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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Can You Hear Seagulls?, Upstairs at the Southern Cross
Witty, charming and destined to get better with age.
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what happens to hope at the end of the evening, Almeida Theatre
Andy Smith and Tim CrouchDirected by Karl James★★★★ Pros: Simple, hilarious and entirely relatable with a great connection between the two performers. Cons: May prove too simplistic for some. Our Verdict: A cozy little performance that felt intense yet somehow…
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Crookback, Etcetera Theatre
William Shakespeare, adapted by Tim Welham Directed by Megan Watson★★★Pros: As one man shows of Shakespeare’s go, this was a feat to behold. Done with a succinct and intelligent adaptation of the script of Richard III. Cons: Richness of character and story…
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Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi, Finborough Theatre
by Pam Gems Directed by Helen Eastman ★★★★★ Pros: A fast-paced, engaging, politically charged show with characters that enter your heart slowly but surely. Powerfully directed and flawlessly executed. Cons: Some may find the tiny estrogen-filled flat a bit claustrophobic…
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The Wonderful World of Dissocia, Red Hedgehog Theatre
Anthony Neilson Directed by Will Seaward ★★★ Pros: Brilliant, comic acting. Very funny at times. Cons: Long first half. Some concepts feel a little underdeveloped. Our Verdict: If you are willing to embrace the absurd this is a tenner well…
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Spoonface Steinberg, Jermyn Street Theatre
Lee Hall Directed by Max Barton ★★★★ Pros: Spoonface not only confronts the elephant in the room, she rides it. A touching and deeply thought-provoking production. Cons: A crushing reminder of the fragility of life which can be hard to…
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Our Town, King’s Head Theatre
Thornton Wilder Directed by Tim Sullivan ★★★★ Pros: A very accessible play that caters for all tastes. Cons: Don’t go expecting lots of scenery and props – the play is meant to be minimalist. Our Verdict: An American classic that has universal…
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Macbeth, The Rose Theatre
William Shakespeare, adapted by Manuela Ruggiero and Anthony KhaseriaDirected by Manuela Ruggiero★★★ Pros: Excellent use of all that The Rose has to offer, including the lake and surrounding areas. Cons: The use of physical theatre, including the use of dance,…
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Freefall, Wimbledon Studio
Matthew Bulgo and Becky PrestwichDirected by Alice Malin★★★★ Pros: Superb new writing, nuanced and heartrending performances from the entire cast. Cons: Only that both plays are heartbreakingly sad! Our Verdict: A perfect pairing of two plays exploring the themes of memory,…
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Festen, The Space
Directed by Danielle McIlvenSpace Productions ★★★★ Pros: Space Productions revel in the rapidly fluctuating emotions of the play, keeping the audience consistently on the edge of disgust, laughter, anger and overwhelming sympathy. Cons: A few brief moments of unconvincing characterisation.…