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: Assata Taught Me, Riverside Studios
Compelling depiction of a memorable woman - Assata Olugbala Shakur (1947-2026)
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Review: The Last Man, Southwark Playhouse
A well-intentioned production that never quite empowers the audience to empathise with important underlying themes.
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Review: Drunk Girls Cry Here, The Hope Theatre
This comedy drama promises to show what really takes place in female facilities.
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Review: Visite, Coronet Theatre
A gloriously entertaining wordless work that captures the universality of life.
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Review: Five, Lion and Unicorn Theatre
A play about our obsessions with true crime podcasts has plenty of promise, but falls on its lack of realism in important moments.
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Review: Party Favour, Etcetera Theatre
A superbly acted solo piece that handles a number of intriguing themes.
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Review: I’m Not Being Funny, Bush Theatre
A delicate exploration of why humour so often accompanies grief.
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Review: Derrière On A G String, King’s Head Theatre
A riotous blend of dance, slapstick and nudity set to classical music transforms everyday embarrassments into gloriously absurd comedy.
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Review: Company, Bridewell Theatre
A fabulous rendition of Sondheim to share with company, and an outstanding immersive event.
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Review: An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life as a Homo, Riverside Studios
Ned Blackburn’s raw and moving play follows Johnny as he struggles with sexuality and identity in a culture obsessed with masculinity and rugby.