfully funny and energetic performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic.
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Review: HR at the Bomb Factory, The Hen and Chickens Theatre
A hilarious call for empathy and accountability that remains relatively surface level.
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Review: Justine Stops Oil, The Glitch
There’s no stopping Justine Pierce in her rise from humdrum housewife to climate warrior as she puts the heart-warming into global warming. Inspired by the life of a ‘Just Stop Oil’ protestor, Justine’s fiery yet funny story captures the ongoing…
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Review: Second Summer of Love, Drayton Arms Theatre
Can you believe there was a time when we didn’t have mobile phones or the internet? No instant messaging to arrange a night out with your mates. Instead, you had to use the landline and hope someone was home! It…
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Review: Black Power Desk, Brixton House
Black, bold and brilliant! A searing tale of being Black and British in 1970s Britain.
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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.