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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Fox Hunting, The Courtyard Theatre – Review
A disturbing, though thoroughly absorbing study of gang culture and knife crime in London.
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Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch – Review
A toe-tapping musical adaptation of the iconic early noughties drag queen movie, with live music impressively integrated into the action.
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Afternoon Tea, Millfield Arts Centre – Review
Flawless entertainment in this hilarious and heart-warming family comedy about a cross-cultural wedding.
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Response 3: Reality & Quarry, Old Red Lion – Review
Pros: Identity and the self are touchingly portrayed by a cracking cast of fabulous actors. Cons: The whole show felt a touch too long, especially in the baking hot Old Red Lion! I had no idea what to expect upon entering…
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The Swallow, Cervantes Theatre – Review
A moving play about two strangers united by the loss of a loved one during the Orlando terror attack.
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The Writer, Almeida Theatre – Review
Thrilling, driven and vivid in its quest for freedom of expression, this play will pull the rug from beneath your feet.
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Citizen, The Space – Review
This work highlights the frustration of those let down by authorities and countries they should be able to trust. I won’t forget this play, but the performances weren't memorable.
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Morgan & West: Time-Travelling Magicians, Wilton’s Music Hall – Review
Mellifluous, masterly magic presented for your edification by waggish, whiskered, wizards. Suitable for oldlings and younglings alike.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Chickenshed – Review
Pros: Belinda McGuirk’s excellent performance as Nurse Ratched and the fluent direction, which makes this an entertaining play to watch Cons: Lack of challenge to the sexist stereotypes of the original book and play One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a…
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Gaps, Katzpace – Review
An overused storyline of thirtysomething Londoners linked by a dating app doesn't go anywhere meaningful.