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 Queer Macbeth, The Black Cap
William ShakespeareDirected and choreographed by Simon Jay★★ Pros: Delightful dance numbers, the gender swapping makes for a radical retelling of a classic, all proceeds to Terrence Higgins Trust. Cons: Some shaky performances and, I thought, a flawed premise. Our Verdict:…
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Jekyll and Hyde, Maltings Arts Centre
Jonathan HollowayDirected by Jessica EdwardsPresented by Red Shift – Flipping the Bird★★★★ Pros: This is a dark and exciting twist on a classic tale. Excellent writing supported by neat yet dynamic staging, and strong performances from the cast give this…
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The Boat Factory, Kings Head Theatre
Dan GordonDirected by Philip Crawford★★★★ Pros: Clever staging and well-crafted writing. Cons: A bit formulaic in parts. Our Verdict: A thoroughly slick production with a superbly versatile cast. Courtesy of www.happenstancetheatre.co.uk I remember my very first job: working as a…
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Hotbed Festival, Soho Theatre
Why Can’t We Live Together Steve WatersDirected by Paul Bourne Somniloquy Craig Baxter, in collaboration with Richard HornerDirected by Paul Bourne How To BeginHisham Matar, in collaboration with Devorah BaumDirected by Patrick Morris ★★★★ Pros: New writing performed with intelligence and…
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Life in a Sketchbook, Top Secret Comedy Club
Emma MinihanDirected by Jonathan Woodhouse and Rachael Owens★★★ Pros: Well written and funny. It will have you smiling throughout and not just because it’s free. Cons: The vehicle for linking the sketches is a bit odd and not very effective.…
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The Beginning, Battersea Arts Centre
Devised and performed by Michael Pinchbeck, Nicki Hobday and Ollie Smith★★★★ Pros: A fascinating concept, nicely performed with lovely music. Cons: This is an abstract piece, very in keeping with BAC’s ethos, but unless you are a fan of contemporary…
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Forget Me Not, Tea House Theatre
Shane BurkeDirected by Sasha Roberts★★★ Pros: Interesting story about a well-known wartime poet, with some good performances. Cons: The short length meant some aspects of the play seemed hurried and the interaction between characters a bit unnatural. Out Verdict: An…
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Where the White Stops, Battersea Arts Centre
Devised by ANTLER ★★★ Pros: Playful physical storytelling in abundance. Different from anything else in London at the moment. Cons: It’s a shame that not all the dialogue was audible. Our Verdict: An imperfect, but enjoyable archetypal fable. As I write…
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Boohai, Union Theatre
Devised by GoforBroke Theatre Company in association with AXIS Arts.★★★ Pros: Funny and sometimes thought-provoking with good characterisation. Cons: Action a little laboured at times. Our Verdict: Solid debut for a new theatre group. Can we ever really know someone?…
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Russian Seasons of XXI Century, London Coliseum
Directed by Andris Liepa ★★ Pros: A nice evening for children with lovely dancing, bright costumes and panto characters. Cons: The whole night lacked coherence and some unfortunate technical hitches made everything a little stilted. Our Verdict: By no fault…