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.
-
The Dagger and White Lily, The Space
Hayley GogginDirected by Justyna Ziarek and Kaitlin Argeaux★★★ Pros: The dancing is exceptional – powerful, moving and, at times, breath taking. The acting is also very good with The Space as a wonderful backdrop to the piece. Cons: The ending didn’t resolve the…
-
Camden Fringe: It’s All Geek to Me, The Camden Head
Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Pete Dillon-Trenchard ★★★★ Pros: Laugh-out loud funny with both niche and more accessible humour. Pete Dillon-Trenchard handles his audience beautifully. Cons: One can get a little lost if you’re not a geek of a…
-
Camden Fringe: Is Monogamy Dead?, The Camden Head
Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Written and performed by Rosie Wilby★★★★ Pros: Rosie’s very natural, relaxed and inclusive style of stand up and intelligent, piquant material provides continuous laughs throughout. Lots of variety in the approach keeps the pace and…
-
The Queer Macbeth, The Black Cap
William ShakespeareDirected and choreographed by Simon Jay★★ Pros: Delightful dance numbers, the gender swapping makes for a radical retelling of a classic, all proceeds to Terrence Higgins Trust. Cons: Some shaky performances and, I thought, a flawed premise. Our Verdict:…
-
Jekyll and Hyde, Maltings Arts Centre
Jonathan HollowayDirected by Jessica EdwardsPresented by Red Shift – Flipping the Bird★★★★ Pros: This is a dark and exciting twist on a classic tale. Excellent writing supported by neat yet dynamic staging, and strong performances from the cast give this…
-
The Boat Factory, Kings Head Theatre
Dan GordonDirected by Philip Crawford★★★★ Pros: Clever staging and well-crafted writing. Cons: A bit formulaic in parts. Our Verdict: A thoroughly slick production with a superbly versatile cast. Courtesy of www.happenstancetheatre.co.uk I remember my very first job: working as a…
-
Hotbed Festival, Soho Theatre
Why Can’t We Live Together Steve WatersDirected by Paul Bourne Somniloquy Craig Baxter, in collaboration with Richard HornerDirected by Paul Bourne How To BeginHisham Matar, in collaboration with Devorah BaumDirected by Patrick Morris ★★★★ Pros: New writing performed with intelligence and…
-
Life in a Sketchbook, Top Secret Comedy Club
Emma MinihanDirected by Jonathan Woodhouse and Rachael Owens★★★ Pros: Well written and funny. It will have you smiling throughout and not just because it’s free. Cons: The vehicle for linking the sketches is a bit odd and not very effective.…
-
The Beginning, Battersea Arts Centre
Devised and performed by Michael Pinchbeck, Nicki Hobday and Ollie Smith★★★★ Pros: A fascinating concept, nicely performed with lovely music. Cons: This is an abstract piece, very in keeping with BAC’s ethos, but unless you are a fan of contemporary…
-
Forget Me Not, Tea House Theatre
Shane BurkeDirected by Sasha Roberts★★★ Pros: Interesting story about a well-known wartime poet, with some good performances. Cons: The short length meant some aspects of the play seemed hurried and the interaction between characters a bit unnatural. Out Verdict: An…