As we take our first steps into the new year, before we leave 2023 behind completely, I wanted to do a little roundup of my theatre trips! All the information in one place! So keep reading for a detailed retelling of my official ranking, including links to published reviews!
1. Crazy for You
A show that gets dreaming of dance and lets us do it too.
I sat there completely drawn into the story, warmed by surrounding laughter, not sure where to look because at absolutely every angle something amazing was happening. I left knowing I wanted to meet these people but also knowing that I am the kind of awkward person and nerdy theatre fanatic that could not get through stage door without completely embarrassing myself or simultaneously disappearing into an overwhelmed, starstruck, unworthy, smitten puddle - or both - probably both. So what I cannot say for fear of losing my cool in front of the epic or wasting passion on the ignorant, I write.
I write because of all the empty chairs, for the thought of all the people that storm past this hidden gem of a theatre, home to this show and cast of absolute perfection, I write because I’ve never seen a dancer like Charlie Stemp, because it’s so easy to swoon as he melts into that silky smooth dream of a performance that I might just have convinced myself that i’m that shout it from the rooftops kind of in love. I write for the best duets of all time, having fun with each other and having fun with us, for expert physical comedy, sets and countless picturesque moments that elevated everything.
Because she tapped on pointe shoes (!!), because Bradley Trevethan has a rhythmical style to him that makes him a certified scene stealer, because Philip Bertioli melted me with harmonies, because Susan Stroman has the perfect choreography for the comedic moments, for the romantic moments, for the ‘isn’t dance amazing’ moments.
I write because I may have a new favourite musical, for the walk home, humming and smiling, unable to fathom a day where these songs and him and her and them will not be playing in my head. For the moments when it was just music and dance and my heart sighed and became visible through my eyes. For being everything, I knew it would be from the second I heard tap musical and saw the word Gershwin, embodying that golden era of musicals, with accents that somehow give a direct supply of serotonin through my ears and to my brain, anxiety-inducing misunderstandings and happy endings and unexplainable feelings represented perfectly.
2. Newsies
This has been a favourite of mine since I first saw the 2017 Broadway cast on Disney +.
What’s not to love? That New York backdrop paving the way for innovative, urban set design, that stunning combination of modern jazz styles and tap working to accentuate and showcase the power of a cast of all male dancers, those killer harmonies that fill the audience with wonder and send shivers down our spines, the melodies that let you dream and feel and smile. It is the show with the most quotable lines, most iconic notes and steps.
With the characters of Newsies having been brought to fame with such iconic, memorable portrayals from the likes of Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Ben Cook, the cast at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre had a big task to undertake, balancing the line between living up to existing material, satisfying the audience that have already come to love these characters and songs, and making it their own, an entirely new variation.
The stage lent itself to constantly moving, fluid transitions and altogether one-of-a-kind chances for connection between the actors and the audience. Smiles broke on the faces of the cast as well as the crowd, so much that we could see truth of the passionate performer beneath their portrayal and unexplainable feelings of pride and support couldn’t help but be.
Sitting there, only steps away from the stage, reaching to catch the tossed newspaper pages with the same ecstatic energy as you would see a screaming fangirl catch a pair of drumsticks whilst in the front rows of a rock and roll gig, so sure I knew this show inside and out, feeling connected to those solid favourites, they managed to surprise me and I witnessed something I have only heard of on social feeds from distant lands – an all-female cast of the Brooklyn Newsies stormed on stage in a completely epic entrance and it was clear to everyone from the widening of my eyes, the brightening of my smile and the gasp escaped my mouth before my hand clasped over it, how grateful I was for the chance to see that different take.
3. Guys and Dolls
Overall, The Bridge Theatre production of Guys and Dolls somehow created something imaginative and different that also managed to stay true to the original songbook and script. That night we were given that unmatched experience of watching with pride and mirrored passion as an alternate casting took on a role with an incredible bright talent, watched as masterful comedy and impactful chemistry played out on a stage that rose and moved around us and were surrounded by an immersive, atmospheric, impactful use of space, transported by beautiful, bright costumes, lighting and set.
Let this be your reminder to re-watch shows more often! It is honestly a sad thing to just sit there and allow these experiences that once filled you with passion and happiness and creativity, fade from your mind, and who are we to say that we’ve seen the best production and cast of a show?! This production proved that to me!
4. Mamma Mia!
It’s been a bit of a Mamma Mia year this year!
May of this year, I finally saw the musical on stage at The Novello Theatre for the first time when I was surprised with tickets from my mum on my birthday, having talked about seeing it for so long and being told that I would love it – which I, of course, did – then, just weeks later, I was in Greece, going on a boat tour of the shooting locations for the Mamma Mia! movie, and how could I forget the months I spent just recently, snuggled on my sofa, unable to stop smiling, watching seven, unbelievably talented, Sophies & Skys competing for the lead roles in Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream! On ITV – and yes, I will be seeing it again in the new year with our new Sophie and Sky! It’s a must!
The Novello Theatre is stunning, all arches and elegance yet intimate and wholesome, you could feel the love for the show and music and musical theatre buzzing around you in the interval and it is clear that in the extended time this building has been home to this iconic storyline, they have become intertwined in a special feeling of everlasting comfort.
Watching the stage production had all the comfort and satisfaction of watching your comfort movie and all the warmth of a summer vacation and I am a sucker for the kind of spontaneous musical numbers and romance that Mamma Mia! has at the forefront. Funnily enough, it felt clear to me that the stage production came before the films, and I would even venture to say that it is better. The opportunities that musical theatre offers as a storytelling tool can sometimes be overlooked but this is a perfect example, all this expert handling of perspective, time, and plot results in a much richer final product where you feel like you know everyone so much better.
5. Death Suits You
This production really impressed me and honestly still holds up when I look back on it. I see the dramatic lighting, the way his body moved, the hint of comedy resulting in pockets of laughter, how he filled the space, equally impressive as the impact of the moments he left it empty. What one dances, what one sings and what one says are, in my eyes, separate the highest levels of theatrical storytelling. So, I hope you know that when I call someone a triple threat it is more than just a thrown away compliment. It is an accomplishment to learn and master these, let alone to convey meaning and captivate in all three. The show aside, I really recommend this venue, it has that creative, urban vibe going on, it is just a really cool imaginative venue, a hubble of art, and if I didn’t have to rush off home to type up my piece, I am certain I would meet some really cool people there.
See full review below
6. A Christmas Carol
I have to say, I went in with some doubts, but it won me over in mere minutes. It achieved perfection in such an unmatched way. It is so easy to describe a one man show of a text like this with ‘just’s’ and apprehension but that, I suppose, just shows you the imagination and artistic talent it takes to pull it off. I can assure you as easy as it is to doubt on arrival, it is impossible to go back to that after you leave. Mitch Benn’s A Christmas Carol was the perfect festive theatre experience as, captivated by his presence and chameleon-like talent, you are tickled and moved and engaged through a production that overall does not do or tell you anything particularly new but is fresh and creative.
See full review below
7. Little Scratch
One of the biggest pleasures of volunteering with West End Best Friend has been the chance to see smaller, more alternative art, theatre that I might not have chosen, or even found, before – and Little Scratch was certainly like nothing I have seen before. Many stage shows have blown me away in the past, mostly within musical theatre. In so many of these instances I can remember sitting in my chair feeling struck, almost overwhelmed, by the power or spectacle of a voice or a dance number, the colour, the sheer number of people on the stage. That is what would stick in my mind. What Little Scratch went to show me is that power does not have to come from spectacle or any dressing, in fact the spectacle can come from the power. Bringing a piece of writing to life didn’t, and doesn’t, have to involve any tailoring. Little Scratch asked a lot of the imagination in some ways, the stripped back nature of the production, the simple nature of the portrayal, but it was honest and earnest. At multiple points, the production was difficult to watch, it pushed the boundary of comfort, smashed the fourth wall to a million pieces. It achieved some really clever, powerful moments and went to some very vulnerable places. As someone who struggles with anxiety sometimes there were points that really rang true for me! It put writing and words on display in a beautiful, really impressive way and I just loved seeing that.
See full review below
8. 42nd Street
This show was bright, colourful, almost wistful, to watch, a wave of stunning steps and wonderful vocals and smiles all around to match. A story about a dream come true is always a joy to behold and this is no different. A big stage, as stunningly dressed as the cast, with expert designs for best use of space, atmosphere and host to the magic that takes place on it. This is the second time I have seen this show, first as a young amateur dancer, not much confidence to be seen except that which she felt calling herself a tapper, and now as a young theatre critic, with a passion for theatre that only grew, her confidence growing too and now placed in the belief that she has finally found her place in the theatre industry, just as giddy hearing the tapping of a keyboard as the tapping of feet. The impressive impact of the show remains. Tap dance, as I have said briefly above, has largely attracted its own genre of musical. 42nd Street is not that. It is completely in a league of its own. Some assorted musicals have touches of its allure but those small doses are all we can compare it to. New York and auditioning and stage life we have seen but this time there is a unique positivity and striking charm.
See full review below
9. Makeshifts and Realities
The experience of watching this play was quite literally like finding a hidden gem. I arrived at the Finborough Theatre to see closed doors and blocked windows, a beautiful building but, by all accounts, not in its prime, perhaps even on a downslide to a plateau. Stepping inside a side door and climbing the tall winding stairs it was hard to overlook the cover of this book but, soon enough a new page was turned over and it was clear almost immediately that this cast was full of wonderful talent which deserved to be seen by so many more than just the people in that little studio layout that night. Fully becoming their characters with incredible presence and multi-faceted talent, carefully, artisticly curated from within them and projected outward with undeniable expertise. Surrounded by beautiful costumes, set dressing and props, it was one of those sensational nights where everything just came together to produce the kind of show I absolutely love, where you are completely transported.
See full review below
10. Vinegar and Brown Paper
This was such a wonderful true story adaptation, a story of inspiration, change and development. Unfortunately, just shy of a perfect performance but honestly packed full of satisfying moments, music to the ears, sights for sore eyes, all of it. I was lucky enough to meet the writer of the piece, Richard Fitchett, on the night, who just exuded passion, looking after his little baby of a project with such care and feeling the precarious, intense nature of press night so personally. I find the writers and directors to be the most incredible, interesting people of these creative processes and to feel how important my contribution as a critic is to their goal is amazing. Seeing how these talented creatives are never done telling stories and never get any surer that something will come of their endeavours but never lose sight of that dream or mistake any success for guarantees is a true inspiration. Another artist taking a shot that night was young actress, Beth Taylor, who was truly a shining star, recently graduated from Oxford School of Drama, and if your heart needs more warming, we deciphered that a group of young girls towards the back of the crowd were her friends, there to support her and witness the latest big step she was taking. Seriously, am I melting!
See full review below.
11. Richard III
Checking a new Shakespeare play off the list will always be an opportunity I have to jump at and Richard III was one such first time watch. I love seeing Shakespeare reimagined and seeing how Adjoa Andoh read this play was so interesting, with some beautiful, intricate choices and details brought to the modern stage. As complex as it can sometimes seem, Shakespeare has the uncanny ability to become a true blank canvas for creative minds to demonstrate abstract thinking and bring new relevance to a piece so eternally recognisable that we call it classic, for actors to show their training and creative process in clarity. An actor taking on Shakespeare brings a whole new character to being. You hear people making the distinction between David Tennant’s Hamlet and Kenneth Branagh’s. Only with Shakespeare. It is also true, however, that everything these actors are doing is a service to the original words. Pure poetry performed, made relatable and funny and simple.
See full review below
12. Windfall
Aside from the story which opened up some interesting dramatic themes of betrayal, desperation and anger, a big draw to this one was Miss Joanne Clifton, who I’d been following pretty closely for a while. It had become a bit of a habit to try and see theatre pieces that she was involved in and this was something a little different, the first straight play, no dancing, no singing. I love my musical theatre, of course, but it has also been really exciting to see some more plays with West End Best Friend, as I have wanted to do for a really long time. This time of immersing myself in theatre more and more has been eye opening in the most wonderful, unpredictable ways. It has been a journey of passion and discovery and appreciation of the endless possibilities of art. Windfall, above all else, was a demonstration of the freedom of comedic acting and the treat that is watching a cast joined in creativity and trust, lean on and bounce off of one another, producing something completely unexpected and original for their audience.
See full review below
13. Conscience
Every reviewer has to do it someday, it comes with the territory. You’re not going to love everything, but you have to be honest. It’s easy to say off-handed and to accept as a basic understanding, you want your words to be taken seriously, to do something, to help. I’ve sat in lecture halls, hearing about the great and powerful ‘accuracy’, hero to citizens and protector of journalists, but when you’re faced with it head-on, new things come to light. I realised my experience in the world of theatre may give me a slightly different perspective to some others whose hands hover perpetually over notepads and keyboards. I realised I see reviews as a service to the performer as much as they are to the potential audiences. So in some ways this type of review was easier than the others because I knew exactly what I wanted to say, it may have been the fastest review ever, but it was also difficult to be at my most critical, even my editor said it read a star above what I was giving it. How, as a critic, do you set aside the fact that you only see one show of a longer run, the understanding that an off night could result in a review that deters audiences form attending even though it could get better? It’s that classic thing, no one gets anywhere without experience but if that is true how can you get the experience. Have I become something that gets in the way of theatre getting better? In the end the truth is all I can cling to and the truth of it was the concept had so much potential for a powerful, dramatic performance but the portrayal I saw was kind of underwhelming.
See full review below
Honourable Mention:
West End Live
Not technically a theatre experience but I was at West End Live this year, and while there were so many good performances, I specifically have to mention Babies The Musical. I stumbled upon this sensational musical concept on a scroll down the For You page on TikTok. I did a double – maybe even triple-take at the familiar faces of theatre stars whose talent and journeys had grabbed my attention tightly, such names as Hannah Lowther, …, and a song of such fun and harmony that I would let that TikTok loop go on for the rest of the day. I saw the project pop up a few more times after that, new songs, new performers, I wondered if I would ever get to see a true, steady West End run, worried it might disappear before I got to see it in its entirety. I was ecstatic to see the title on the West End Live line up, we only have 4 songs on Spotify but when I say I have listened to them on repeat not a lie-detector in all the land would dare question it. As some of you may know and be screaming at your screens right now, I had my chance in November when it was put on in concert, but after silly hang ups like caring about most likely going alone and obligations to work, I missed my chance. Fingers crossed there is more to come! … and just when I thought my blurry iPhone video of the set at West End Live could not get more precious, I find that the Mamma Mia magic of 2023 lingers here too. It turns out Stephanie Costi, third place Sophie in Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, was on that stage!
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