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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Eurohouse and Palmyra, Battersea Arts Centre – Review
Pros: The original and effective approach to two well known political situations. Both actors can be truly hysterical with their clownish acting. Cons: Although successful at exposing situations, there’s no real analysis and the shows don’t go into much detail…
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Twang!!, Union Theatre – Review
Pros: Fun choreography, daft puppetry, huge energy. Cons: Heavy on smut, light on good songs. When Much the Miller’s son gets lost in Sherwood Forest, salvation comes at a price: the ragtag bunch of men who come to his rescue…
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Cream Tea and Incest, The Hope Theatre – Review
A masterpiece of inventiveness where a visionary comic style is complemented by an out of the box design.
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Gauhar Jaan – The Datia Incident, Omnibus Theatre – Review
Shining a light on India’s pre-Bollywood queen of entertainment, Gauhar Jaan is an original, funny and exciting debut play, albeit with a rushed ending and some scene change issues. It has rightly sold out its entire run already.
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Sophie, Ben and Other Problems, Tabard Theatre – Review
The After School Club showcase serious potential that should be nurtured and encouraged in this funny and big hearted play about love.
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Mark Thomas: Showtime from the Frontline at Theatre Royal Stratford East – Review
Extremely entertaining, hilarious and interesting show about the struggles of setting a comedy workshop in the heart of the Jenin refugee camp in Palestine.
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Coconut, Ovalhouse Theatre – Review
Pros: Kuran Dohil’s professional stage debut is brilliant and side-splittingly funny. She captivates the audience with her powerful stage presence. Cons: Does well to avoid sweeping generalisations, but includes some religious stereotypes, especially in the portrayal of convert Simon. Guleraana Mir’s play Coconut tells the…
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Scene, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Pros: Sharp dialogue intelligently addresses difficult issues with a wonderfully warm and light-hearted tone. Cons: An occasional few nervous jitters came through, but these merely added to the sincerity of the piece. Ayo, a captivating, earnest black girl, and Flo,…
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Reared, Theatre503 – Review
A realistic representation of not often exposed social and familial concerns, this relevant modern drama is a must see.
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Victim, King’s Head Theatre – Review
An intriguing companion piece to an earlier play makes its point with clarity, providing a sobering conclusion to the most disturbing of storylines.