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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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…
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Jake, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
Pros: It’s not often you can say that an office chair put in a sterling performance, but here it almost steals the whole show. Cons: Still very much a work in progress, and there is an imbalance that will need addressing. Roddy…
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The Wider Earth, Natural History Museum – Review
The story of Charles Darwin’s voyage of discovery that would go on to change the world is a visually spectacular production of a fascinating period in history.
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Declaration, Stratford Circus Arts Centre – Review
Declaration provides an entertaining and educational insight into life with ADHD. Well worth watching if you want to gain a better understanding of the condition – a must see for people working in caring professions.
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Dracula, Jack Studio Theatre – Review
A quirky interpretation of a classic, with curiously comedic nuances and gory details aplenty.
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POT, Ovalhouse – Review
POT is Heaven Can Wait set on an inner city council estate. It’s bleak, desolate, and full of abject hopelessness. It’s also essential viewing for anyone who cares.
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War with the Newts, The Bunker – Review
Pro’s: A bright young cast with a concept that dares to be different. Con’s: The promise of an immersive experience never quite materialises in the true sense of the word. Southwark Street is fast becoming South London’s answer to the…