Alright lovelies, let’s clear something up. Theatre Village is more than happy to review a big-budget show if it sparks our interest — we’re always open to being wowed. But at our core, we’ve got a soft spot for the brave ones. The independents. The underdogs who carry their dreams up to Edinburgh, stretch every penny, and still deliver the kind of show that makes the hairs on your arms stand on end.
Fair’s Fair
We believe in fairness. The big-budget shows already have the spotlight — glossy posters plastered across town, an entourage working overtime, and queues round the block. Good for them. But what about the debut playwright with no budget? The solo comic who maxed out their overdraft just to get here? The tiny company rehearsing in a living room?
The Fringe is magical, but it’s also brutal — the costs can make or break people. That’s why Theatre Village leans towards the independents. Because they don’t have the funds behind them, but what they do have is raw passion. And we believe that deserves just as much attention as the West End transfer hopefuls.
A Stage Doesn’t Need Sparkles
The truth? You don’t need an elaborate set to blow an audience away. Give me a microphone, a single spotlight, and someone with something to say — and I’ll show you theatre that cuts deeper than a West End chandelier drop. The same goes for comedy: if you can make 30 people in a sweaty basement laugh until they wheeze, you don’t need neon signs or smoke machines. That’s talent. Pure and simple.
Why We Do It
Because the independents are the lifeblood of theatre. They’re the ones taking risks, telling new stories, shaking up the stage when everyone else is playing it safe. Without them, theatre would be beige — and who wants beige?
The Theatre Village Way
We’re not your typical review site. We’ve got personality. We’ve got cheekiness. We’ve got banter. Grace (that’s me) might even sneak in a postie pun or two while we’re at it. But behind the sass is something real: we care about giving the underdogs a platform. We want to be the satchel that carries your story out into the world.
So if you’re an indie artist, a debut playwright, a comic with a dream and a pint-sized audience — know this: Theatre Village is rooting for you. We’ll be there, notebook in hand, ready to cheer you on if we believe in your show.
Because in our Village, everyone deserves a stage.