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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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…
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Fatherland , Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Nic Green ★★★★ Pros: Nic Green’s absolute vivacity; a ferocious performer, sparkling with creativity and life. Cons: On a practical level, having a group of audience members reading previously unseen lines in unison meant that the words were sometimes unclear,…
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Olives and Blood, Brixton East – Review
Michael Bradford Directed by Prav MJ★★★ Pros: A cleverly constructed play in a great venue that may have you longing to visit Spain to soak up some history and culture. Cons: I would have liked more detail and depth in…
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Coward, White Bear Theatre – Review
James Martin CharltonDirected by Terence Mann★★★★ Pros: An enthralling and colourful look into the private life of one of the most well-known and celebrated actor/playwrights of the 20th century. Excellent characterisation by all three actors, particularly of Noël Coward himself…
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The Many Apologies of Pecos Bill, Battersea Arts Centre
A very impressive one-man show that is funny, smart, and moving.
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Titus Andronicus, Arcola Theatre – Review
William Shakespeare Directed by Zoé Ford ★★★★ Pros: A bold production bursting with energy. Cons: At times, amidst the shouting, the actors’ words were lost. Our Verdict: A visceral experience that will stay with you forever. Credit: Adam Trigg The…
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Wuthering Heights, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Devised by Peter McMaster★★★ Pros: An altruistic exploration of the unlikeable characters of Wuthering Heights. Cons: A confusing start to the show put me on the defensive from the beginning. Our Verdict: Performed by four strong male actors, this ‘adaptation’ of…