Off West End

{{Short description|Theatres in London, England}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

Off West End refers to theatres in London which are not included as West End theatres. The term is a relatively recent one, coined after the similar American term "off-Broadway" (though without the same strict definition). It is usually used synonymously with the more widespread term fringe (or, specifically, the London Fringe), but sometimes is also used to refer to more mainstream or commercial theatre which is located within London but outside the centre, or to especially small and non-commercial theatres located within the centre.{{cite web|url=http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/off-west-end-theatre|title=Off-West End Theatre|publisher=Time Out|access-date=1 May 2014}} According to London Theatre, "Smaller theatres, including many pub theatres, are called fringe, although some of these small theatres are also called off West End, particularly those located in the West End of London, where most of the big commercial theatres are. These small theatres can vary in size, with seating capacities of around 40 to 400."{{cite web |title=Overview of London Theatre |url=https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/info/london-theatre-overview |publisher=London Theatre}}

While West End Theatres must register with the Society of London Theatre, SOLT membership for the off West End is optional and is not widespread. The industry organisations for off West End and fringe venues are OffWestEnd,[http://www.offwestend.com "Offwestend.com"]. Retrieved 1 December 2024 the London Theatre Consortium[https://bac.org.uk/london-theatre-consortium "London Theatre Consortium"]. Retrieved 1 December 2024 (larger venues), and the Society of Independent Theatres (smaller venues).[http://www.sitgb.org "Sitgb.org"]. Retrieved 1 December 2024