Fringe/ OffWestEnd
We could argue for hours what makes a fringe theatre venue, and even then we doubt we’d come to a satisfactory definition. So to keep it simple, fringe here simply means the wonderful little venues, generally less than 100 seats, often located above or below or next to pubs, and very much at the heart of our theatre world, where all the magic usually starts.
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Review: Private Lives, Old Red Lion Theatre
This one-act show is well cast, but a little rough around the edges; a rare example where the sum of its parts is greater than the whole.
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Review: Spectacle, Etcetera Theatre
Spectacle is a one-hander about a night with the world-famous rock star, which features interesting character creation and moments of humour, but struggles to deliver overall.
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Review: Vegetable, FADS, Queen Mary University of East London
An absurdly unique, non-linear play that repeatedly breaks ‘theatrical rules’
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Review: The Collections: Bright Fear, Kings Place
The City of London Sinfonia’s Bright Fear blends poetry with Western and Chinese instruments in a boundless, deeply personal exploration of identity, family, and belonging that leaves its audience spellbound.
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Review: Goldfish, Bridewell Theatre
This absorbing and atmospheric trip into the past demonstrates the importance of taking a level-headed approach when managing both serious and peculiar circumstances.
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Review: Nero, Southwark Playhouse Elephant
A talented cast and some terrific songs can't quite rescue this ambitious but muddled musical...
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Review: Ginger Johnson: Show Pony, Soho Theatre
Knee-slapping comedy, trippy music, and engaging storytelling
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Review: Lightstreams, Theatre503
Inventive staging and clever dialogue can't rescue a muddled, overlong play that goes around in circles.
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Review: Speculations, Marylebone Theatre
An absorbing piece of theatre, anchored by a compelling central performance
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Review: Where Would You Like To Start?, Drayton Arms Theatre
A play about honesty, trust, and vulnerability that has plenty of potential, but is lacking in action or jeopardy and needs to be braver when delving into its characters’ flaws.