Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Sarah Heenan, Alan Maddrell and Andy Marchant Directed by Sarah Heenan ★★★★ Pros: A sharp and clever script, a versatile cast who are able to bring the familiar faces from 90’s Britain to life, insightful commentary on the role of the media in British politics. Cons: None. Perhaps not quite incredible enough for the rare fifth star. Our Verdict: A time capsule of 90’s Britain which, as well being highly entertaining, also delivers a ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Tom Harding ★★ Pros: An interesting idea which would appeal to film-lovers. Cons: The play lacked structure and jumped between being a stand-up comedy and being a play.  Our Verdict: Some more work needs to be done to give this play a structure and an identity.  Courtesy of the Camden Fringe At some time in our lives, we have probably all related something we have seen or experienced, to something we have watched on ...

Part of Camden Fringe 2013Diana De FexDirected by Marion Pierce★★★ Pros: At times exciting and always challenging. Cons: Some glimpses of originality but too few. Our Verdict: Be prepared to be charmed by this woman whose story really packs a punch to the gut. Courtesy of Etcetera Theatre Good theatre will make you think, great theatre will leave you a changed person. On paper this autobiographical one-woman show should do both. It doesn’t. There are, however, moments of genius. Yet ...

Miguel de Cervantes Tom Frankland and Keir Cooper in association with Último Comboio ★★ Pros: An original, daring and creative approach to exploring this classic novel. Cons: It’s a bit chaotic in its execution, and the story of Don Quijote is never clearly outlined. Our Verdict: Despite some nice moments, there is just too much happening in this hour-long show. Courtesy of EdFringe.com Don’t be misled by the title. This is far from a stage version of the famous Spanish ...

Part of Camden Fringe 2013Tom Nicholas★★ Pros: There is a story to be told in this play. With twist in the tale and some clever dramatic devices there is enough to keep the character development moving forward to its conclusion. Cons: The content is naïve and tenuous, falling short of its aim to drill down into what it meant to be under 25 in 2010. The grandiloquent language doesn’t sit well with the character and leaves him feeling disingenuous. Our ...

Alice BirchDirected by Lucy Morrison★★★★ Pros: Insightful play about female camaraderie in prison that is as rich as reading a book. Cons: Lack of context at the start isn’t helpful. Verdict: A powerful, moving, warm and magical piece set simultaneously in a prison and on the beach, underneath a mangrove tree. A theatrically skilful treat. Courtesy of Clean Break Little on the Inside is enormous on stage. This is a two-hander about a prison friendship between a pair of women. ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Steve FitzgeraldDirected by Paul Edward Linghorn ★★★ Pros: Atmospheric, unnerving, good use of sound and light. Cons: The internal logic behind certain elements isn’t always consistent. Our Verdict: Enigmatic piece that takes a walk on the dark side. Courtesy of Pandamonium Performance Bitter Water is a play that wears its influences openly – German Expressionism, David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick – and unapologetic in its non-naturalistic style. Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s The Visit is also a big ...

Part of The Camden Fringe 2013Written and directed by Steve Jordan★★★ Pros: An entertaining premise with a few good laughs. Cons: Lacking originality and consistent humour. Our verdict: A well-acted production, but light years from the wow factor. Courtesy of Manmoth Productions Sci-fi is like Marmite: you either you love it or hate it. I’m not a big fan, but I’m willing to give anything a try (except WAG! The Musical, of course). Strolling up to the Tristan Bates Theatre ...

Hayley GogginDirected by Justyna Ziarek and Kaitlin Argeaux★★★ Pros: The dancing is exceptional – powerful, moving and, at times, breath taking. The acting is also very good with The Space as a wonderful backdrop to the piece. Cons: The ending didn’t resolve the piece enough, and there seemed to be a few organisational issues, which led to the production getting off to a late start.Our Verdict: This is a show with a strong message and exceptional choreography. Courtesy of The Space The Dagger ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Pete Dillon-Trenchard ★★★★ Pros: Laugh-out loud funny with both niche and more accessible humour. Pete Dillon-Trenchard handles his audience beautifully. Cons: One can get a little lost if you’re not a geek of a certain brand, but as the show says, let the geek references wash over you – you’ll still laugh at most things. Our Verdict: Whether you’ve sat through a Star Wars Marathon ten times or whether you haven’t read a comic ...