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 Taming of the Shrew, The Rose Theatre, Bankside – Review
William Shakespeare Directed by Pamela Schermann ★★★★★ Pros: A fantastic adaptation of Shakespeare with a very poignant modern twist and a wonderful cast! Cons: There are a lot of physical limitations to the venue, including a lack of toilets. Our…
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Doonreagan, Jermyn Street Theatre – Review
by Ann Henning JocelynDirected by Alex Dmitriev ★★★★ Pros: Play offers an insight into a little-known time in poet Ted Hughes’ life. Cons: Would have been nice to have a longer show! Our Verdict: A one-act play that packs an…
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The Picture of Dorian Gray, Greenwich (Secret Location) – Review
by Oscar WildePresented by The Alchemic Order★★★ Pros: The combination of promenade theatre and “Dorian Gray’s private home” gives this piece something quite special. Cons: Conversations felt slow, the pauses between lines sometimes dragged. However this might have been because…
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Pope Joan, St. James’Church – Review
by Louise BrealeyDirected by Paul Hart★★★★ Pros: Everything about this piece is good – the writing, the acting, the setting, the lighting – it all works. Sophia Crawford’s performance is a highlight. Cons: Although atmospheric, church acoustics make voices echo so some dialogue…
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Unsung, Rosemary Branch Theatre – Review
by Ayndrilla SingharayDirected by Lucy Allan★★★★ Pros: Intense plot and acting filled with emotion and surprises, with an overwhelming ending. Cons: The slight over-acting made the scenes look too staged at times. Our Verdict: A gripping and haunting story about…
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Never Have I Seen Mount Fuji, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
Howard ColyerDirected by Sarah Marr and Scott Le Crass★★★★ Pros: Produced perfectly, performed fantastically, written engagingly. Cons: I did not really understand the point of the final play, Nothing Else Ever. Our Verdict: An enjoyable evening where I inhaled the…
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Specie, New Diorama Theatre
Joe White Directed by Josh Roche ★★★★ Pros: A beautiful piece of theatre. Thoughtful and creatively presented. Cons: Not enough Shubham Saraf! Our Verdict: One of the most interesting and original new plays at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 –…
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Story Of A Night Pianist, The Space
Go and see this if you like the utterly bizarre. It wonderfully meanders round a residential area and makes it magical, but I found that there was too little narrative for me to make sense of it.
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Camden Fringe: Two Heads Are Better Than One, Etcetera Theatre
Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Created by Plumpkin Theatre Company ★★★ Pros: A different kind of theatrical experience that combines mime and clowning to create a fresh new plot. Cons: Some of the scenes dragged a bit at times. Our Verdict: An unusual and enjoyable…
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Camden Fringe: Truly, Madly, Keighley, Camden Head
Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Written and performed by Not The Brontës★★★ Pros: Not the Brontës create a very relaxed and easy-going atmosphere. The performance makes you feel right at home in the theatre. Cons: Working on the interpretation…