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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Machinal, Almeida Theatre – Review
Pros: A brilliantly constructed set is a visually stunning accompaniment to the play. Cons: The disappointingly clipped nine episode format slows the plot down far too often for its own good. The Almeida is one of my favourite theatres so I pounced…
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Left My Desk, New Diorama Theatre – Review
Pros: Brilliant and politically sensitive script, fantastic cast and great direction Cons: Nothing to report A joint research report from Community Care and UNISON from 2016 found that social workers are suffering increasing emotional distress and verbal abuse in their routine work…
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The Unbuilt City, King’s Head Theatre – Review
A wonderfully acted two-hander with expansive dialogue allowing the characters to develop and flourish.
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Henry – A Tudor Musical, Cecil Hepworth Playhouse – Review
Amateur in name only, this musical can’t fail to delight an audience seeking a night out without having to venture into central London.
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Ghost About The House, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Baffling play that attempts to link affairs in two time periods.
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Breaking Out Season: Libby’s Eyes and Nine Foot Nine, The Bunker – Review
Two enjoyable short plays highlighting the difficulties encountered by people who are different from the majority. Both need refining and a bit more development to explore fully the many questions raised.
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Dare to Do (The Bear Maxim), The Space – Review
An interesting view of the finance world from the perspective of one of their “fallen angels.”
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Shadow Kingdoms, Theatre503 – Review
The play will transport you into a world you didn’t even realise existed, whilst spray painting London in colour.
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The End of History, St Giles in The Fields Church – Review
Pros: Strong performances from Sarah Malin and Chris Polik. Cons: The hard benches…OK for an hour though. The End of History was developed following an invitation by the Rector of St Giles’ who wanted to illuminate the past and present…
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Sancho: An Act of Remembrance, Wilton’s Music Hall – Review
This bold, nuanced and highly engaging one-man show from the multi-talented Paterson Joseph uncovers a black British trailblazer who should be remembered in mainstream history.