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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The Tempest, The Rose Playhouse – Review
An enjoyable adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s later, well-loved plays. Thoughtful stylisation and creative choices make the play magical at times, but it was just a little bit rough around the edges.
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The Quentin Dentin Show, Tristan Bates Theatre – Review
Inventive project with a fabulous score, story could have flowed better.
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Terror, Lyric Hammersmith – Review
An original and relevant courtroom drama where the public is called in directly to judge the accused.
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Food, Finborough Theatre – Review
Food is a lovely starter and delicate main course, it just needed a sweet dessert to make it the perfect three course meal.
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Blondel, Union Theatre – Review
A light-hearted medieval musical with a solid cast, occasionally brilliant comedy and some catchy songs, but sadly lacking the overall polish and wow-factor of Tim Rice’s later triumphs.
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Le Misanthrope, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
Pros: A skilled ensemble whose evident enjoyment is infectious. A great soundtrack featuring the great Gainsbourg. Cons: Cluttered staging and an auditorium that (on one of the warmest evenings of the year) was like being at the centre of the earth.…
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Flashback, Theatre Utopia – Review
A compelling exploration into male suicide which will leave you wanting to reach out to people you don’t even know.
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Omnibus Theatre – Review
Pros: Imaginative, energetic and really entertaining. Cons: The performance is quite long and requires some serious stamina. The other night I had a funny dream. Accompanied by three other people, I was exploring the streets of Clapham Old Town, visiting…
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Miss Hope Springs, Wigmore Hall – Review
A promising performance from a stunning man in drag which was entirely spoiled by amplification problems.
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Holy Crap, King’s Head Theatre – Review
If you want to laugh hysterically and be impressed by an original performance, this is the show for you.