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 Bear, Ovalhouse Theatre
Angela Clerkin & Lee Simpson Directed by Lee Simpson ★★★★ Pros: This show has something for everyone; from drama to dance and spoof to satire, there is never a dull moment. A genuinely funny and original concept performed with perfect…
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Nothing is the End of the World (Except for the End of the World), Finborough Theatre
Bekah Brunstetter Directed by Max Pappenheim ★★★ Pros: Well-fleshed out drama chronicling the highs and lows of adolescence complimented by a solid cast and highly original staging. Cons: A tad repetitive in places and occasionally suffering from a case of…
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Not I, Royal Court
Samuel Beckett★★★ Pros: This is a masterful piece of theatre, brilliantly written and delivered with incredible sensory impact. The post show film of Billie Whitelaw, and talk with Lisa Dwan (actress) and Roger Michell was interesting and enlightening. Cons: At…
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The Knight of the Sorrowful Figure, Blue Elephant Theatre
Tiffany Wood from the Original Cervantes “Don Quixote”Directed by Ian NicholsonResearch and development by Simon Day and Aitor Basauri ★★★ Pros: Never boring, at times comical and fittingly dynamic physical theatre. Good use of Spanish accents and guitar. Fun to…
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No Rhyme, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
Melanie Pennant Directed by Kate Bannister ★★★ Pros: Transports the audience into a club toilet – a brilliant set, and some very believable characters. Cons: Tries to pack too much in and doesn’t quite pull everything together. The drama becomes…
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Lear, Greenwich Theatre
William ShakespeareDirected by Ricky Dukes★★★ Pros: Flashes of real quality and originality in the staging. Cons: Certain aspects of the staging didn’t quite work. Our Verdict: A hit and miss production which was admirable in its risk-taking and ingenuity. It…
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The Platform, The Bread and Roses Pub
Johnny Did Not Come Marching Home, by Sharon M. Andrews, Directed by Tom Skitt Just Desserts, by Will Howells, Directed by Nathaniel Francis Skeleton, by David Payne, Directed by Kuba Drewa Cold Calling, by Suzette Coon, Directed by Tessa Hart…
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Hutch, Riverside Studios
Joe Evans Directed by Linnie Reedman ★★★ Pros: An interesting story and the music, costumes and set really evoke the atmosphere of the time. The Halbwelt Kultur troupe of chorus girls are a definite highlight– they are fab! Cons: The…
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The Collector, St Peter’s Church (site-specific)
Adaptation by Mark Healy Directed by Theo Herghekegiu ★★★★ Pros: Well adapted, intense play set in a magnificent theatre space. Cons: The dark nature of this script will inevitably unnerve some audience members. Some of the acting felt a bit overly dramatic…