Off West End
Much like fringe theatre, trying to define what Off-WestEnd venue really means is a debate that would take us long into the night. So for our own sanity, we define it as those venues that are slightly bigger than the fringe venues (so roughly 100+ seats), but not the big West End or similar venues that form part of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). Like fringe venues, Off-WestEnd are eligible for consideration for awards via the Fringe Theatre Awards.
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Hair The Musical, The Vaults – Review
A joyous, colourful and exuberant 60s ‘happening’. You will be humming the music to yourself for some time afterwards.
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Kings, New Diorama Theatre – Review
A truly captivating and powerful new work that explores the plight of the capital’s homeless.
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Stardust, Southwark Playhouse – Review
A heartfelt and uncompromising confrontation of the multi-headed beast that is the global cocaine trade, which avoids patronisation and remains entertaining.
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All The Little Lights, Arcola Theatre – Review
A moving presentation of an expertly written and directed piece of new theatre on a very challenging topic.
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The Busy World is Hushed, Finborough Theatre – Review
A fantastic, perpetually pertinent play that wrangles with faith, agnosticism and disbelief in the space of a city apartment.
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Hansel and Gretel, V&A Museum of Childhood – Review
A beautifully-staged version of a classic fairytale that deserves to win new admirers.
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Tosca, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Pros: There’s something very magical about seeing an opera in such a small space and immersing yourself in the music. Cons: Some theatrical tricks employed here might be better left for the big stages. This new reworking of Giacomo Puccini’s…
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Hammer House of Horror Live: The Soulless Ones, Hoxton Hall – Review
A show which is high in style, but low on substance. Those hoping for thrills, cheap or otherwise, should look elsewhere.
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Child of the Divide, Polka Theatre – Review
A simple, moving introduction to a mammoth event in recent history.
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31 Hours – The Bunker, Review
This is an important piece of work around men’s mental health and the tragedy of railway suicides. It won’t be for everyone, but it provides strong talking points on a serious issue.