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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Don’t Panic! It’s Challenge Anneka, The Bunker – Review
Pros: As a piece of theatre, this will entertain many. Cons: As a piece about anxiety, it seems at times almost to send up the subject matter. Cards on the table: I suffer from anxiety. It controls my whole life…
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Stroke Odysseys, The Place – Review
Cathartic show in which professional performers work with a group of people who have suffered a stroke.
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In the Shadow of the Mountain, Old Red Lion Theatre – Review
Despite praiseworthy efforts, rather than challenging the stigma associated with this personality disorder the play only bolsters it.
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Sex With Robots and Other Devices, King’s Head Theatre – Review
A daring, innovative new play offering a frightening glimpse into the potential of robots.
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Not Talking, Arcola Theatre – Review
Pros: Thought-provoking storytelling from an excellent cast. Cons: The phlegmatic British attitude in the telling of the story left me a bit cold, but then I think that was the point. Fans of Mike Bartlett’s previous work (Dr Foster, King Charles…
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Greenwich Theatre – Review
A fresh, energetic and funny adaptation of a well known Shakespeare favourite. Lives up to the claim of being an accessible introduction, if by chance you haven’t seen it before.
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Unexploded Ordnances (UXO), Barbican – Review
An engaging but somewhat confused evening of boundary-pushing performance.
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H.R.Haitch, Union Theatre – Review
A right Royal romp through an alternative 2011, where prince-in-disguise Bertie and his fiancée, pub chef Chelsea, are about to turn Daily Express readers potty.
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213 Things About Me, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Despite the play’s moving subject matter, 213 Things About Me fails to engage with the audience and can feel heavy.
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A Gym Thing, Pleasance Theatre – Review
An intensely physical and high octane journey through bigorexia and body dismorphia that could do with an emotional punch.