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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Black Jesus, Finborough Theatre – Review
Anders LustgartenDirected by David Mercatali★★★★ Pros: A powerful and intelligent script, excellent performance, functional and well-designed set. Cons: The play runs a bit short and couple have benefited from an extra scene or two to cinch the potency of the…
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Heaven in Berlin, Testbed1 – Review
Ciaran McConvilleDirected by Jamie Harper★★★ Pros: Impressive use of lighting and music to create an atmosphere which heightens your senses. Cons: This kind of promenade does provoke competition amongst the audience – all straining to get a good view of…
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PVT Wars, The Space – Review
James McLure Directed by Naomi Wirthner ★★★★ Pros: A funny and sad performance that is very well thought-out. Cons: An ending that could have been shorter, and sharper. Our Verdict: A very poignant look at the aftermath of the Vietnam…
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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…