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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There Is A Field, Theatre503 – Review
Mark (Sam Frenchum) is from a typical East End family, working class to the core. Except Mark has gone off the rails with too many drugs, and has been kicked out of the family home. After the death of his…
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The Problem With Fletcher Mott, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
There is something exhilarating about seeing a work in progress, especially when it’s from a team surely only just out of their teens! There’s an energy created you just don’t get at normal press nights. Ok, so that’s because the…
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Bodies, Southwark Playhouse – Review
Playwright James Saunders presents us with a classic scenario. A younger couple and an older couple gather together in a living-room, having not seen each other for nine years. Each spouse has cheated with the spouse of the other, and…
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Bottled, Vault Festival – Review
Like the abusive marriage that it describes, Bottled starts off deceptively sweet. It is Katy’s 15th birthday, and she’s celebrating at home with family and her mum’s boyfriend, some shiny balloons and a violently pink cake. As she talks us…
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Rattled, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
The wonderfully warm surroundings of the Old Red Lion in Islington has its usual glow: flock wallpaper, chesterfield sofas, a dog sleeping on the floor and football on the telly (think I’ve just described my house in the 1970s?). A…
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Can Can, Union Theatre – Review
In late 19th century Paris, a bawdy new dance was born. The can-can grew from the seductive dances of Moulin Rouge courtesans into a high-energy show involving high kicks, splits, and exposed undergarments. Back then, you would have to go…
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Headhog, Barons Court Theatre – Review
Primal Theatre state that their aim is to create pieces that reflect human experience at their core. Whether having a hedgehog alive in your head meets that aim is something that we could debate all evening. And the reason why a…
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Avenue Q, New Wimbledon Theatre – Review
The residents of Avenue Q are a somewhat peculiar pick ‘n’ mix of colourful puppets, unlikely couples and a monster or two, all sharing in dreams, concerns and uncensored humour. It’s children’s programme styling -denoted by chirpy repetitive tunes, bright…
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The Half Moon Shania, The Vaults – Review
Feminism and fishnets, punk and precarious friendships, The Half Moon Shania shakes the Vaults Festival in this punk/rock opera reverberating with energy and poignancy. The show evokes youthful excitement and naivety within a dark smoky world. The rush and the…
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Outlying Islands, King’s Head Theatre – Review
A powerful drama brought to life by an outstanding cast.