Notes on The Offies

I guess the most important change to the last year’s agenda were the Off West End Awards, or as they were rather catchily dubbed – The Offies. On the whole, they were a huge success for all concerned and I was immensely proud to have been an important part of the process. Judging for the 2011 Offie’s was already underway on the day of the event, and this year my visits to theatre has increased to an even greater extent if you can imagine that possible. From today, I shall try to offer some sort of more detailed dialogue for the nominees to follow.

So far, I have visited a few of the new venues (for me, anyway) including The Rose Bankside, which proved to be an uncomfortable, baffling experience that sinks site specific productions to new depths. The production of Edward II wasn’t bad at all, it simply wasn’t served well by the venue. I also visited the New Red Lion, a venue with a great deal of promise but scant transport connections, where I saw the delightful Kissing Sid James. The Print Room in Notting Hill offered the fantastic Snake In The Grass, exquisitely designed and offering a version of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte set in Hampshire. Accolade launched another show-stopping season at the Finborough, where I am currently typing this up-date, before reviewing Bed & Sofa. Other highlights included Amphibians at The Bridewell, which focused on the emotional trauma for young people entering the Olympics; Irish Blood, English Heart at The Union about a dysfunctional family trying to cope with their father’s death and bizarrely The Diary of Anne Frank at the Broadway in Catford.

Clare Burt and Nathan Osgood were the saving graces of Vernon Little God, the success of which I can only put down to the fact that the audience doesn’t venture too far from The Cut for it’s entertainment. At the Tristan Bates I left after the end of Bane, not wishing to see much of the same in Bane 2. Godspell at Ye Olde Rose & Crown did very little for me despite it’s nominations and the welcoming Walthamstow venue still has a long way to go to get it’s Front of House in order. Before I fly next week I will have seen Ricky Duke’s new production of Macbeth at the Blue Elephant in Camberwell. I shall endeavour to keep up with my blogging and review each of the shows I see in turn.

NOTES TO OFFIE NOMINEES If you have been nominated for an Offie, lobby for judges to attend but don’t be disappointed if we can’t attend. We all have ridiculous work schedules but your encouragement and enthusiasm will be noted.

If you have been nominated for Best New Play or Most Promising New Playwright then please back this up by sending us a copy of your play.

If you have been nominated for Best Costume/Make-up/Set Design, back your nomination up with a presentation of images from the production and or design notes.