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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Scribble, Assembly Roxy – Review
An admirable OCD awareness agenda and an enthusiastic team is hampered by a guest acting challenge and a patchy story.
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Our Man in Havana, Pleasance Courtyard – Review
Pros: A perfectly executed adaptation of Graham Greene’s novel, with endlessly inventive choreography and the best use of a vacuum cleaner you’ll ever see on stage. Cons: None – it’s a solid all-rounder. Have you ever seen a vacuum cleaner…
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Dates – at the Speed of Sound, Summerhall – Review
Pros: Quirky characterisation of four daters, and fair scrutiny of the modern dating scene. Cons: Audience numbers and logistics affect the speed dating process, which feels slightly disjointed from the plays. The Finnish connection isn’t obvious, either. This show belongs…
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Out – Underbelly @ Edinburgh Fringe – Review
Pros: Great music and sound, riveting movement, a lot of vitamin C Cons: More guidance about context before the show would have enhanced the experience. We filed into the space as two performers (one male, one female) danced beside each…
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The Man on the Moor, Underbelly Cowgate – Review
Affecting and lyrical story of families existing in the wake of a loved one’s disappearance.
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The B*easts, Underbelly Cowgate – Review
Pros: Dolan holds the audience in the palm of her hand, with a monologue that never loses pace or relevance. Cons: The plot may be too far-fetched for more sceptical audience members. Monica Dolan confirms she is still one of…
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Iconic: A Brief History of Drag, Underbelly – Review
A mad dash through some of pop culture’s most iconic Drag moments.
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America’s No.1 Detective Agency, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
Pros: Captures the era with plenty of funny moments. Cons: Too convoluted to follow. Inspired by film noir of the 1940’s, including classics Mildred Pierce and The Third Man, Fatale Femme give us America’s No.1 Detective Agency, a comedic outing to…
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Boom, Theatre503 – Review
A well-written piece of laugh-out-loud theatre that isn’t as deep as it might want to be, but is funny enough that that really doesn’t matter.
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Mrs Orwell, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
A deservedly dramatised final episode of George Orwell’s life, and the lives of those around him, with heightened tension and a dash of humour.