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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In-Finite Space, Science Museum – Review
IJAD Dance CompanyArtistic Director Joumana Mourad★★★★ Pros: Fearless, approachable experimental performance infused with fun and innovation. Collaboration between the dancers and beatboxer/vocal sculptor Jason Singh, who scores the show live on stage, is quite extraordinary. Cons: Site lines from all…
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Location Location, Stour Space, Site-Specific – Review
Directed by Emilia Teglia ★★★ Pros: A fun, theatrical Halloween celebration. A cut above your average fancy dress party. Cons: Very brief performance, only 30mins! Our Verdict: A pleasant night out, a good party atmosphere with a ghoulish element. Maybe…
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The Evacuee, Chelsea Theatre – Review
Good old fashioned scary fun (minus any gore if you’re worried), and an innovative set design, makes this play a must-see for dark wintery nights in the Capital.
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Moon Project, Ovalhouse – Review
Rachel BlackmanDirected by Paul Hodson and Emma Roberts ★★★ Pros: The characters are complex and wonderfully written and the concept is interesting and fully realised. Strong performances from the cast and some mesmerising movement create an absorbing production. Cons: The…
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Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, The Cockpit – Review
Molière Tour de Force Theatre Company ★★★★ Pros: Great to see some theatre in French. Fabulous costumes and good performers. Cons: Perhaps some of the dance sequences could have been shorter. Our Verdict: A promising start to an exciting festival…
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Bodies: A Night of New Writing, Horse & Stables – Review
Louise Bastock, Henry Agger, Craig Henry, Rosie Frecker, Rebecca Robinson, Matthew Radway Directed by Michael Beigel, Sophie Drewery, Henry Agger, Suvi Peisanen, Chris Lawson, Bella Louden, Matthew Radway ★★★★ Pros: Six mostly excellent short pieces with strong performances and lots…
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Blue, Pleasance Theatre – Review
Beccy Smith Directed by Darren East ★★★ Pros: Intimate setting, the original musical compositions and the beautiful, magical moments the show created. Cons: The performance was somewhat ephemeral, and both the narrative and the characters could have been stronger. In…
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Thriller Live, Lyric Theatre – Review
There is no story but for my money, that doesn’t matter. The singing is stunning, the dancing incredible and I dare anyone to come out of the theatre without a spring in their step and a smile on their face.
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Love Story, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
Erich SegalBook and lyrics by Stephen Clark Music and additional lyrics by Howard Goodall Directed by Joseph C. Walsh and musical supervision by Rob Archibald ★★★★ Pros: Evocative music, beautiful performances, symbolic and ingenious staging–the cast takes turns to play a piano that…
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Pretty Ugly, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Written and performed by Louise Orwin ★★★★ Pros: The serious and contemporary subject matter that affects all of us. Cons: The show dragged at times, becoming repetitive and overstating points. Our Verdict: A timely, powerful performance exploring the brutal digital…