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.
-
My Robot Heart, Battersea Arts Centre
Devised and performed by Molly Naylor★★★★ Pros: A sweet, honest and funny show. A very pleasant and engaging production.Cons: Although the music was a nice personal touch, it would have been great to see more interaction with the folk duo.…
-
The Street, Ovalhouse (site-specific in East Dulwich)
Ovalhouse Creative Youth★★★★ Pros: A beautifully written and compiled piece of theatre performed with heaps of energy throughout.Cons: After a fantastic build up, the finale was disappointing and felt like it needed more substance. Our Verdict: This was a fantastic…
-
The Café, Old Red Lion Theatre (site-specific at The CoffeeWorks Project)
Ben AitkenDirected by Josh Roche★★★★ Pros: An all-round, very strong piece which deftly explores the harmony (or lack of) between self-identity and circumstance. Cons: I couldn’t see the benefits of making this show site-specific. Our Verdict: A very absorbing, intriguing…
-
3some, Etcetera Theatre
Lisa Gifford Directed by Paul Linghorn ★★★ Pros: An interesting script with some very funny moments and a top performance from Lisa Gifford. Cons: Some of the actors appeared to be playing for laughs every now and again, which got…
-
The Suicide, The Space
Nikolai Erdman Directed by Adam Hemming ★★ Pros: An unexpectedly funny script and a full cast with great comic timing and energy. Cons: The performance was shallow overall, relying totally on comic delivery. Moments which weren’t funny but had true…
-
Knock Yourself Out, The Courtyard
Tom H C Holloway Directed by Becky Catlin ★★★ Pros: The characters are very well developed and observed. Some strong dialogue and dynamic action on stage and the scenes where time is passing are clever and well performed. Credible acting…
-
The Play That Goes Wrong, Old Red Lion Theatre
This is a riotously fun show filled with huge energy, great gags and painfully funny performances.
-
Silence, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
Moira BuffiniDirected by Jonathan Bradshaw★★★ Pros: Meaty on content and message – a strong mix of darkness, comedy and grit. Cons: This is a long evening (almost three hours including an interval) and while the production is well crafted and…
-
Boy in a Dress, Battersea Arts Centre
La JohnJoseph Directed by Sarah Chew ★★★★★ Pros: A fun riot of a show with an intelligent core and an impressive insight into an unusual life. Cons: If you’re not interested in 20th Century philosophy, this may not be for…