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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A Strange Wild Song, New Diorama Theatre
Presented by Rhum and Clay Theatre Company ★★★★ Pros: Lovely storytelling, great acting, creative use of set and props, impressive synchronicity between light, sound and performer. Cons: I found the music distracting and it jarred with the action for the…
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Freakoid, Ovalhouse Theatre
Emma Adams Directed by Sarah Applewhite ★★★ Pros: A clever, witty and thought-provoking play that tackles one of societies’ most disturbing interferences with individual freedoms in a funny, hilarious and utterly bonkers way. Acting is near flawless. Very good use…
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MyFirstTrainers.com, Tristan Bates Theatre
Jonathan LewisPresented by Act Naturally ★★★ Pros: An entertaining concept. Witty and satirical throughout. Office workers around the country will be reminded of their own training day experiences, with their countless buzz words and instantly forgettable mnemonics. Cons: The show’s…
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The Deep Space, Old Red Lion Theatre
Lila Whelan Directed by Claude Girardi ★★★★ Pros: An intelligent script with an excellent set of performances behind it. Cons: An emotionally involving play; the content can be hard to swallow. Our Verdict: Highly recommended if you are looking for…
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If You Don’t Let Us Dream, We Won’t Let You Sleep, Royal Court
Anders Lustgarten Directed by Simon Godwin ★★★ Pros: The cast are excellent and the lack of set and back stage area is an interesting way to present a drama set in times of ‘austerity’. Cons: There are too many ideas, presented…
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Waiting for Lefty, White Bear Theatre
Clifford Odets Directed by Christopher Emms ★★★★ Pros: A terrific script and a (mostly) excellent cast deliver an impassioned story which rings true. Cons: Not all of the actors are believable. Our Verdict: This is a very enjoyable play and…
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Othello, White Bear Theatre
William Shakespeare Directed by Emily Morrison ★★★★ Pros: Gorgeous costumes, inspired direction and world class acting. Cons: Not much to report here. A few of the actors didn’t quite hold my attention but this is only a minor dent in a truly…
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Dr Faustus, Network Theatre
Christopher Marlowe, adapted by Bernie C. Byrnes Director Bernie C. Byrnes ★★★ Pros: The themes of the play (the corruption of power and the struggle between personal morality and worldly temptation) are acutely condensed into an intelligent view on the…
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Linck, The Last Refuge
Danny West & Ben Fensome Directed by Danny West★★★ Pros: A strong all-female cast with a very interesting and relevant subject matter Cons: There seemed to be a few inconsistencies in the script, a potentially biased representation of Catharina Linck…
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Di and Viv and Rose, Hampstead Theatre
Amelia Bullmore Directed by Anna Mackmin★★★★ Pros: A play about life and friendship that is easy to relate to, funny and heart-warming. It is brilliantly acted by a high calibre cast and the costumes and sound design realistically evoke the passing…