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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Misanthrope, Camden’s People Theatre – Review
Pros: Very entertaining and well acted performance which reminds us how relevant Molière’s plays still are today. Cons: The political point that Furlong tries to make is forced and doesn’t fit the play. In his preface to Tartuffe, Jean Poquelin, better known…
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Olaf, Barons Court Theatre – Review
Pros: Good to see an early Ibsen being staged. Cons: Early Ibsen sags in the middle. Ottisdotter Productions bring their focus to lesser known and obscure plays that emphasise the role of women in society. Having last been presented at London’s…
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Legally Blonde – The Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre – Review
A fun, fabulous feelgood show that will take you waaaaay over your daily recommended dose of sugar.
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Breaking Out Season: Kiss Chase & Guy, The Bunker – Review
Pros: The second show, Guy, is enough to make the whole evening worthwhile Cons: With such contrast between the two shows, a question mark has to be put over the decision to schedule these on the same evening The Bunker’s…
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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.