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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Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Royal Court Theatre – Review
An upfront, bleakly funny piece about exploitation and control.
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Lobster, Theatre 503 – Review
Pros: Very entertaining comedy with excellent performances from Louise Beresford and Alexandra Reynolds. Cons: Could have further developed the theme of issues faced by women and lesbian couples in today’s Britain. The world is your oyster, or so they say. For…
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Imaginationship, Finborough Theatre – Review
This production has some solid acting. Unfortunately, the concept behind it is not explored satisfactorily and the direction allows for the whole thing to feel very disjointed.
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The Crystal Egg Live, The Vaults – Review
Pros: The set and the performance of Carolina Main as Anna-Jacoby. Cons: At times it dragged a bit and needed to be about 15 minutes shorter. Written in 1897, H G Wells’ vision of constantly being watched resonates still, especially when one has walked…
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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Jack Studio Theatre – Review
So entertaining, so fun, so worth a visit!
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Into the Numbers, Finborough Theatre – Review
Pros: Whilst Elizabeth Chan and Timothy Knightley head the cast, Amy Molloy’s portrayal of Minnie Vautrin, a missionary in Nanking, is a show stealer. Cons: Besides the bleakness of the topic, at times the show can be a little muddled and…
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Bananaman the Musical, Southwark Playhouse – Review
A silly and uplifting bundle of joy for all those children trapped in thirty-something bodies.
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Rapunzel, Chickenshed – Review
An original fairy tale adaptation with a catchy musical score. Ideal for a family who want a West End experience without the big price tag.
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Slava’s Snow Show, Royal Festival Hall – Review
Pros: You’re unlikely to see anything quite like this anywhere else. happily its uniquely irresistible Cons: Anyone looking for any kind of clear narrative or thematic structure will be left bewildered, and probably pretty disappointed Standing in the auditorium of…
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The Book Of Darkness & Light, Camden People’s Theatre – Review
Competent collection of original Gothic stories with violin accompaniment.