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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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…
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Love On Trial, Ovalhouse Theatre
Adapted by Roe Lane from the story by Stanley Kenani based on an idea by Amy Bonsall Directed by Roe Lane, Amy Bonsall and Kate Stafford ★★ Pros: Strong ideas, interesting subject matter and a fearlessly ambitious approach. Cons: Rather…
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Brainville at Night, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
Alexander Moschos Directed by Matthew Parker ★★★ Pros: A polished and well-crafted show. Excellent sound, lights and projection with good performances. Cons: The middle of the show drags and it started to feel a little bit repetitive. A shorter, punchier version would…
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The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey, Battersea Arts Centre
HomerDevised by Nicholas Rawling, Imogen Charleston, Caroline Williams, Irena Stratieva, Christopher Reed, Ed Dowie, Quinta and Matthew Brown★★★★★ Pros: The combination of hand drawn and carefully cut out puppets with 21st century technology produces an intriguing take on the ancient…
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Romeo and Juliet, Upstairs at the Gatehouse
William Shakespeare Directed by Zoé Ford ★★★★ Pros: Some excellent performances and great direction. This well known script is engaging throughout the two hour and forty five minute performance. Add the sixties soundtrack and this modern take will appeal to a wide…
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Equally Divided, Watford Palace Theatre
Ronald Harwood Directed by Brigid Larmour ★★★ Pros: A great cast and a polished production featuring funny and touching moments. Cons: The last leg of the play unfortunately does not compare in quality to the first two-thirds. Our Verdict: A…
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The Lady’s Not For Walking Like an Egyptian, Ovalhouse Theatre
Written and directed by Rachel Mars and nat tarrab ★★★★ Pros: Two great performances, great big laughs from start to finish and an interesting, intelligent script. Cons: Not much to report here. If you’re easily offended by jokes about the…
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Prophesy, Blackall Studios
Devised by Baz ProductionsDirected by Sarah Bedi★★★★ Pros: An incredibly original and exciting reimagining of Greek mythology. Cons: Sight lines are a little inconvenient and some background information would have been helpful. Our Verdict: A truly engaging revision of classic…