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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Hamlet, The London Theatre – Review
William Shakespeare Directed by Scott Ellis ★★★ Pros: A mesmerising performance from Simon Grujich in the title role, a fast-paced evening, and a refreshingly clear and back-to-basics approach to the most well-known play in the English language. Cons: I felt…
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City Love, CLF Art Café – Review
Simon Vinnicombe Presented by The Orange Line Collective ★★★★ Pros: Funny, truthful and touching. Cons: Perhaps at times the pace of the dialogue was a little frenetic. I was little disappointed by the lack of London imagery in the stage…
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Oxbow Lakes, Old Printworks – Review
Presented by Dirty Market Theatre★★★ Pros: Original, brilliantly funny, macabre, dark, bizarre, fantastical – get the idea? Cons: The plot is difficult to follow in parts but just go with the flow; you’re in other-worldly realms here in Hoxton. Our…
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A Boy and His Soul, Tricycle Theatre – Review
Colman DomingoDirected by Titas Halder★★★★★ Pros: Colman Domingo’s endless energy is contagious in this fun yet emotional piece. Cons: The concept is not original and the show doesn’t experiment with new ideas or new types of theatre. Our Verdict: A…
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A Door Must Be Kept Open Or Shut, The Osbourne Studio Gallery – Review
Alfred de Musset Translation by Peter Meyer Directed by: Martin Parr ★★★★ Pros: Wonderfully witty dialogue and brilliant performances. Cons: The punctuation of brief operatic interludes seemed a little out of place. Our Verdict: Great entertainment in an unusual setting…
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The Speed Twins, Riverside Studio 3 – Review
Maureen ChadwickDirected by Simon Evans★★★★ Pros: Creative, hilarious and unique, with a seasoned cast and great set. Cons: The plot arc felt quite abrupt, characters didn’t seem fully formed. Our Verdict: An innovative and thoughtful story of lost love as…
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Fleabag, Soho Theatre – Review
Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-BridgeDirected by Vicky Jones★★★★ Pros: An absolutely hilarious comedy which will have you laughing out loud. Waller-Bridge manages to captivate the audience’s attention for the duration of the story. Cons: If rude sex-related jokes don’t…
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Fishskin Trousers, Finsborough Theatre – Review
Elizabeth Kuti Directed by Robert Price ★★★ Pros: Beautiful, subtle and thoughtful storytelling from three unique perspectives, each with an intriguing personal tale. Cons: The accents were – at first – heavy-handed and difficult to understand. The narrative, although clever…
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The Comedy of Errors, The Space – Review
William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Tom Latter ★★★ Pros: A dynamic and enjoyable adaptation of the classic Shakespeare comedy with some very good acting and innovative use of space. Fun costumes and an excellent theatre space. Cons: Some rushed…
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The Duchess of Malfi, Southwark Playhouse – Review
John Webster Directed by Owen Horsley ★★★ Pros: Interesting staging and style, with engaging character portrayal and genuinely eye-opening moments. Cons: A sense that it was a bit rushed and the cast a bit inexperienced in dealing with this kind…