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 Hamilton Complex, Unicorn Theatre – Review
A powerful and provocative show that should be mandatory viewing for anyone who is, was or has forgotten what it’s like to be thirteen.
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Strawberry Vale, Ovalhouse – Review
Pros: Beautiful music and great hand-drawn animation. Cons: Despite being short, it was a bit too drawn out at certain points. Part of the First Bites programme at the Ovalhouse, Strawberry Vale is a work-in-progress and so the showing was a short…
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Screwed, Theatre503 – Review
A thought-provoking play that lives up to the reputation of this amazing theatre, and one that makes it impossible not to care for what happens to the two lead characters.
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Ugly Lovely, Old Red Lion – Review
Lively and honest examination of life in Swansea. A well-observed tragi-comedy that excels in the tragic.
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Much Ado About Nothing, St Paul’s Church – Review
Pros: A charming and talented cast performing one of Shakespeare’s best comedies. Cons: Appalling weather taking the shine off an otherwise brilliant production. So have we got everything? Excellent cast: check; delightful venue: check; sparkling comedy: check and the weather….?…
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Boys Will Be Boys, Bush Hall – Review
A slick and funny provocation.
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Laughing Matter, King’s Head Theatre – Review
This uniquely theatrical and highly emotive production manages to be at once both epic and personal.
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Le Médecin Malgré Lui, Drayton Arms – Review
Boisterous and engaging, but the modern setting does heighten awareness of the play’s anachronistic morality.
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Miss Revolutionary Idol Berserker, Barbican – Review
Pretentious, self-indulgent pop culture that owes little to the principles of performing arts.
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Gobsmacked!, Udderbelly – Review
A rollicking sashay through a soundscape of popular music via the medium of the human voice.