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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Kindertransport, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch – Review
Beautiful and poignant production of a timely play about the heartbreaking experience of those children who came to Britain fleeing Nazi Germany leaving their parents and roots behind.
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Electra, The Bunker – Review
Pros: The pulsating soundtrack, which is performed live on stage by the actors. Cons: This ‘reinvention’ of the classic story is more of a superficial update, and it’s in need of a good edit. For those of you whose classics are…
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Candoco Dance Company Double Bill, Sadler’s Wells – Review
Contemporary dance at its best – exhilarating to watch, entertaining and thought-provoking.
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After The Ball, Upstairs at The Gatehouse – Review
Although Ian Grant aims to create a play around the themes of politics, women and war, the result resembles more a confusing period drama as seen from the eyes of his male protagonist.
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Stuffed, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review
We laughed, we cried, we loved it.
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The O.S. Map Fan Club, Etcetera Theatre – Review
Pros: Endearing, sincere, wholesome and zany. Cons: As of yet no news of a sequel. You may think that an hour-long solo performance about O.S. maps might be a little on the dull side – but oh no, you…
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The Forecast, The Place – Review
Pros: Funny, witty, and beautifully performed Cons: A couple of sections felt too long Perhaps it’s a cliché, but they do say the English love to talk about the weather. However, they’re not so keen on discussing sexual matters, so…
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Stardust, The Vaults – Review
An immensely moving production that addresses the topic of the narcotics trade with honesty, minus the usual side of false glamour.
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Das Fest, The Vaults – Review
Promises a lot, but the audience is never rewarded with a big enough payoff. I left feeling hoodwinked rather than dazzled.
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Treading Water, The Vaults – Review
An inconsequential and tedious view of life.