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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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…
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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…