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 Last Black Messiah, Etcetera Theatre
A captivating drama that will keep you guessing as two strong characters discuss shared beliefs in liberty and clashing ideologies of how to achieve it.
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Review: Much Ado About Nothing, Bridewell Theatre
Shakespeare meets the noughties in this Friends-inspired adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. A reduced cast and script don’t mean less in this case, with lots of laughs in the Bard’s sitcom.
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Review: Golden Fly Bomb, The Cockpit
Some impressive use of animation and video isn’t enough to bring life or meaning to a show that fails to leave any lasting impression.
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Review: What Is Going On?, Etcetera Theatre
With this show, Bowers is developing a unique comic voice that fuses chaos with intense thought. For all its craziness and playfulness, it remains authentic and sincere.
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Review: Laughing Matters, Canal Café Theatre
A polished and assured piece of theatre. It reminds us that comedy is grounded in human connection.
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Review: Spin Cycle, Etcetera Theatre
Strongly performed comedy-drama takes love to the cleaners
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Review: The Liminoid, The Cockpit
Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night after a wild dream, caught in the midpoint between reality and fantasy? That is how you’ll feel after watching The Liminoid.
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Review: The Ladies of Juliana, Etcetera Theatre
When this six-piece ensemble harmonises, this show absolutely shines brightly in their telling of life onboard a convict ship heading to Australia.
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Review: To Mars, Bridewell Theatre
A first attempt at children’s theatre by a new company that struggles to fully land with its intended audience.
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Review: Sirena, The Glitch
Short, contemporary opera giving modern sirens a voice in the 21st century. Atmospheric, humorous and as mesmerising as the myths would have us believe.