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.
For our Regional Theatre category, the criteria was simple; a show anywhere outside of London, but excluding Edinburgh. We’ve been trying to expand our coverage outside of London, although we didn’t do as well as we’d hoped in 2022. However we did see enough great shows to more than justify an award for them.
We’re always looking for reviewers around the country, so if you want to help us in 2023 to see more, and never know, maybe help us with next year’s award for shows outside London, then get in touch.
We’ll be announcing the winners of all our awards on our Runn Radio show on 18 January.
Cherry Jezebel
Everyman Playhouse, Liverpool – March 2022
The atmosphere flowed with the feelgood factor and applause. Glitter confetti rained from the ceiling while colourful lights illuminated the room, with an audience unanimously on its feet, suggesting a night with Cherry Jezebel is not to be missed.
Ezzy LaBelle
Wonder Boy
Bristol Old Vic – March 2022
Shakespeare’s words, ‘Answer me. Stand and unfold yourself’, take on a new significance here, as Wonder Boy gradually sees Sonny speak up and unfold himself, his trauma and his relationships, to the audience. We are privileged to watch his unfolding and his liberation.
Polly Allen
The Taxidermist’s Daughter
Chichester Festival Theatre – April 2022
The production neatly treads the line between suggestive and visible gore. Though some viewers might find later scenes a bit much, I felt it was tastefully done; to be fair, you can’t expect a play about taxidermy and trauma to be completely sanitised.
Polly Allen
Dog/ Actor
Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool – May 2022
Smith seamlessly become a range of different characters, differentiated through his movements, expressions and voice. The live transformations he makes are an acting masterclass.
Ezzy LaBelle
Sleeping Lions
Hanger Farm, Totton – September 2022
The closing image is one that will stay with audiences as they leave, both visually and emotionally. With what is revealed, we can’t help but try to examine the clues that were dropped along the way, and be impressed with the cleverness with which they were curated.
Anna Robinson
The winner will be announced on 18 January
