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 Sugar-Coated Bullets of the Bourgeoisie, Arcola Theatre – Review
Pros: The set was absolutely mind-blowing. Cons: There was too much swearing in a script that otherwise flowed quite nicely. From the moment I entered the auditorium at the Arcola, I wished I could take a multi-sensorial picture of the mesmerising…
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Far from Fiction, Lion and Unicorn Theatre – Review
Pros: Far from Fiction explores interesting themes and ideas, and contains some touching moments. Cons: At times the script drags, feeling underdeveloped and poorly edited, and this limits the power of the production. As I’ve mentioned before on this site,…
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Labels, Theatre Royal Stratford East – Review
A superbly crafted study of contradiction and prejudice, confronting us all with uncomfortable truths.
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Metaphors We Live By, Greenwich Dance – Review
This concept-driven dance production promises much, but fails to realise its potential.
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Hamlet, The Cockpit – Review
A fresh and more humanised version of a timeless classic, good but not particularly memorable.
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Russian Dolls, King’s Head Theatre – Review
This is a must-see production: not only for its skill and artistry, but for its exploration of our culture.
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How to Solve a Problem Like Murder, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
Pros: A well-developed and engaging murder mystery experience in a great venue. With dancing! Cons: There’s a lot of people doing a lot of moving around in a fairly tight space. Two things in life I love very much are…
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Wilde Tales, The Space — Review
A fun, light-hearted take on dark stories that is dependent on audience interaction; a well-balanced production.
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Much Ado About Nothing, The Rose Playhouse – Review
A fast-paced, funny and moving piece of punchy Shakespeare.
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Jack Rooke: Good Grief, Soho Theatre – Review
An unflinchingly honest show that welcomes you in for a frank and funny chat about loss and grief, accompanied by a laugh and a biscuit.