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 Ferryman, Royal Court Theatre – Review
Pros: First-rate writing and direction, a stellar cast, thoughtful staging and a heartbreaking story. Cons: It is quite long (three hours). It’s Armagh, 1981, and the Carney family, abundant with elders, children, and a goose, are preparing for the annual…
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All Our Children, Jermyn Street Theatre – Review
Pros: An engaging and meticulously researched script, combined with superb performances, make for a genuinely harrowing story. Cons: Needless sound effects and some unwieldy dialogue diminish the overall power of the piece. To my shame, this was my first visit…
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This Beautiful Future, The Yard Theatre – Review
Pros: An interesting view on love and war Cons: Some questionable karaoke that might not be to everyone’s taste It is 1944 in occupied France. Two teenagers exchange laughter and kisses and find love in spite of war. The story follows…
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The Toll, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club – Review
A wonderful evening with profound thoughts, sharp humour and extremely intelligent work; a show not to miss!
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Material Men Redux, The Place – Review
Diverse styles of dance unite with a powerful message.
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The Lounge, Soho Theatre – Review
A surreal, precise and joyous piece of theatre with room for more questions and more answers about the issues it addresses.
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The Treatment, Almeida Theatre – Review
Pros: Sophisticated and unusual storytelling Cons: A lack of clear narrative intention 38 performers! That’s how many are credited in the programme for The Treatment. I counted them as I waited for the show to start, wondering would be presented with…
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The Flight of Babuscha Baboon – Review
Pros: A magical experience that will leave you in awe of the skill and mastery that goes into creating marionette theatre. Cons: This is very much a family affair, which can cause some distractions. However, the children’s reaction to the work is…
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Oh Yes Oh No, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
A frank and frequently uncomfortable examination of rape and rape fantasies.
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Spill: A Verbatim Show About Sex, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Pros: Hilarious, touching, revelatory and perfectly performed Cons: Three songs isn’t enough, especially when they’re of this quality Performed by a cast of eleven young actors, Spill is a verbatim enactment of interviews with dozens of young people about their experiences…