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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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jack Studio Theatre – Review
One not to miss. A night of fun filled laughter, with exceptionally clever direction and great performances all round.
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The Merchant of Venice, Studio 3 Arts – Review
The Merchant of Venice is a thrillingly tangible production full of community spirit.
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CUT, The Vaults – Review
A strong effort to challenge stereotypical theatre and provide a less comfortable viewing experience, favouring the apprehension and suspense it instils. Good performance built on a weaker foundation of plot.
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Savage, Above the Arts – Review
An interesting but isolated story of the unseen atrocities of the ‘homosexual cure’ in Third Reich occupied Denmark.
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Macbeth, Steiner Theatre – Review
This understated production lacks depth, passion and dramatisation; with disappointingly dull and disconnected performances.
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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….?…