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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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.
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Macbeth, Wilton’s Music Hall – Review
Well performed and beautifully designed, but it was style over substance with no new insights into this familiar play.
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A Princess Undone, Park Theatre – Review
Pros: The beautiful set design and the acting. Cons: The plot is weak and based on facts that the audience is expected to be familiar with. Before Diana became centre of attention for the British media, another princess had made headlines and…
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Split, Network Theatre at Vault Festival – Review
Split is the evening of nostalgia and hilarity that everyone needs to see!
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Harold and Maude, Charing Cross Theatre – Review
Pros: Sheila Hancock owning the stage, with a good foil in Bill Milner. Cons: Lacks a bit of sparkle. Harold (Bill Milner), a nineteen year old early Emo type, attends funerals in his leisure time and has such a predilection for…
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Derailed, Ovalhouse – Review
Pros: The protagonists are very likeable and can be quite funny. Cons: The show lacks any kind of structure and feels chaotic. The gazpacho isn’t very good either. In Spain you can find many types of paella: Valencian, black, vegetarian, marinera… Pretty much something…
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What Goes On in Front of Closed Doors, King’s Head Theatre – Review
An honest account of the simple steps that can lead to homelessness.