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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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…
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Suggestions of Love, King’s Head Theatre
Riccardo Bentsik Music by Luca Tieppo Directed by Iskandar R. Sharazuddin ★★★★ Pros: Mr Wyrd’s performance and dialogues. Truly enjoyable. Cons: The lyrics of the songs add a level of abstraction to the story that may perhaps complicate it. Our…
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Lost Soles (Programme A), 38 Earlham Street – Review
Radha S Menon, Chloe Mashiter, Liam Tweddle, Mike Carter and Deschaney TateDirected by Nick Myles, Hannah Quigley, Blythe Stewart, Gavin Dent and Tom Lake★★★ Pros: Endearing, heartwarming and incredibly culturally revealing. Cons: Some staging issues meant that a lot of…
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Othello: The Remix, Unicorn Theatre – Review
Written, directed and music by GQ and JQ Developed with Rick Boynton ★★★★ Pros: Fun, invigorating storytelling. Quite simply, ya gotta go! Cons: May be difficult for those who are cynical about adapting Shakespeare. Our Verdict: Kick that cynicism out…
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A Scent of Flowers, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
James SaundersDirected by Matthew Parker★★★★ Pros: The tone of the mid twentieth century was conveyed and performed beautifully. Cons: The show moved too quickly in the beginning, making it a bit hard to follow. Our Verdict: The trinkets of anguish in Zoe’s life…
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Summer Day’s Dream, Finborough Theatre – Review
J B PriestleyDirected by Alex Marker★★★★ Pros: The post-apocalyptic British setting is intriguing. Strong character development, interwoven storylines and vivid imagery give the play a lot of interest and energy. The production standard is excellent and the stage direction is…