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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Call Mr Robeson, Tristan Bates Theatre – Review
Written and performed by Tayo AlukoDirected by Olusola Oyeleye★★★★ Pros: This is an interesting and important story told as an engaging and thought-provoking reminiscence. Aluko’s performance is impressively heartfelt and dynamic – I feel I have a real sense of…
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The Domestic Crusaders, Tara Arts – Review
Wajahat AliDirected by Jatinder Verma★★ Pros: A unique and informative approach to the political and social climate faced by Muslims in America, with an incredibly detailed set. Cons: A heavy handed script and overacting makes the show difficult to bear…
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There Has Possibly Been An Incident, Soho Theatre – Review
Chris Thorpe Directed by Sam Pritchard ★★★ Pros: An insightful look into violence and moral ambiguity in the modern world. Cons: Extremely inaccessible and demanding of its audience. I found the staging and the general style of performance very difficult…
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Jekyll and Hyde, Southwark Playhouse – Review
Jonathan Holloway Directed by Jessica Edwards ★★ Pros: An original adaptation of a classic text. Cons: I found it easy to stop caring about what was going on. Our Verdict: Brilliantly sordid without actually being brilliant. Courtesy of Flipping the…
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Ghosts, Rose Theatre – Review
By Henrik Ibsen Translated and directed by Stephen Urwin ★★★★ Pros: Subtle unraveling of the plot creates intricate relationships. Cons: The interval felt a little oddly placed and disrupted the action. Our Verdict: A piece that all dialogue lovers simply…
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The Spanish Tragedy, Blue Elephant Theatre – Review
Thomas Kyd Directed by Ricky Dukes ★★★★ Pros: An easy to understand, highly watchable production of this Elizabethan play edited down to an hour and a half and performed by a highly skilled cast. Cons: Unusual lighting choices, constant smoke…
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She Writes: What’s Through the Door, Canal Café Theatre – Review
Presented by 17% in association with Canal Café TheatreDirected by Amy Clare Tasker ★★★★ Loosing Light by Whoop ‘n ‘Wail The Audition by Sam Hall The Fourth Circle by Hehir Pros: Three plays in one, each delightful and mysterious. The pieces…
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The Memoirs of Lucy Bell, The Space – Review
Hope Murphy-NantonDirected by Hope Murphy-Nanton★★★ Pros: If you like jazz standards played live, you’ll like this show. Cons: Some practical matters, such as sightlines, don’t seem to have been thought out completely. Our Verdict: An interesting, if uneven, love letter…