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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Midnight Circus, Jackson’s Lane Theatre – Review
This show is filled with a dark, lurid energy that will leave you wanting more. The staging, concept design and gravity-defying feats give an amazing perspective into the raw nature of circus performance.
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Bathhouse: The Musical, Above The Stag Theatre – Review
Pros: A charismatic cast and lots and lots of laughter. Cons: The story is as thin as can be. Bathhouse: The Musical is essentially a fish-out-of-water story about a young gay man’s introduction to the Bathhouse. He is looking for…
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Fathers and Sons, Donmar Warehouse – Review
This is one of my favourite productions of the year so far. Joshua James in particular gives an incredibly emotional and dramatic performance. The rather depressing plot never feels as though it is dragging and the comedic elements throughout ensure…
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Inisfail, Soho Theatre – Review
A sheer delight! For those thirsting for a different type of show, then Clare Murphy’s Inisfail is a must see!
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Our Shadows Walk, Etcetera Theatre – Review
A gripping new political play which draws a dark vision of the future our country is heading to.
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Dream of Perfect Sleep, Finborough Theatre – Review
Sweet, sombre, heart-warming portrait of an elderly couple’s last days on Earth.
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Hobson’s Choice, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – Review
An interesting take on a Victorian exploration of gender and class.
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Zanna, Don’t!, Landor Theatre – Review
High camp – this fab musical is all sequins, rainbows and fun.
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Rhesus, Trinity Buoy Wharf – Review
This is a showcase of students coming to the end of their training where few stand out, but it is a play with a clear, effective concept and an ensemble that invest a lot of effort.
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Olaudah Equiano, The Enslaved African, Hen and Chickens Theatre – Review
An interesting and informative but all-together too short and incomplete production.