32 replies to this topic

[The Suburbanite]

From 30 Sept, that date + 1/2 Oct at early bird rate.

So now, we're seeing Sher, SRB and Rylance all within about 4 weeks. It's like the planets aligning.

[dude-1981]

Just seen this and booked.  Thanks for starting this thread or I wouldn't have come across this at least for a while.  I'm trying to get to a bit more fringe and this sort of thing (slightly lesser known work by a major playwright) is exactly what I'm after.

[Lynette]

While I am delighted to see a thread on this production - I have booked myself - I am interested to see it in the London fringe section. Is the Tricycle fringe or off West End? Or as was said in a newspaper yesterday about its showing of the  Afganistan plays, the best political theatre in London? I don't see it as a fringe venue at all .

What does 'fringe' denote to you?

I have loved everything I've seen there lately and I like the atmosphere, the different audience it gets, different from the National that is and I'm looking forward to Mr Sher's performance there.

[Lynette]

Oh hello there, nice to see a post on this. I probably read all the discussion before but I have forgotten it.

I think of The Tricycle as 'not fringe' because it is treated as mainstream by the media with lots of coverage; it has a varied repetoire which it selects v well and superb production values; there is a nice bar area; the seats are comfy; you can book reserved seating on the phone..I know, I know  lots of fringe venues have these too but for me fringe is say, the Finborough, the Arcola and the Rosemary Branch, all three I've been to more than once where there is a smaller seating area and a bit of the take -your- chances with the offering..I like that too but I'm trying to make a distinction and answer your question. You know it might sound like the star ratings for hotels, the food and rooms lousey but a trouser press rates a star!

No, I see the T as ' not fringe'  because it punches well above its weight and I have seen stuff there which has been deserving of the West End.

Anyway, I like the T and I see that it has become known for its political drama which is nice seeing as though the National has been trying to do 'political ' now for so long and imo failing dismally. It also does 'ethnic ' better than the National and draws a more 'mixed ' audience than I have ever seen at the National or in the West End.

A confused response but I hope raising some points.

[dude-1981]

I see where you are coming from Lynette but the only two categories we have are West End and Fringe/Off West End.  For me the Tricycle is defo 'Fringe' but I don't use that to mean lesser in any way, so it's not a problem for me.  

And where does the Royal Court fit in?  Not mentioned by Sycamore Flint, but can't be seen as Fringe.  

An interesting distinction could be on sale in the tkts booth and non for sale in the tkts booth?

[Lynette]

I don't mean fringe = lesser. Sorry if I seemed to imply that.

[El Peter]

The Tricycle is part of the Fringe, but 'Fringe' in many cases doesn't mean 'lesser' in quality though does mean that in terms of venue size, limited funds and the like. There are very good reasons why people interested in theatre have a lot of time for the Fringe. In Edinburgh, too, it is the so-called Fringe that often makes the running at festival time.

[mikepellen]

From 30 Sept, that date + 1/2 Oct at early bird rate.

So now, we're seeing Sher, SRB and Rylance all within about 4 weeks. It's like the planets aligning.

that sounds like a super 4 weeks!