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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Passing By, Finborough Theatre
Martin ShermanDirected by Andrew Keates★★★★ Pros: Top class writing and charming performances make for a very enjoyable evening. Cons: A few rough bits but nothing too bad. Our Verdict: Another great production from the Finborough. Courtesy of the Finborough Theatre…
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A Broken Rose, The Cockpit
Sarah Goddard Directed by Phil Willmott ★★★★ Pros: A very clever script with an engrossing tale – you don’t want the story(ies) to stop! Cons: The vocals in the singing components are a little shaky at the beginning, as were…
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Hindle Wakes, Finborough Theatre
Stanley HoughtonDirected by Bethan Dear★★★★★ Pros: Expertly produced, expertly performed, expertly designed, and a fantastic script. Cons: I would be clutching at straws if I were to try and formulate any genuine criticism. Our Verdict: If you can get your…
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Uninvited, New Diorama Theatre
Fat-Git Theatre, adapted from the novella by Peter MortimerDirected by Josh Roche★★★ Pros: Dark, quirky comedy, well acted, smooth and simple design. Cons: Sometimes hard to follow. Thought provoking, but ultimately unrewarding. Our Verdict: An equally entertaining and unsettling piece…
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The Matchmakers/Yolk, RADA Studios
The MatchmakersPaula Fleming YolkNatalie Cheary Directed by Ng Choon Ping★★★ Pros: Interesting new writing, not far off being very good; committed performances. Cons: Slightly more development needed by both the script and the acting in places, felt slightly like a…
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This is a Reconstruction, Oxford House Theatre
Presented by MayDay Theatre ★★ Pros: A funny, talented all-female cast with lots of great humour. Cons: A lot of it just didn’t make much sense and the show had very little depth given the subject matter. Our Verdict: Nice…
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I Am A Camera, Southwark Playhouse
John Van DrutenDirected by Anthony Lau ★★★★★ Pros: Great writing, great acting, great direction, great music, great costumes, great set design (I could go on!). Cons: I know I have to write something here but I’m struggling to think of anything.…
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Disco Pigs, Tristan Bates Theatre
Enda WalshDirected by Anna Simpson ★★★ Pros: The tender moments were beautifully performed with the actors really matching each other on stage. Cons: The fast pace of the show and the quick delivery of lines in Irish accents made it difficult…
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The Tsarevich and the Wolf, Etcetera Theatre
Presented by Tree Folk Theatre★★★ Pros: Ethereal, old-worldy and cute as can be. Cons: The overall energy needs cranking up a notch or two and the story drags in places. Our Verdict: Far from perfect but full of gorgeous quirky…