Love London Love Culture has been to see lots of high quality productions this year – here’s the top 20 picks (too difficult to narrow it down to just 10!)
20. The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre: if you are ever in need of a laugh then Mischief Theatre are guaranteed to deliver either with The Play That Goes Wrong or their latest one – both of which are still going strong in the West End. Read Love London Love Culture’s review here.
19. Miracle on 34th Street, Bridge House Theatre: this perfect festive treat was worth going to see with its warm hearted nature and cosy surroundings. More than capable of melting anybody’s heart. Read the review here.
18. Carousel, London Coliseum: this glorious revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical was a beautiful tribute to the wonderful score that really rang out across the venue. Read the review here.
17. Yank! Charing Cross Theatre: among the many glorious musicals to grace the London stage, this lovely and heartfelt production of the musical boasted a strong cast and was a delight to watch from beginning to end.
16. Honk! Union Theatre: this year it was very much about the music of Anthony Drew and George Stiles as they have had three works stage in London this year – including this adorable production based on The Ugly Duckling.
15. La Ronde, Bunker Theatre: there is nothing like theatre with a twist and this brilliant production was a great example of this!
14. Venus in Fur, Theatre Royal Haymarket: if you didn’t get a chance to see this brilliantly executed production of David Ives play – you missed an absolutely stunning performance from Natalie Dormer. Deeply engaging and fascinating to watch unfold.
13. Late Company, Trafalgar Studios: following a successful run at the Finborough Theatre, Jordan Tannahill’s play is powerful, gripping and emotional to watch unfold and will hopefully come back to the stage soon.
12. The Red Shoes, New Wimbledon Theatre: Matthew Bourne’s production based on the classic film was beautiful to watch from beginning to end, showcasing the talents of all of the dancers well.
11. Tryst, Tabard Theatre: it was great to see Natasha Barnes in a role so completely different to what audiences were used to. Based on true events, this gripping thriller had plenty of twists and turns to keep audiences guessing.
10. Half a Sixpence, Noel Coward Theatre: fabulously energetic and wonderfully performed this was certainly a musical that has captured people’s hearts this year – with its catchy tunes and lovely choreography it was a complete joy to watch!
9. Promises, Promises, Southwark Playhouse: based on the classic Billy Wilder film The Apartment and featuring the music of Burt Bacharach and lyrics by Hal David, Promises Promises was a great start to the musical year!
8. Young Frankenstein, Garrick Theatre: this Mel Brooks musical is hilarious from beginning to end. If you loved the original film you will adore the new jokes and songs that highlight the wacky sense of humour!
7. 31 Hours, Bunker Theatre: with the importance of men’s mental health being highlighted a lot in the news, this play and production couldn’t be better timed. Powerful and engaging it was difficult but important to watch.
6. The Woman in White, Charing Cross Theatre: featuring a newly revised score, this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is beautiful and haunting to watch.
5. The Kite Runner, Playhouse Theatre: based on Khaled Hosseini’s best selling novel, this play is guaranteed to make you cry so powerful is this adaptation. Everything about it rings with sincerity and was beautifully performed.
4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre: this new Harry Potter story ties in well with the rest of the series and features some stunning real life magic that is captivating throughout. If you can get a ticket – it is well worth a visit.
3. Romantics Anonymous, Shakespeare’s Globe: with its delicious combination of classy and sweet songs mixed with wonderful characters, Emma Rice’s musical really deserves a longer life!
2. An American in Paris: it is sad that this musical’s run is coming to an end so soon given the fact it has consistently wowed audiences since opening earlier this year. Fabulous dancing and classic songs make this a stunning adaptation of the classic film.
1. 42nd Street, Theatre Royal Drury Lane: glitzy and spectacular this is one of the biggest musicals in London and a firm favourite. Everything about it works perfectly: the energetic and fabulous dancing, the extraordinarily talented cast and creative team have created a wonderfully memorable show!