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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Running on Empty, Soho Theatre – Review
A mesmerising and powerful play about a woman’s devastating loss expressed through dance and music.
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream – The Nightmare, Brockley Jack Theatre – Review
An interesting take on Shakespeare transported to the First World War—it’s both ethereal and haunting.
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Ham, The Space – Review
The actor in this one-man show was very good, but nothing really happened beyond the beginning of the play and I never understood why the character was bringing us on this adventure with him.
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Matryoshka’s Journey, Baron’s Court Theatre – Review
A worthy piece of experimental theatre, inventively directed and amusing overall, but slightly let down by some difficult changeovers and occasional rushed acting.
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The Domino Heart, Finborough Theatre – Review
Simple, honest storytelling with intelligence and plenty of (no pun intended) heart.
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The Cement Garden, VAULT Festival, Waterloo Tunnels – Review
Super cool venue and a quality production, I just hope you’re (somehow) sitting comfortably!
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Spark, VAULT Festival, Waterloo Tunnels – Review
Some good new writing, but it wasn’t entirely clear why the piece has been revived into the modern day.
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I Love You Because, Theatro Technis – Review
An admirable attempt at a West End-style musical production but with clear limitations in its narrative and technical aspects.
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Vaults – Review
Altogether a well-rounded evening in an interesting venue; it felt like an experience rather than just a performance.
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Bear, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Well-written, beautifully performed, and a good mix of comedy and drama.