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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Island State, Waterloo East Theatre – Review
Written and directed by Dom Riley★ Pros: A bold premise and some nice evocative background shots in between acts. Cons: Poorly staged and lacking any real pace, excitement, or pertinence. Our Verdict: A one-dimensional show that – in part owing…
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Divas Unsung, Leicester Square Theatre – Review
A mixed evening and probably most appreciated by die-hard musical fans.
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Stranger, Albany Theatre – Review
by Aorta Theatre Collective & Life ArtCo-directed by Rob Hale & Phan Y’LyScenography by Paul Burgess★★★ Pros: Instant connection with the audience by the performers. Language or culture differences ceased to exist. Cons: The show requires comprehensive effort to enjoy…
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Love N Stuff, Theatre Royal Stratford East – Review
Tanika Gupta Directed by Kerry Michael ★★★ Pros: Slick, technically excellent and a text-book example of how to present a huge range of characters with very few actors. Cons: Hard to develop an emotional attachment to the piece. Our Verdict:…
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Another Way, The Cockpit – Review
Leave your cynicism at the door and enjoy this fun and heart-warming new musical. It’s a treat the West End can’t match.
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Californian Lives, OSO Arts Centre – Review
Martin ForemanDirected by Emma King-Farlow★★★ Pros: The performers paint a powerful picture of longing, loneliness and regret that reaches deep within. Cons: Sometimes your mind wanders off because of the monologue-based structure of the play. Our Verdict: A production which…
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No Way Out, White Bear Theatre – Review
Jean-Paul SartreDirected by Felix Schaaf and Tom van der Klugt★★★ Pros: A very clever premise, and a surprisingly humorous take on Hell! Cons: Do not see this while there’s football on in the pub. Just. Don’t. Our verdict: Lively, well…
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City Slices & Country Crumbs, Hen and Chickens Theatre – Review
Judy Upton, Melanie Hunter, Camilla Whitehill and Wendy Thomson Directed by Tessa Shrubsall and Charlie Ely ★★★ Pros: An eclectic mix of light-hearted and serious insights into life in England with some laugh-out-loud moments. Cons: The four ten-minute plays didn’t…
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Abandon, CLF Arts Cafe – Review
Carrie Byrne & Cat RosarioDirected by Natasha Markou★★ Pros: An honest portrayal of life with the refreshing reminder that the good guy doesn’t always win. Cons: The narrative lacked real punch. Our Verdict: This is a live performance with a cinematic…