Admist a crazy personal year with lots of big changes, writing for my blog ended up having to take a backseat. But I couldn’t let 2023 slip by without doing a round-up of the theatre shows that stayed with me long after the curtain fell. So join me on a journey through my top theatrical adventures of 2023, from new British musicals to exciting revivals, these are my top 10 shows of the year!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Southwark Playhouse Elephant
Without a doubt, my favourite show of the year was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This heart-wrenching tale of a man with a strange but incurable illness, where he ages in reverse, stole my heart with its rich folk score, intricate choreography, and a talented cast of actor-musicians. There was something incredibly special about this show, and I can only imagine they have their sights set on bigger things in the future.
Next to Normal – Donmar Warehouse
What do my top two shows of the year have in common? They both starred Olivier Award winner Jamie Parker, who was very much thriving this year. Next To Normal is a show I have a very strong emotional connection to, and the cast recording has held a special place in my heart for many years. To finally see it on stage felt like a dream. Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s musical, known for its raw and thought-provoking, was brought to the Donmar Warehouse with a stellar cast. The news of a West End transfer was a very welcome one!
Operation Mincemeat – Fortune Theatre
The word-of-mouth hype is strong with this one! I went into the show not knowing what to expect and came out understanding why everyone was raving about it. Operation Mincemeat even ended up in my top five artists for my Spotify Wrapped this year. I just cannot get enough of this wacky musical about one of the craziest WWII operations and already have tickets to see it again in 2024. Read my review of Operation Mincemeat.
Groundhog Day – Old Vic
Groundhog Day and I have a tumultuous history. I missed the show when it was at the Old Vic originally and was given a second opportunity to see it when I happened to be in New York at the same time it was running on Broadway. The issue was that I planned my days wrong and turned up for Rush tickets on a day they didn’t have any shows (very embarrassing!). So, this was the third time lucky for me! Tim Minchin’s musical was definitely worth the wait, with Andy Karl delivering a performance for the ages. My only regret is not being able to see it twice.
Sunset Boulevard – Savoy Theatre
Jamie Lloyd’s production of Sunset Boulevard is such an unhinged interpretation of the piece, and I loved every second of it. It’s not often you need to hire a cinematographer for a stage show, but the choice to incorporate screen and stage acting into a show about a faded Hollywood star was a stroke of absolute genius. Lloyd strips back the musical to its bare bones and presents a much darker (and very bold) version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Rachel Tucker in the role during the run, but I can confirm Nicole Scherzinger was born to play Norma Desmond.
Flowers For Mrs Harris – Riverside Studios
Jenna Russell is astonishing in everything she does, so Flowers For Mrs Harris was essential viewing. And oh, it did not disappoint. Having not read the book or seen the movie adaptation, I didn’t realize the emotional rollercoaster that awaited me. This gorgeous musical is full of hope, friendship, and self-discovery. Ada Harris transforms the lives of everyone she meets, including mine.
Standing At The Sky’s Edge – Olivier Theatre, National Theatre
Standing At The Sky’s Edge follows three generations of families who all live in the same flat in the historic Park Hill housing estate. The way in which the narratives are interwoven and performed, often side-by-side, had the potential to be confusing and convoluted but is, in fact, incredibly compelling and cohesive. Sheffield-born singer-songwriter Richard Hawley lends his songs to this new jukebox musical, portraying the struggles of working-class people in Sheffield across numerous decades. Read my review of Standing At The Sky’s Edge.
Guys & Dolls – Bridge Theatre
Guys & Dolls transports you to the streets of New York in this immersive production of the iconic Frank Loesser musical. Having seen the previous London revival of the show in 2015, I never thought the show was anything special. There are certainly some standout songs that stayed with me long after, but the story itself did not. Nicholas Hytner’s game-changing production, with its rising and falling platforms, however, is something for the theatrical history books. Read my review of Guys & Dolls.
Sondheim’s Old Friends – Gielgud Theatre
It’s not often you get to see two legends of musical theatre on stage together. Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters shone in this beautiful tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim’s best work. Any fan of Sondheim’s musicals would adore this poignant celebration of a man who revolutionized musical theatre with his ambitious work. There was not a dry eye in the house by the end!
Crazy For You – Gillian Lynne Theatre
Have you got rhythm? Because Charlie Stemp certainly does. I was crazy for Susan Stroman’s stunning choreography in this joyous and uplifting musical. The story revolves around Bobby Child, a well-to-do New Yorker, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a theatre. However, Bobby falls in love with the local postmistress, Polly Baker, and decides to save the theater by putting on a show. Charlie Stemp has never had a better opportunity to shine than he does in Crazy For You.
What were your top shows of 2024? Let me know in the comments!