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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Othello, The CLF Art Café
William Shakespeare Directed by Anthony Green ★★★ Pros: The modernization of this production of Othello makes the verse and story clearer and more comprehensible in its relevancy to current affairs. Cons: The theatre was freezing to the point of distraction. Our…
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LineUp, Greenwich Theatre
Presented by Vertical Line Theatre Company ★★★ Pros: An amusing and at times powerful sequence of theatrical shorts made with tremendous enthusiasm and boasting some very decent acting. Cons: Bare scenography and some rushed performances as you would expect from…
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Saer Doliau, Finborough Theatre
Gwenlyn Parry Directed by Aled Pedrick ★★★★ Pros: A unique theatrical experience with a skilled cast and a captivating plot. Cons: The entire play is in Welsh, and even with the subtitles it can be difficult to follow and demands…
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London Wall, Finborough Theatre
John Van Druten Directed by Tricia Thorns ★★★★★ Pros: A sparkling, fast-paced, hilarious and heart-warming show that still manages to get you thinking. Majestically directed and perfectly executed with meticulous attention to detail and splendid period costumes. Cons: Do let…
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Lean, Tristan Bates Theatre
Isley Lynn Directed by Chelsea Walker ★★★★ Pros: Brave and faultless performances in a show that addresses a tricky subject, helped by the seemliest script. Cons: None myself, although some may find it difficult to watch the violent scenes at…
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Who is Moloch?, Press Play House
Pamela Carralero Directed by Zuri Warren ★★★ Pros: An intelligent script with an interesting look at human rights, environmental issues and the military. Cons: The script is far too large and cinematic to be performed in a freezing shoebox theatre…
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Sour Lips, Ovalhouse Theatre
Omar El-Khairy Directed by Carissa Hope Lynch ★★★★ Pros: A story delivered in a mesmerising social media context with a wonderful twist. The strong central performances are enjoyable and the discussion of sexuality, religion and politics is gently confrontational. Cons:…
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Twelfth Night, Lion and Unicorn Theatre
William ShakespeareDirected by Rae Mcken★★★ Pros: The spoken text is crystal clear while the modern day setting, with mobile phones and such, makes the Bard’s renaissance comedy relevant and accessible to present day audiences. Cons: The small space could barely contain…
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The Human Being’s Guide to Not Being a Dick about Religion, Canal Café Theatre
Matt ThomasDirected by Sarah Elaine Stewart★★★★ Pros: A well-researched, funny performance which balances serious discussion of religious views with lots of good humour.Cons: Sometimes the performer looked a little uncomfortable on the stage. Our Verdict: A refreshingly non-aggressive look at…