The Everything Theatre Fringe Theatre Awards, or Etties for short, are simply our fun round up of the past year. Previously, come the end of the year we’ve asked our reviewers to pick some highlights which we would publish as a round up of the best of the year. But in 2022 we decided we should do things a little differently. And that is the Etties.
Obviously we don’t have a team of assessors to go and watch every show, so we aren’t going to pretend these are anything more than a fun way to highlight some of the shows our team have loved in the past year. The shortlists have been put together by looking back at our 4- and 5-star reviews, and then discussing within the team which feel are the very best of the bunch. It’s not the most scientific approach but what awards ever are?
The only real criteria we set was that the awards are for Fringe Theatre, so we’ve excluded any big West End shows and the touring shows we’ve seen this year. They get enough recognition so we really wanted to stay true to our core aim of being a supporter of Fringe Theatre.
You can find out more about the Etties, along with all the other award categories, here. We’ll announce the winners during our Runn Radio show on 18 January.
The Chairs
Almeida Theatre – February 2022
This production is slick, skilful absurdism and adds to the Almeida’s strong tradition of reimagining classical texts. Honestly? One of the best things I’ve seen in a long time.
Matt Aldridge
Bacon
Finborough Theatre – March 2022
Bacon does what only theatre can do: it articulates complex experiences that might otherwise be challenging to understand. It examines many sides to all too recognisable social issues, clearing the fog until the causes of toxicity and its subsequent damage become apparent. And it addresses what must be done to change things. You will laugh, you will cry and you will be breathless when you leave.
Mary Pollard
Rainer
Arcola Theatre – June 2022
For the entire hour, I was transfixed, thinking about nothing else except Rainer. The direction, writing, set, lighting and performance were all at an exceptional level. I left feeling melancholy, but in the best way; a subtle but genuine triumph.
Kit Bromovsky
All This Must Pass
Lion and Unicorn Theatre – August 2022
After the applause finished and the lights came on, there was a noticeable pause, a moment for us to gather ourselves before people started to pick up their bags and head off into the evening. Even reflecting on the production now, the next afternoon, All This Must Pass is unambiguously magnificent.
Dave Bushe
Dog/ Actor
Etcetera Theatre – August 2022
It is clear from this double bill that the range and skill shown by Smith is, quite frankly, ridiculously impressive, not to mention captivating. To top it all off, Smith also directs himself. A remarkable show from a remarkable performer.
Dave Bushe
For a Palestinian
Camden’s People Theatre – September 2022
The level of passion demonstrated by Hasna is comparable to little I have seen on stage, and this production has elevated my perspective of the Palestinian past and present. Highly recommended
Charlotte Boreham
The Silence of Snow
Bridge House Theatre – Novemeber 2022
I cannot find a fault with this performance, and thus by inference its writer and performer Farrelly. It is rare to find a production that has been so thoughtfully put together and subtly written whilst being performed with such prowess and distinction.
Sara West
Paradise Now
Bush Theatre – December 2022
Paradise Now! is unmissable. A contemporary study of relationships, women and modern capitalism, the play could be an Oscar-winning film as much as it will be an award-winning play. This is down to the elements of theatre not only working beautifully, but working beautifully together.
M Jacob
