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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The Anatomy of Melancholy, Ovalhouse – Review
Stan’s Cafe ★★ Pros: It was interesting to hear of the views of Burton on cures for and causes of melancholy – some of which were surprisingly modern. Cons: A long performance with not enough to sustain interest and fully…
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Twelfth Night Or What You Will, The Rose Theatre – Review
This is an enjoyable and solid production – a good introduction to Shakespeare for those who do not wish to go endure a three hour show.
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The Night Before Christmas, Chickenshed – Review
Cheap and cheerful: an easy and fun night out for kids and grownups of all ages.
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Our Ajax, Southwark Playhouse – Review
SophoclesAdapted by Timberlake WertenbacherDirected by David Mercatali★★★ Pros: Thought provoking and deeply meaningful script, raising questions of life and death whilst making a mockery of modern warfare. Star-filled cast makes it feel less Fringe and more West End. Cons: The…
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The Disappearance of Sadie Jones, Pleasance Islington – Review
Hannah Silva Directed by Hannah Silva ★★★★ Pros: Brilliant and engaging performances and beautiful, if challenging, script. Cons: Structure was at times too abstract and lacked clarity. Our Verdict: A brave and forceful examination of mental illness that has its…
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A Christmas Carol: As Told By Jacob Marley, Deceased, Tara Theatre – Review
Charles DickensPresented by Brother Wolf Adapted and Performed by James Hyland★★★ Pros: Incredible acting from James Hyland brings the story to life. I could visualise every scene despite minimal set. Cons: I expected a slightly different perspective on the classic…
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Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Tara Theatre – Review
Robert Louis Stevenson (Adapted by James Hyland) Directed by Phil Lowe★★★★★ Pros: This one-man show is incredibly demanding and physically taxing with multiple characters and non-stop dialogue. Award-winning actor James Hyland proves how talented he is, and sets a very…
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The Merchant of Venice, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
William ShakespeareAdapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes★★★★ Pros: The fantastic staging evoking a Venetian carnival with elements from The Godfather filtering through. Cons: The transition from the trial scene to the ending left me aching for a more intense performance…
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Genesis New Writing Night, Genesis Cinema – Reviews
Various writersDirected by Nick Myles★★★ Pros: Each of the four pieces was short enough to leave you wanting more. Radically different styles and themes kept the night interesting. Cons: A break between each piece and a late start made the…