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Off West End

Ah, the Off West End. For those not familiar with the term, this is where the real magic of the London theatre scene happens. Great shows are born here, in pubs, in 50-seat theatres, in tunnels. Recommended for the adventurous – we can’t get enough of it, and you’ll save a quid or two as well!

The Disappearance of Sadie Jones, Pleasance Islington – Review

Hannah Silva Directed by Hannah Silva ★★★★ Pros: Brilliant and engaging performances and beautiful, if challenging, script. Cons: Structure was at times too abstract and lacked clarity. Our Verdict: A brave and forceful examination of mental illness that has its audience sinking into a confusing, troubling dream-like landscape. Courtesy of Hannah Silva Blog The Disappearance of Sadie Jones’ subject matter of a young woman struggling with her mental illness is a tough one to tackle, so kudos to writer and ...

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A Christmas Carol: As Told By Jacob Marley, Deceased, Tara Theatre – Review

Charles DickensPresented by Brother Wolf Adapted and Performed by James Hyland★★★ Pros: Incredible acting from James Hyland brings the story to life. I could visualise every scene despite minimal set. Cons: I expected a slightly different perspective on the classic tale as suggested by the production’s subtitle (“As told by Jacob Marley”) but found it to be a fairly traditional telling. Our Verdict: A classic tale, cleverly told with one actor portraying all the characters. However, room for further interpretation ...

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Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Tara Theatre – Review

Robert Louis Stevenson (Adapted by James Hyland) Directed by Phil Lowe★★★★★ Pros: This one-man show is incredibly demanding and physically taxing with multiple characters and non-stop dialogue. Award-winning actor James Hyland proves how talented he is, and sets a very high standard for theatrical performance. Cons: This not-to-missed production has a very short run: one night at the Tara Theatre. Our Verdict: James Hyland knows exactly what he’s doing and it’s a pleasure to watch someone with this incredible level ...

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The Merchant of Venice, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre – Review

William ShakespeareAdapted and Directed by Ricky Dukes★★★★  Pros: The fantastic staging evoking a Venetian carnival with elements from The Godfather filtering through. Cons: The transition from the trial scene to the ending left me aching for a more intense performance on Shylock’s part. Our Verdict: A superbly presented, highly enjoyable and accessible take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Courtesy of the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre A new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is running at the ...

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Genesis New Writing Night, Genesis Cinema – Reviews

Various writersDirected by Nick Myles★★★ Pros: Each of the four pieces was short enough to leave you wanting more. Radically different styles and themes kept the night interesting. Cons: A break between each piece and a late start made the event longer than it needed to be and quality varied in writing and acting. Our Verdict: A thoroughly enjoyable, casual evening with an active feedback process for the writers, though it was far from polished work and not for everyone. This ...

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In the Next Room or the vibrator play, St James Theatre – Review

Sarah Ruhl Directed by Laurence Boswell ★★★★ Pros: Complex and worthy themes, played by an excellent cast on a first class stage set give this production a polished feel. The second act provides lots of laughs, balanced with some poignant moments. Cons: The first act is drawn out at times and the humour doesn’t really connect with the audience until after the interval. The diction is formal and a bit stilted, leaving the characters feeling a little wooden. Our Verdict: ...

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Don Juan, The Destiny of a Libertine, The Cockpit – Review

Molière Adapted by Compagnie de la Flibuste Directed by Clement de Dadelsen ★★★ Pros: An enjoyable production of Molière with some excellent costumes. Cons: The pace of the show sometimes feels a little slow. Our Verdict: A great way to get your fill of classic French theatre in English. Courtesy of Don Juan Cockpit The old saying, “You wait ages for a bus, then two come at once” sometimes applies in the most unusual circumstances. In my case, with Molière. ...

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Knickers To That!, Etcetera Theatre – Review

Simone WatsonDirected by Simone Watson★★★★ Pros: An accessible play with engaging characters and recognisable scenarios. Cons: While there are a number of amusing scenes, those looking for escapism probably won’t find it here. Our Verdict: Lightning in a bottle: life in inner London captured in all its complexity. Courtesy of etceteratheatre.com With the title Knickers To That!, you would be forgiven for thinking that this play might be a farce or not have dramatic gravitas. This is far from the ...

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