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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Vesta, White Bear Theatre
Presented as part of the AXIS Emerging Artists Festival alongside Publius Horatius Devised by Fighetta ★★★ Pros: A group of versatile female performances not restrained by stereotyping. Cons: It was very abstract with no real plot. I find it hard…
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Hamlet, Dalstan Bunker (site-specific)
William Shakespeare Directed by Andrew Shepherd ★★ Pros: Great idea, good choice of location. Cons: No depth of character or context. Our Verdict: A great idea, but sadly full of missed opportunities which needed no expensive resources, just better use…
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The Blind & The Intruder, Old Red Lion Theatre
Maurice Maeterlinck Directed by Benji Sperring ★★★ Pros: Maeterlinck’s The Blind and The Intruder are said to have contributed to his winning the Nobel Prize. Tarquin Productions do The Intruder justice. Cons: For me Maeterlinck is a poor man’s Pinter.…
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Californian Lives, King’s Head Theatre
Martin Foreman Emma King-Farlow ★★ Pros: Small venue with an intimate setting. Good performances from John Vernon and Carolyn Lyster. Cons: Three monologues one after the other can be a bit exhausting, and the audience’s attention does wane slightly. Our…
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Damage, Rich Mix
Ninaz Khodaiji★★★ Pros: The intimate space meant that each audience member became inescapably involved in the story. Cons: The consistent use of one narrative style meant that momentum was sometimes lost and audience members began to visibly lose interest. Our Verdict: A…
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Paper Dolls, Tricycle Theatre
Philip HimbergDirected by Indhu Rubasingham★★★ Pros: This show is lively, enchanting and huge fun. Lovely characters and wonderful music. Cons: There is a lack of focus in the script and some overacting from the cast. Our Verdict: Flawed, but wonderful.…
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Orpheus, Battersea Arts Centre
Presented by Little Bulb Theatre and the Battersea Arts Centre ★★★★ Pros: Lots. Something very different from your average trip to the theatre: it is a concert and a play all in one with a little French joie de vivre.…
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Jane Eyre, Rosemary Branch Theatre
Charlotte Brontë Adapted and directed by Bryony J. Thompson ★★★ Pros: A great cast and an interesting and loyal approach to the inspirational material. Cons: While the attempt to preserve the original text was well meaning, it steered the production…
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Boys’ Life, Etcetera Theatre
Howard Korder Directed by Sebastien Blanc ★★ Pros: The team work hard at the frequent scene changes and utilise the small space to maximum effect. It’s an interesting script, worthy of revival and there are some humorous moments. Cons: The…