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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Madhouse Re:Exit, Shoreditch Town Hall – Review
Pros: The poignant stories told by the actors about their experiences of what it means to live with a learning disability. Cons: Too many horror film features makes the set look like a haunted house in an amusement park, undermining…
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Cherry Orchard, Union Theatre – Review
Pros: The obviously enthusiastic cast make a decent attempt at Chekhovian drama. Cons: An awkward adaptation, misguided direction and a lack of depth let this production down. Why do we still love and perform Chekhov? Over a hundred years since…
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Old Fools, Southwark Playhouse – Review
Poignant and thoughtful depiction of a couple where one of them suffers from dementia at a young age.
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Doctor Faustus, Arcola Theatre – Review
Pros: Outstanding performances alongside a hauntingly beautiful choral composition. Cons: I wish I could have seen the actors’ faces better – more light next time please! If you had unlimited magical powers, how would you use them? Would you save…
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Buggy Baby, The Yard Theatre – Review
Oscillating between comedy and terror, this unsettling play struggles to find its identity.
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Lord of the Flies, Greenwich Theatre – Review
This stage adaptation of Lord of the Flies is made emotional and thought-provoking by the unified strength of the performances, music, lighting and choreography.
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Then Again, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Whilst not exactly breaking new ground, a natural energy carried the play through any rough patches.
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Man Up, Drayton Arms Theatre – Review
There’s some promise in this debut show by Temper-Mental Theatre, but a stiff edit and some more prep work would not have gone amiss.
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Summer and Smoke, Almeida Theatre – Review
One of Tennessee Williams' lesser known plays gets a stunning reboot in a production oozing with class.
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Br’er Cotton, Theatre503- Review
An enjoyable piece of theatre that is well worthwhile, unless you really want your theatre to come with a heavier dollop of social commentary.