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.
-
Fatherland & Until You Hear That Bell, The Place – Review
Two autobiographical studies, featuring very different approaches to narrative structure.
-
City Stories, St James Theatre – Review
Good music doesn’t make up for storytelling which is tedious and portentous.
-
The Clockmaker’s Daughter, Landor Theatre – Review
A genuinely original new musical with an eye-catching set design and a superstar lead.
-
The Flannelettes, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Although some potentially “hard-hitting” moments don’t quite hit the spot, when they do it is devastating.
-
Like Mother, Like Daughter, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Innovative reality theatre that blurs the boundary between public and personal to look at the relationship between mothers and daughters of faith.
-
The Theory of Relativity, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
A brilliant show, you’ll leave the theatre with a big grin on your face.
-
The Dogs of War, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
An absorbing study of a family in decline and the strain that mental health puts on their relationships, but not enough of a meaty story at its core.
-
Bedtime Stories, Stratford Circus Arts Centre – Review
An inventive, thoughtful story told with great visual expression.
-
The Tragedy of King Edward II, St Bartholomew the Great – Review
A sometimes surprising but solid production with a lot of strong performances.
-
Oh Democracy, Theatro Technis – Review
An energetic idea with a lot of potential - but unfortunately lacks in delivery.