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).
| CAMDEN FRINGE During August London's fringe theatres play host to dozens of theatre companies and productions from around the country, many for only two or three performances. We can't list them all, but check the CAMDEN FRINGE site for a full program. |
Here are some of the more interesting and longer-running things beyond the West End this month:
ALLELUJAH! - Bridge Theatre. Alan Bennett play set in a geriatric ward. To September 29
BRING IT ON - Southwark Playhouse. Teen musical. To September 1
EMILIA - Shakespeare's Globe. Play about the Dark Lady of the Sonnets. In rep to September 1
FOR REASONS THAT REMAIN UNCLEAR - King's Head Theatre. Secrets of two men who meet in Rome. To August 25
FUN HOUSE - Young Vic Theatre. Tony-winning musical. To September 1
HAMLET - Shakespeare's Globe. Michelle Terry as the prince. In rep to August 28
HOMOS, OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA - Finborough Theatre. Ups and downs of a gay romance. To September 1
IT HAPPENED IN KEY WEST - Charing Cross Theatre. Musical about death-transcending love. To September 23
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Mock horror musical. To September 15
LOVE'S LABOURS LOST - Shakespeare's Globe. Shakespeare. In rep to September 15
THE ONE - Soho Theatre. Feuding and loving couple. To August 23
OTHELLO - Shakespeare's Globe. In repertory to October 13
THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SMACK AND CRACK - Soho Theatre. Love among the 1980s riots. To August 22
SILK ROAD - Trafalgar Studio 2. Misadventures in the Dark Web. To September 1
SPAMILTON - Menier Chocolate Factory. Parody of Hamilton and other musicals. To September 15
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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