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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Blood Wedding, Omnibus Theatre – Review
Pro’s: Intensely dramatic and beautiful adaptation of classic; not one to miss. Con’s: Anything that wasn’t quite up-to-scratch was forgiveable, and more than made up for. Lorca’s classic is given the modern-day London treatment by a multinational, multi-talented cast. Boldly…
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Distance, Park Theatre – Review
Pros: The solid sound and lighting design. Cons: This pessimistic portrayal of mental illness doesn’t contribute to fighting the stigma, and risks sending out a discouraging message. The soaring incidence of suicide in British men under 45 has recently become…
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Italian Theatre Festival, Print Room at The Coronet – Review
Pros: A rare opportunity to see some of Italy’s most iconic theatre works. Cons: The language barrier is only partially compensated by the presence of subtitles. Promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute and curated by Monica Capuani, the first edition…
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Eugenius!, The Other Palace – Review
This musical is unique, fresh and fantastic. A true product of hard work and talented individuals.
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Kiss Me, The Other Palace – Review
Pros: Great jokes and a wonderful heroine Cons: The bits of slo-mo physical theatre don’t add much The narrative holds few surprises, but Kiss Me is a beautiful chamber piece that draws you in with the warmth and complexity of…
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Guy: A New Musical, Kings Head Theatre – Review
Pros: An original and ambitious new musical showcasing new writers and songwriters that makes for a fun, fast-paced night out with friends Cons: The script is corny at times, with a few plot holes. The songwriter could have done with cramming…
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In The Heights, Stockwell Playhouse – Review
Pros: The main characters were phenomenal, especially for being ages 16-21. Not a note, dance move or line out of place. Truly professionals. Cons: The band was way too loud and drowned out the performers. In The Heights, the popular musical by Lin…
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The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Park Theatre – Review
Pros: A brilliant cast and a magnificently scripted story provide the perfect combination. Cons: The musical interludes are all too brief, and annoyingly clipped to make way for more detail in the script. The Rise and Fall of Little Voice was…
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Much Ado About Nothing, Gray’s Inn Hall – Review
Pros: A silent but expressive, accordion-toting Verges Cons: Too many cicadas It’s common these days to watch ‘high’ culture in a ‘low’ setting: Mayerling at the local multiplex, Hamlet on catch-up, in PJs. Watching Antic Disposition’s Much Ado About Nothing…
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Homos, or Everyone in America, Finborough Theatre – Review
Engaging snapshot of the 21st century New York gay scene.