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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97 Years, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
This piece offers a very personal experience to each audience member of a relationship between grandfather and granddaughter.
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How to be Immortal, The Albany – Review
Death, love and DNA are the subjects of this touching, sometimes funny play, which combines acting, live cello music based on DNA code, and beautiful animation of cells dividing before your eyes.
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The Golden Dragon, The Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
A distinctive, absurdist play which provides fresh insight into the plight of global migrants. However, the lack of tightness and deftness compromises the comedy and emotion of what is quite a touching story.
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Blasted, The Old Theatre (LSE) – Review
Some good moments, but lacked consistency. A brave production.
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Fallen Angels, The Rose Theatre – Review
The perfect opportunity for journeying back to the theatre world of the 1930s. Hysterics ensured with these two saucy ladies.
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Straying in Seattle, White Bear Theatre – Review
Some excellent talent on show; the second piece is very funny but the first is mismatched and misjudged.
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A Fool’s Proof, The Vaults – Review
A witty, refreshing production on the media’s emphasis on sensation over truth that beautifully combines acting with live music, movement and puppetry.
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Half A Person: My Life As Told By The Smiths, Kings Head Theatre – Review
Belying the show’s title, ‘Half a Person’ would appeal to not only Smiths fans, but also those not so familiar with their music.
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Doing the Business and Blind – A Double Bill, The Courtyard – Review
Visceral, angry monologues express strong points of view about money in the art world. Both plays are heartfelt and well-acted, but corner themselves in extremes.
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Shang-a-Lang, King’s Head Theatre – Review
A funny show with great acting and comic timing. Deals with coming to terms with ageing without sentimentality.