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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Richard III, Arcola Theatre – Review
A vibrant depiction of one of England's most cruel sovereigns, which has a strong resonance in contemporary politics but doesn't make the most of it.
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Ballroom, Waterloo East Theatre – Review
Old style Broadway theatre, which might have fallen flat if not for a strong cast giving everything they had.
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Disconnect, Ugly Duck – Review
Newly-written dystopian tale has some nuggets but comes across as a first draft.
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London Clown Festival, Hornsey Town Hall – Review
An opening night of cabaret with a few interesting acts, but overall disappointing.
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SOHO, Peacock Theatre – Review
Pros: Breathtaking stunts, energetic cast and a belting soundtrack. Cons: No story for you to sink your teeth into, and some uneven pacing. I’ll never forget the first time I walked down Old Compton Street. I’d been in London no…
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The Duchess of Malfi, Saint Giles-in-the-Fields – Review
A slightly rocky but enjoyable ride through this mad, blood-splattered Webster classic.
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Identity Crisis, Ovalhouse – Review
A one-woman vanity project that suffers from its own identity crisis.
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No Place for a Woman, Theatre 503 – Review
Moving in every sense of the word, No Place for a Woman captures two women's survival instincts in and around a concentration camp. Though parts of the plot feel patchy, it's an absorbing watch.
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The Magic Flute, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Pros: Hilarious performances, beautiful singing and outstanding design. Cons: Without an orchestra some of Mozart’s magic is lost. Walking through a charming pub straight into a small pocket of the South American jungle isn’t how most would expect to start a night…
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Metamorphosis, The Vaults – Review
A brilliantly bizarre performance!