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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A Girl In School Uniform (Walks Into A Bar), New Diorama Theatre – Review
Pros: An innovative storytelling technique that boosts the audience’s imagination. Cons: There’s a lot unsaid and unexplained here – it would benefit from more context It’s the future – and it’s not looking too bright. There are blackouts, and people…
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Booby’s Bay, Finborough Theatre – Review
A quirky Cornish comedy-drama dealing with the housing crisis and the growing gap between the haves and have-nots. May contain sea shanties and traces of mackerel.
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Moments & Empty Beds, Hope Theatre – Review
A double bill of touching, emotionally charged drama by an outstanding writer.
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Medea Electronica, Ovalhouse – Review
Pros: If this were a gig I would have been impressed; the three piece band can really play. Cons: There is no real tension or emotional involvement to make you feel part of the show, and the whole style failed to…
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Her Not Him, Theatre 503 – Review
Pros: This is a very funny and watchable production, but one which also poses pertinent questions about identity, societal labels and sexuality. Cons: At times, scenes are repetitive and don’t offer as much depth as they might. This feels largely due to…
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Ken, The Bunker – Review
This affectionate tribute to the late theatre maverick Ken Campbell is an emotional journey shining with comedy gold.
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Joey’s Circus, Puppet Theatre Barge – Review
Pros: The craftsmanship of the puppeteers can almost be overlooked as their simplicity hides the skill involved in bringing them to such life. Cons: It can be a little chilly at this time of year. I could start by pointing…
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Tumulus, The Vaults – Review
Pros: Pacy thriller uses simple but effective tactics to create a cinematic experience. Cons: A bit tedious in parts, but the climax rescues it. Christopher Adams brings his take on London’s chemsex culture to the vaults beneath Waterloo station. When…
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Tomorrow Creeps, The Vaults – Review
An admirably ambitious experiment in reimagining Shakespeare that mostly misses the mark.
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Fuck You Pay Me, The Vaults – Review
An entertaining and funny show about the life of a striptease artist.