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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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Cockpit – Review
Pros: Strong acting which created a present, dark and twisted atmosphere Cons: Some risky creative choices were made which didn’t quite land for me and seemed peculiar Best known for it’s miraculous ability to engage with both the twisted and…
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The White Rose, Jack Studio Theatre – Review
A poignant and beautiful play which reclaims the story of Sophie Scholl, a young heroine of the resistance against Hitler.
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Femme Fatale, Wilton’s Music Hall – Review
Two spot on performances of two interesting women, but overall result feels dated.
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The Time Capsule, Landor Theatre – Review
Pros: Audience engagement through a novel mechanism involving ping pong bats Cons: A muddled, confused plot, riddled with inconsistency The Time Capsule bills itself as a “pick your own adventure” play, in the manner of those books where you make…
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End Of The Pier, Park Theatre – Review
Pros: A bright cast and slow burning story that blossom in an excellent Act II. Cons: Act I is disappointingly slow and spends far too much time setting the scene. Casting familiar faces in a play is usually a safe…
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But It Still Goes On, Finborough Theatre – Review
Pros: This never-before-seen play has funny moments and quirky characters. Cons: The meandering writing and cramped staging let it down. The Finborough, the dinky pub theatre above the plain but cosy Finborough Arms, is fond of rediscovering forgotten twentieth century…
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Sounds and Sorcery, The Vaults – Review
Pros: A total treat for eyes and ears. Cons: Given the show’s steep price tag and focus on the music of Fantasia, I wish the sound had worked better. Those of us who grew up with a VHS tape of…
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Pity, Royal Court – Review
Pros: British clichés and drama tropes are nailed, aided by a vast number of fun props and different music styles, from rap to community brass band tunes. The cast is a deliberate cross-section of modern Britain, with some stand-out performances.…
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The Nightingale And The Rose and other tales, Barons Court Theatre – Review
Pros: Skilful adaptation and winning performances Cons: A few less successful moments Although less celebrated than his plays, Oscar Wilde’s prose work is every bit as accomplished and distinctive. His fairy tales in particular are a unique take on the genre –…
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Half me, Half You @ Tabard Theatre, Review
It may say Trump and America on the label, but this superbly written play could as easily be examining the world being created by Brexit, and for that reason, it is well worth the time of anyone who cares about…