London's Off-West End and Fringe, like New York's Off-Broadway and Off Off-Broadway, ranges from established theatres that just happen to be in different parts of town from the West End, to dozens of small companies and venues, many in pubs, showcasing new talent. Some shows may be on only on weekends or have very short runs, so it is best to check with the theatres (Scroll down for links to some leading Off-West End and fringe theatres).
Here are some of the more interesting and longer-running things beyond the West End this month:
ALICE IN WONDERLAND - Kew Gardens. To August 27
ALLELUJAH! - Bridge Theatre. Alan Bennett play set in a geriatric ward. To September 29
BRIEF ENCOUNTER - Empire Cinema Haymarket. Kneehigh Theatre's stage version of classic film. To July 22
BUT IT STILL GOES ON - Finborough Theatre. 'Lost' play by Robert Graves about social breakdown after WW1. To August 4
FLESH AND BONE - Soho Theatre. Life on a housing estate. To July 21
FOR KING AND COUNTRY - Southwark Playhouse. WW1 deserter. To July 21
FUN HOUSE - Young Vic Theatre. Tony-winning musical. To September 1
GENESIS INC - Hampstead Theatre. Drama-comedy set in a fertility clinic. To July 28
HAMLET - Shakespeare's Globe. Michelle Terry as the prince. In rep to August 28
IT HAPPENED IN KEY WEST - Charing Cross Theatre. Musical about death-transcending love. To September 23
JELLYFISH - Bush Theatre. Mother is concerned when Down's syndrome daughter falls in love. To July 21
LOCKED UP - Tristan Bates Theatre. Prisoners under pressure. To July 28
THE ONE - Soho Theatre. Feuding and loving couple. To August 23
SPUN - Arcola Theatre. Lives of British Pakistanis in age of bombings. To July 28
THE WHITE ROSE - Jack Studio. Anti-Nazi heroine's story. To August 4
THE WINTER'S TALE - Shakespeare's Globe. In rep to October 14
And here are links to some of the more established Off-West End theatres:
Also:
BITE - Barbican and Pit Theatres. The Barbican plays host to a yearlong programme of visits by theatre, dance and performance art companies, many for only 3 or 4 performances.
OPEN AIR THEATRE, Regent's
Park.
Outdoor performances May-September.
OPERA HOLLAND PARK Outdoor performances June-August
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