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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Bury the Dead, Finborough Theatre – Review
Pros: Irvin Shaw’s 1936 expressionist play about the futility of war is brilliantly brought to life by director Rafaella Marcus. Cons: This excellent staging does its best with a slightly uneven work, though the last third feels very much of…
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Still No Idea – Royal Court Theatre, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs – Review
A hilarious take on human foibles and the stories we tell ourselves about the world, Still No Idea will jolt you out of complacency just when you are crying with laughter.
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Mirabel, Ovalhouse – Review
Pros: Mirabel is a highly original and emotionally affecting tale of loss and learning. Cons: The abstract narrative can be challenging and sometimes hard to follow. The end of the world has rarely been a cheerful affair. In films, television,…
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Fans, Canada Water Theatre – Review
Pros: Theatre and live music gig for the price of one! Cons: The show is on tour with only short stops, so you’ll have to be quick off the mark to see it! Nina Berry’s show Fans is described as a…
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The Memoir Club, Bloomsbury Hotel – Review
The Bloomsbury Group was known for its wit and sparkle, both of which are sadly missing here.
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Shrödinger’s Dog, White Bear Theatre – Review
Pros: This is a full-throttle production by a contemporary theatre company oozing with confidence. Cons: The action is distractingly far-fetched, to the point of total implausibility, while the characters are never developed much beyond surface-level. It’s also about 45 minutes…
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Frankenstein, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Pros: An original play with a largely female cast. Good use of props and set pieces to create the multiple locations of the play as well as nice use of puppetry. Cons: The issue of feminism wasn’t really explored despite…
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Sex Magick, Barons Court Theatre – Review
Comedy, clowning, black magic, sexual healing, rituals and cross-dressing. Tell me that doesn’t sound like a good night out.
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The Incident, Canada Water Theatre – Review
Pros: An exciting and unexpected take on the race debate. Cons: A good story, let down by the acting. The Incident, written by Swedish playwright Joakim Daun is a new and exciting piece of theatre that brings a fresh perspective to…
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Two Little Ducks, The Albany – Review
Pros: Two Little Ducks speaks to the present with unaffected language that cuts to the heart. Cons: While the poems are all beautiful, the show’s impact could be enhanced with a shorter run-time. In the aftermath of the Brexit…