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, Hampstead Theatre
William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger WarrenDirected by Edward Hall ★★★★★ Pros: Everything – it is a feast for the eyes, the ears and the heart. Cons: Impossible to find anything wrong with it. Our Verdict: I have…
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The American Plan, St. James Theatre
Richard Greenberg Directed by David Grindley★★★★ Pros: Storytelling at its best, aided by a wondrous cast. Cons: The continuous melodrama may not appeal to all. Our Verdict: The American Plan is worth taking a look at. Passion oozes from the…
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When the Fallen Sang, St Giles in the Fields
Suzy AlmondDirected by Marie McCarthy★★★ Pros: An energetic cast, emotional stories and a wonderfully coordinated production which may have proved tricky for other directors. Cons: The script dragged towards the end and it was slightly confusing. Our Verdict: An innovative production…
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Twelfth Night, Hampstead Theatre
William Shakespeare, adapted by Edward Hall and Roger Warren Directed by Edward Hall★★★★ Pros: Excellent staging, music, acting, costumes… nothing falls out of place.Cons: Very few to be honest, but perhaps just short of the elusive fifth star! Our Verdict: I…
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Short and Stark, Southwark Playhouse
Joel Horwood Directed by Jim Russell ★★★ Pros: Horwood’s four playlets are consistently funny, often poignant, and delivered by an enthusiastic and talented young cast. Cons: Some pieces were underdeveloped, causing confusion or requiring a little more length to be…
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Measure for Measure, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
William ShakespeareDirected by James Tobias★★★★ Pros: A talented cast who are up to the challenge of Shakespeare’s verse; well-conceived set design; flashy dance numbers to enhance the experience; the plays themes remain incredibly relevant.Cons: I felt the play dragged in places…
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Love’s Labour’s Lost, Old Red Lion Theatre
William Shakespeare Directed by Grassroots Shakespeare London ★★★★ Pros: A pacey, modern production with plenty of humour and excellent comic moments. There is a lot of really enjoyable character interpretation, which adds a colour and relevance to the script. Cons:…
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Waiting on Shakespeare, The Courtyard
Michael Harry Directed by Christopher Jefferies ★★★ Pros: A fun window into the world of Elizabethan acting and its famous historical characters. Cons: In an attempt to include interesting historical facts and insight, the script was clunky in places, giving…
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A Bit of a Hitch, The Courtyard
Written and directed by Michael Harry ★★★ Pros: A fun and light nod to Alfred Hitchcock and his legendary cinematic oeuvre with just enough tongue-in-cheek perspective on the mild absurdity of some of his plots, themes and characters. Cons: In…