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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Scoop, Imagine Watford 2013
Presented by Pins and NeedlesPart of Imagine Watford 2013Lyric Hammersmith, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, Watford Palace Theatre and Latitude productions★★★★ Pros: Containing lots of humour for young and old this is an enjoyable half hour of street entertainment. Panto-esque…
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Splash, Imagine Watford 2013
Presented by Pin the TalePart of Imagine Watford 2013Lyric Hammersmith, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, Watford Palace Theatre and Latitude Productions★★★Pros: This is a fun performance with lots of water and fantastic imagery using umbrellas and movement. The cast are…
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Julius Caesar, St Paul’s Church
William ShakespearePresented by Iris Theatre ★★★★ Pros: Great work by the actors and directors on making sure the Shakespearean language is understandable to all. Wonderful scenery including the use of lights and haze to set the mood of the play.…
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The Last Hour of Antigone, Camden People’s Theatre
Raul Quiros Molina Directed by Sarah Provencal ★★ Pros: An interesting production. It may not seem like an obvious ‘must-see’ show but I thought it was a worthwhile hour and a slightly left-field choice. Cons: The acting was rather heavy…
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Russell Square
A wonderful production showing just how funny Shakespeare can be in all kinds of weather.
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A Family Affair, Drayton Arms Theatre
Agnes Jaoui & Jean-Pierre Bacri Directed by Christine Renard★★★ Pros: Strong acting and expert timing elevated the play to a wonderful level of comic hilarity. Cons: A couple of slip ups in the dialogue. Our Verdict: A witty play that…
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Cheer Up, It Might Never Happen, Camden People’s Theatre
Sophia Kingshill Directed by Pradeep Jey ★★★ Pros: A surprising and welcome narrative which examines what it means to live in the 21st century, with a well-sustained and genuine performance by Maggie Gordon-Walker. Cons: While charming, the story lingered on…
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As You Like It, Russell Square
A perfect experience for a summer day, the RADA cast gives a sunny and cheerful performance that will brighten anyone's day.
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Walking: Holding, Battersea Arts Centre
Devised by Rosana Cade★★★★ Pros: A new approach to challenging audience members’ perceptions of others. Cons: It’s a very challenging piece that could get rather uncomfortable and is therefore definitely not for everyone! Our Verdict: A social experiment rather than…
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Vaudevilles and Other Sketches, Jermyn Street Theatre
Anton Chekhov Translated and adapted by Michael Frayn Directed by Jenny Eastop ★★★★ Pros: Seamlessly staged and well-acted, with six different mini plays to get your teeth into. Cons: The sketch format meant there was, perhaps, an unsatisfying lack of investment in the…