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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The Coming Storm, Battersea Arts Centre
Conceived and devised by Forced EntertainmentDirected by Tim Etchells★★★ Pros: A good concept and a magnificent venue. Cons: The execution leaves something to be desired, and makes for a rather dull show. Our Verdict: Not the best we’ve seen, but…
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The Enlightenment Cafe, Old Vic Tunnels
Produced by LAStheatre★★★★ Pros: Great science and a great cast make for an enjoyable evening. Cons: Drunken, unfunny hecklers…who needs them? Our Verdict: Definitely worth doing if you’re a science enthusiast or just love a night doing something out of…
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The Beloved, Bush Theatre
Written and Directed by Amir Nizar ZuabiA ShiberHur, Young Vic production co-produced with the Bush Theatre and KVS Brussels, part of World Stages London★★★★ Pros: Original, engaging, thought-provoking. Cons: Bit weird and very uncomfortable in a couple of places. Our…
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REDfest, Old Red Lion Theatre
New writing festival, various writers and directors★★★★ Pros: Great idea overall, very engaging and easy to watch and some very good pieces of new writing. Cons: Risky, there are some pieces that aren’t so good, and the theatre was too full…
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Autobiographer, Toynbee Studios
Written and directed by Melanie Wilson★★★ Pros: An enchanting lighting design and equally great sound for such a modest venue. Offers a compelling perspective on the important issue of dementia. Cons: A little wordy and lengthy in places, didn’t quite…
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The Dark Room, New Diorama Theatre
Written & Directed by David Byrne ★★★★ Pros: An excellent adaptation, some great performances and fantastic direction make this a cohesive and slick piece of work. Cons: Slightly variable individual performances in places, but this is a minor gripe. Our…
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A Lady of Substance, Tristan Bates Theatre
Jon CooperDirected by Samantha German ★★★ Pros: Fantastic performances, great performance venue and good to see daring pieces of writing being aired. Cons: The script is rather indulgent and it’s a bit too long. Our Verdict: A very good production…
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The Death of Norman Tortilla, Tristan Bates Theatre
Charlotte CoatesDirected by Tom Latter★★★ Pros: Some great performances, and some interesting situations. Will not leave you bored. Cons: Tries to be too many things at once. Endearing? Shocking? Leaves you wondering. Our Verdict: Certainly not a boring production, but…
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The Well & Badly Loved, Ovalhouse Theatre
Written and Directed by Ben Webb ★★★★ Pros: Strong stylistic staging, excellent movement sequences. Cons: Overly lengthy at times, contains its fair share of stereotypes. Our Verdict: Enjoyable for people of all walks of life – gay or straight, a…
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The London Spring, Etcetera Theatre
Francis Beckett Directed by Christine Kimberley ★★★★ Pros: A thought-provoking production with an intelligent and layered new script. Cons: The action comes across a little cliché at times. Our Verdict: Not for the politically apathetic. For anyone else, don’t miss…