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 Government Inspector, Ovalhouse Theatre
Nikolai Gogol Directed by Lucy Richardson ★★★ Pros: An interesting take on a familiar classic. Cons: Everyone was so interesting to watch on stage that it was hard to decide who to focus on at any one time. Our Verdict:…
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Don Pasquale, The Sun Tavern in Covent Garden (site-specific)
The actors bring the story to life with humour and the space and minimal props are used well. Definitely worth seeing if you are new to opera and I’m sure that seasoned opera-goers may enjoy the change.
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All I’ve Known, Chickenshed Theatre
Written and directed by Rachel Yates ★★★★ Pros: A lovely set design. Deeply moving performances from all of the cast. Cons: Somewhere around the middle I felt it went a little slower than necessary. The show covers a lot of…
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The Burial, The Albany Theatre
Bola Agbaje Directed by Franko Figueiredo★★★★ Pros: Fantastic, polished design and an excellent script with a great balance of drama and comedy Cons: The chemistry of the cast was at times a bit inconsistent Our Verdict: A well-produced and unique…
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Wyrd, Secret Location in Southwark (site-specific)
Clancy Flynn Directed by Rosanna Mallinson ★★★★★ Pros: The best immersive theatre I’ve seen in a very long time. Cons: The murder mystery style acting isn’t to everyone’s tastes. Our Verdict: Be inside a horror film: a fabulously fun evening…
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Gentlemen, Please, White Bear Theatre
Sean Michael Welch Directed by William E.P. Davis ★★★ Pros: Very funny with plenty of wordplay and physical comedy. Cons: A few jokes wore out their welcome. Our Verdict: A hilariously infuriating short piece that features its actors well and…
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Unwrap Your Candy, White Bear Theatre
Doug Wright Directed by Nick Bradford ★★ Pros: Good framework and interesting choices, some very funny moments. Cons: The three pieces were bizarre, but not always in a good way: they didn’t match in tone, and all were quite anti-climactic.…
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Open Doors, The Troubadour
Presented by Stay on the Bus Productions ★★★ Pros: Some terrific script-writing, lovely acting and lots of laughs. Cons: The venue was over-crowded and unbearably hot, though this was most likely due to it being a busy press night. Our…
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Over the Bridge, Finborough theatre
Sam ThompsonDirected by Emma Faulker★★★★ Pros: The cast worked fantastically together, creating a truly tense and touching dynamic.Cons: A couple of suspect Irish accents occasionally tainted the atmosphere. Our Verdict: A sensational piece of theatre loaded with conviction, commitment and…