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 ...

Written and directed by Martin Foreman ★★★ Pros: Interesting concept and good storytelling. The short format is perfect for this solo performance. Cons: The drama is based on a novella and without knowledge of the back story the audience may be underwhelmed by the plot. Our Verdict: A tidy, short one man show, based on a novella written in 1912. The concept is thought provoking, though it could be a little braver. Entertaining lunchtime drama. Credit: Tadziospeaks.co.uk Tadzio Speaks… is ...

Writer’s BlockWilliam Alexander WoodDirected by William Wood MisanthropyLouise HartDirected by Steve Fitzgerald ★★★ Pros: A strong characterization by Paul Linghorn of the sarcastic and disillusioned writer Leo. Cons: The noise level from the pub was distracting and the sound used for the productions was turned up too high. Our Verdict: Two pieces of new writing that demonstrate the breadth of ideas and concerns of young, contemporary playwrights. Courtesy of Etcetera Theatre On a small stage above a busy Camden pub, ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Created by Plumpkin Theatre Company ★★★ Pros: A different kind of theatrical experience that combines mime and clowning to create a fresh new plot. Cons: Some of the scenes dragged a bit at times. Our Verdict: An unusual and enjoyable evening. Courtesy of Camden Fringe In Two Heads Are Better Than One, performers Anna Haskell-Thomas and Verity Hicks lead us into a story where spoken language is made redundant. Through theatrical clowning the troupe portray what happens when two different ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Maria Figgins and Adam CourtingDirected by Maria Figgins and Adam Courting★★★ Pros: Short sketches that are far from formulaic and keep you guessing. Cons: Some people may not readily understand the surreal and dark subject matter. Our Verdict: A talented team with chemistry and an unconventional imagination. Courtesy of Merlot Merlot Theatrical duo Merlot Merlot (Adam Courting and Maria Figgins) write and perform their own material. For the Camden Fringe, they have produced a series ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Written and directed by Kitten Killers ★★★ Pros: This show will make you laugh until your sides hurt. Cons: Overall it needed some polishing to help it come together. Our Verdict: The four girls deliver an amusing show filled with unexpected jokes, mime, and songs. Very watchable! Courtesy of the Camden Fringe An evening at Etcetera Theatre usually starts with a drink before the show. I don’t think any drink could have prepared me for the ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Written and performed by Katie O’Brien★★★★★ Pros: Wrong on so many levels it’s beyond right. Cons: If it’s not your thing, then it’s really not your thing. Just try and make it so. Our Verdict: This woman is either destined for the big time in a big way or on her way to becoming a cult favourite. Courtesy of facebook.com Katie O’Brien may not sell out venues. Her type of comedy may not be to ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 Written and Directed by Kat Woods Presented by Purple Penguin Productions★★★★ Pros: Sex, sex, and more sex. Cons: Occasionally a bit too much sex (no, not really). Our Verdict: Of course this show is about more than sex but there is a lot of talk about it in it. Bright, sparkly and very, very witty. Courtesy of Purple Penguin Productions Cheeky, irreverent, chock full of inappropriate language, in a completely raucous setting above a ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013Written and performed by Jake Hassam and Nigel Munson ★★★ Pros: The concept gets you thinking, and the dialogue is clever and amusing. Cons: The second half struggles to maintain the strength of the first. Our Verdict: When it’s good, it’s very good. However, some of the scenes fail to captivate, and the ending, though effective on some levels, is a bit of an anticlimax. Do you believe in bureaucracy after death? Imagine getting to ...

Part of the Camden Fringe 2013 By Isaac Bashevis Singer Adapted & directed by David Zoob ★★★  Pros: The story and characters are complex. The level of detail the play develops in such a small interval of time is quite amazing. Cons: However well presented, a little more time would have given the play a better sense of drama. Our verdict: A production which draws you in with its atmosphere, despite the fact that it would have benefited with more ...