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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Chef, Soho Theatre – Review
A powerful combination of meaty script and dynamic acting make this a delicious and poetic production.
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The Pyramid Texts, Soho Theatre – Review
An intensely emotional evening. Prepare to explore fear, regret, success, failure and familial relationships. It’s exhausting but brilliant.
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Popup Opera: L’Italiana in Algeri, Thames Tunnel Shaft – Review
Demystifying opera, this production was enjoyable no matter what your knowledge or experience of the genre. Meticulously performed. A unique and inspiring venue, but access is tricky.
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Not a Game for Boys, King’s Head Theatre – Review
An enjoyable production with a great cast and realistic backdrop.
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Toilet Party, The Courtyard – Review
Great group of actors explore identity and destiny in a nicely unpretentious venue, but the supernatural script doesn’t wash.
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Henry V, The Tramshed Theatre – Review
A wonderful, high energy and delightfully easy to understand re-telling of a Shakespearean classic.
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The Two Noble Kinsmen, White Bear Theatre – Review
A perfect measure of comedy and misfortune, this hidden treasure is well worth a watch.
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Turn Back The Clock, St. James Theatre – Review
A perfectly pitched tribute to Joyce Grenfell that will satisfy old fans and attract many new ones.
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Reality, Ovalhouse – Review
An interesting exploration of the relationship between exploitation and entertainment in reality TV. The ideas are compelling and the acting is strong, but play would benefit from tighter structure and plot.
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Alston at Home, The Place – Review
A wonderful celebration of 20 years of work by Richard Alston Dance Company, and a promise of more good things to come.