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.
-
Boys Club, Jacksons Lane – Review
Joe and Jules are forced to dress as men in order to get work on the stage, only for their plan to slowly unravel before the eyes of their audiences.
-
Escape 2 , Blue Elephant Theatre – Review
Pros: Preternaturally strong aerialists are a joy to watch. Cons: Amateur production values and a lack of clear concept. I was curious and excited about this little venue – sometimes the most unassuming places are the best finds. When I…
-
He Shoots! He Scores!, Above The Stag – Review
A boisterous musical with balls and a lot of heart!
-
Extravaganza Macabre, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
The thinking person’s summer panto.
-
Dead Souls, Theatre N16 – Review
A very intelligent and funny piece of theatre – and a tremendous first offering from Monkhead Theatre.
-
Not John, John Gielgud Theatre (RADA Festival) – Review
A thought-provoking, funny and sympathetic one-man show about how employment – or lack of it – can sometimes be linked to identity and how one man tries to cope with it.
-
Takeover, The Bunker – Review
A simple premise, almost flawlessly executed by a talented, young troupe. The writing makes for a provoking social commentary and the raw delivery gives it a refreshing edge.
-
King Kong, The Vaults – Review
Pros: Light hearted King Kong romp which should keep older children amused for an hour and a half. A couple of ‘for the parents’ moments. Cons: Old jokes delivered in a shouty style which started to be annoying towards the end. On…
-
Tiresia, Etcetera Theatre – Review
The complex theme is just too academic to be entertaining and fails to deliver a coherent message.
-
Lonely Planet, Tabard Theatre – Review
In an US town in the 1980s, the owner of a map shop and his off-beat and flighty companion try to come to terms with the increasing loss of many of their friends to an unspecified disease in this important…