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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Bluebeard, Soho Theatre – Review
Hattie NaylorDirected by Lee Lyford★★★ Pros: Paul Mundell is a beguiling actor who carries an intense 60 minute monologue with ease. Cons: Some may think the story is overly gratuitous. Rather than challenge the audience, I felt the story almost…
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Macbeth of Fire and Ice, Arcola Theatre – Review
William Shakespeare Directed by Jon Gunnar Thor ★★★ Pros: An unorthodox approach to the Scottish play. Big on atmosphere. Cons: Stage smoke billowed into the audience in ever-increasing quantities during the latter half of the show! Our Verdict: An interesting…
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Landscape II, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Written and Performed by Melanie WilsonIn Collaboration with Fuel★★★ Pros: A very delicate work with a stunning audiovisual aspect. Cons: The narration could have been a little more energised and varied. Our Verdict: A nice mix of multimedia and performance,…
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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…