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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Dark Vanilla Jungle, Soho Theatre – Review
A gripping tour de force performance from Gemma Whelan. Often moving and darkly funny, but the increasingly absurd plot twists wear thin.
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Thérèse Raquin, Finborough Theatre – Review
This radical adaptation of Zola’s dark and shocking masterpiece is brimming with derailed passion, haunting criminality and withering comedy. Fans of the novel and the play should see this version.
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The Merchant of Venice, St. Leonard’s Church – Review
A production that needs taking by the scruff of the neck; some good potential but chances were not all seized upon.
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The Velveteen Rabbit, Unicorn Theatre – Review
This is a charming adaptation of a classic story. It is perfect for children, though thought-provoking enough for adults to enjoy it too.
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Bash Latterday Plays, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Three well-crafted and well-performed character studies by an accomplished writer.
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Egusi Soup, The Albany – Review
A very funny piece of theatre about the trials and tribulations of a grief-stricken family.
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Father Nandru and the Wolves, Wilton’s Music Hall – Review
Go for the wolves, stay for the goats.
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Sket, Burrell Street Sexual Health Clinic – Review
Sket is an exceptionally well written, smart piece of theatre that made me laugh out loud and nearly brought me to tears. I will be first in line to get tickets for Maya Sondhi’s next play; get out my way.
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Head Hand Head, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Ever heard anyone say, “I’m being a bit OCD”? Well this is a startlingly truthful snapshot of what the thought processes are like when you live with it, however, there isn’t much more to it than that.
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Cell – Little Angel Theatre, Review
A touching glimpse into the world of a man developing Motor Neurone Disease and finding a new resolve to live life to the full.