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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LEE HARVEY OSWALD A Far Mean Streak of Independence Brought On By Negleck, Finborough Theatre – Review
Michael Hastings Directed by Alex Thorpe ★★★★ Pros: A well-acted slice of 1960s America. Adam Gillen is wonderful as Lee Harvey Oswald. Cons: This much yelling and violence in a small space can get overwhelming. Our Verdict: Interesting, thought-provoking and…
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Writer’s Block and Misanthropy, Etcetera Theatre – Review
Writer’s BlockWilliam Alexander WoodDirected by William Wood MisanthropyLouise HartDirected by Steve Fitzgerald ★★★ Pros: A strong characterization by Paul Linghorn of the sarcastic and disillusioned writer Leo. Cons: The noise level from the pub was distracting and the sound used…
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Child Z, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
Sarah Hehir Directed by Suzette Coon★★★ Pros: Bold choice of subject matter. The story has a good focus and is clear in its delivery. The dialogue is strong and, even within a rehearsed reading, the performances are excellent. Cons: Despite…
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Nineties Woman, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Written and performed by Rosie Wilby ★★★ Pros: A charming show presenting the soft face of feminism. Cons: It was very light and gentle. It felt as though it could have been more penetrating with more social context. Our Verdict: A…
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La Voix Humaine and Folie à Deux, The Cockpit – Review
La Voix Humaine Jean Cocteau and Francis Poulenc Directed by Nikolas Sodiant Folie à Deux Jean Genet Adapted by Two Tongue Theatre ★★★★ Pros: Two great performances, displaying a wide array of skills from both companies. Cons: Few to speak…
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What the Dickens!, The Lion & Unicorn Theatre – Review
KDC theatre cast and creatives★★ Pros: Some excellent characterisation in places. Cons: Inconsistent direction and a distinct lack of spooky atmosphere for ghostly tales; I only jumped once! Our Verdict: A piece that demonstrates some great potential from its cast…
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Through Daddy’s Eyes & The Inner Life of Sophie Taylor, The London Theatre (New Cross) – Review
Through Daddy’s EyesDevised and directed by Ain Rashida Sykes The Inner Life of Sophie TaylorRoisin RaeDirected by Anna Ehnoid-Danailov ★★ Pros: Good subject choices with the potential to inspire strong emotional responses from an audience. Cons: More work is needed…
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Unscorched, Finborough Theatre – Review
Luke Owen Directed by Justin Audibert ★★★ Pros: Good acting, a clever set and a memorable look and feel. Cons: Lacked a compelling enough storyline. Our Verdict: A slick and eye-catching production about a sensitive subject, but too predictable in…
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What The Dickens! Twisted – The Modern Plays, Lion and Unicorn Theatre – Review
Amy Bird, Andy Marchant, Carl Fletcher, Frances Bushe, Jimi O’Dell, Julia Collier, Kathy Petrakis and Mary Groom Directed by Andy Marchant, Jacqui Adams and Kim Morrison ★★ Pros: Enthusiastic performances. Some individual pieces were well written and original. Cons: Way…
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Children of Fate, CLF Art Café – Review
Juan Radrigan Translated and directed by Robert Shaw ★★★★ Pros: The beautifully constructed, sweet characters you get to know throughout the performance. Cons: Not a play I’d recommend for a light-hearted evening at the theatre. Our Verdict: Culturally relevant and…