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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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…
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After the Rainfall, Watford Palace Theatre
Presented by Curious DirectiveDirected by Jack Lowe★★★ Pros: Brilliantly intelligent theatre delivered with tremendous style and magnificent production values. Cons: Slightly unclear and dry content which didn’t engage me throughout. Our Verdict: 5 stars for the performance and the physical…
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Grey Matters: A Play for Six Brains/Curricula Vitae, Chelsea Theatre
Presented by Head of a Woman★★★ Pros: Both acts present concepts that are easily identifiable. They delve deep into exploring how our society works without ostracising the audience through overly complicated notions. Cons: The concepts could have been pushed further;…
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Threesome, Etcetera Theatre
Lisa GiffordDirected by Paul Linghorn ★★★★ Pros: An interesting look at sexual politics with some really lovely acting thrown in. A decent Paul Daniels/Debbie McGee gag in there too. Cons: Some parts of the performance lacked clear choices; nothing too…
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Staffroom, Tristan Bates Theatre
Presented by Time2Shine ProductionsWritten & Directed by Rachel Creeger★★★ Pros: Great audience interaction, some good individual performances and impeccable production values. Cons: Feels a little low on energy and pace, missing the spark that would make it great. Our Verdict:…
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This Was Your Life, Etcetera Theatre
Created by Quite Nice TheatreDirected by Thom Sellwood★★★ Pros: There is a strong possibility this show will put you in a very good mood. Lots of laughs. It is touching and wonderfully philosophical at times. Cons: Some weak singing voices…
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Full Stage Splash: A Comic Look at the Comic Book, Etcetera Theatre
Written & Directed by Michael EckettPresented by The Sigil Club★★★ Pros: Comic book history is actually really interesting! With some laugh-out-loud comedic insights, this timeline of the life of the comic book is an enjoyable laugh and a learning experience.…