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 Great Gatsby Musical, Riverside Studios
While the production provides an enjoyable viewing experience, it being a musical adds nothing to Gatsby as a story.
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Killing Romeo, Lion and Unicorn Theatre
Written and directed by Jazz Martinez-Gamboa ★★★★ Pros: The plot stays with you; I love a play that doesn’t leave you alone and forces you to relive the experience. I still come up with new thoughts even a few days…
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The Significant Other Festival, Park Theatre
Presented by The Pensive Federation ★★★★ Pros: An excellent short-play challenge with great results Cons: A couple of noticeably weaker pieces within the 10 plays. Our Verdict: An overall enjoyable evening of short plays, with the added fun of a…
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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…