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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In The Loop, LOST Theatre
Jennifer Sarah Dean Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean ★★★ Pros: The production’s sense of urgency, its ambiguity, its use of space, its assured acting, and its daring treatment of some important issues (memory, truth, testimony, consequence) make for an absorbing…
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Final Showcase, The Poor School
Presented by Graduates of The Poor School ★★★★ Pros: Witnessing so much talent and potential makes for a thrilling evening. Cons: Nothing springs to mind. Our Verdict: A wonderful evening showcasing the talent of the school’s graduating students in a varied collection of…
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The Rules, Old Red Lion Theatre
Lila WhelanDirected by Lila Whelan★★★★ Pros: Dark, witty and with a strong cast, The Rules is a cross between a psychological thriller and an Elizabethan tragedy, with a couple of gags thrown in. Cons: Some of the delivery could be…
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Venus/Mars, Old Red Lion Theatre
Patrice EtienneDirected by Rikki Henry★★★★ Pros: A good mix of humour and emotion, with a truly accessible storyline. Cons: Parts of it were a little slow, not helped by a boiling hot auditorium! Our Verdict: A raw and energetic production,…
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City Shorts, Rosemary Branch Theatre
Presented by London Grey and Green Theatre Company ★★★ Pros: Four 15-minute pieces offer a snapshot of some interesting female writers. Cons: With the exception of one piece, the idea that women living in London lead different lives to women…
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Cymbeline, The Space
William Shakespeare Directed by Nathalie Adlam ★★★ Pros: An atmospheric production. Fine performances that bring Shakespeare’s language to life. Cons: The complex plot is difficult to follow; the play’s disparate elements don’t cohere. Our Verdict: A valiant attempt at a…
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Chimerica, Almeida Theatre
Lucy Kirwood Directed by Lyndsey Turner ★★★★★ Pros: An excellent script addresses some fascinating issues, with top-notch performances and a stunning set. What more could you ask for?! Cons: At over 3 hours the play is long, but to be…
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Blue Remembered Hills, Watford Palace Theatre
Dennis Potter Directed by Psyche Stott ★★ Pros: The cast give good performances as seven year old children. A lot of effort has gone into the research of children’s lives of the war era. The post show Q&A with the…
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Amusements, Battersea Arts Centre
Sleepwalk Collective Directed by Sammy Metcalfe ★★★ Pros: An unrelenting journey of sound that unsettles your senses. Cons: Narrative and the audience’s position are too confusing to follow. Verdict: An interesting example of immersive theatre with well-researched and effective sensory…
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Prometheus Bound, White Bear Theatre
Aeschylus, translated by Paul Elmer More Directed by Cieranne Kennedy Bell ★★★ Pros: An ancient and powerful story that is rarely performed, with strong actors and an unusual and intriguing method of storytelling. Cons: At times difficult to follow, and…