It's been a particularly good year for monologues and silliness is how I'd sum it up the fringe theatre scene in London this year so, in no particular order*, here are my 10 favourites…
Bull, Young Vic – probably the most uncomfortable 55 minutes I've had in the theatre
Kill Me Now, Park Theatre – a refreshingly frank (and funny) play that genuinely tackled a rarely discussed subject
peddling, Arcola Theatre – Harry Melling's debut as a playwright channelled Beckett and Ridley and had his trademark energy in its performance.
Lonely Soldier Monologues, Cockpit Theatre – A verbatim play about women serving in the US army that, in its insight, was genuinely harrowing and shocking.
Product, Arcola Theatre – A brilliantly pitched satire and farce performed by Olivia Poulet.
Chef, Soho Theatre – A play that mixed evocative lyricism with brutal contemporary realism, brilliantly performed by Jade Anouka.
Bears in Space, Soho Theatre – Witty and deliciously silly (and it's back at the Soho Theatre until Jan 2).
The State vs John Hayes, King's Head Theatre – In the mind of a murderer this was dark, grim, funny and compelling.
Jackson's Way, Battersea Arts Centre – Another brilliantly silly play, I actually snorted and got a fit of the giggles.
Dazzled, Found 111 – Dazzling performances from Andrew Scott and David Dawson in this funny and tragic play that had shades of The Cherry Orchard.
*actually they are in the order I saw them in.
PS I'm busily compiling my overall list on which some of these will no doubt make an appearance. There will also be a least favourite list…
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