What a year it’s been! We had to say goodbye to some amazing shows throughout the year but some amazing ones opened accross the globe. As we are getting ready to wave 2023 goodbye and tackle 2024, here is our selection of shows that blew us away this year.
Currated by our talented team of writers!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
A most curious case has landed in London! This new stage adaption of Fitzgerald’s classic story takes you all the way to a little seaside town in Cornwall where a child like no other is born. This stunning acto-muso musical has it all: captivating story, loveable character, gorgeous music and a flawless design that leaves you wanting more! The show closed in July 2023 after a short run at the Southwark Elephant Playhouse and we hope it’ll have a new life in 2024!
Hex
A retelling of Sleeping Beauty in a spellbinding musical but with a twist! Instead of following the Princess’s storyline, the story is told by the Fairy who does the cursing. Incredibly funny and weirdly heartwarming, this National Theatre production is beautiful take on the classic tale! The show closed in January 2023 but you can still enjoy the cast album online.
Sylvia
“March Women March! This hymn is chanted throughout the theatre as a cry for justice and equality. Telling the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, the musical shed light on all that she has accomplished and fought for during her entire life without omitting the lows and the setbacks she faced. A truthful and awakening show that will inspire you to get up and continue the fight! Sylvia ran at the Old Vic Theatre in early 2023.
Once in Concert
The timeless love story was beautifully adapted as a concert at the Palladium for one day only in March 2023. Starring Jamie Muscato and Carrie Hope Fletcher, the show possessed wit, heart, and passion. Accompanied by a talented ensemble of actor-musicians, the musical brings a touch of magic in our lives through gorgeous, folklore music. A love story for the ages!
Hamnet
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s book, the play shed new light on Shakespeare’s life and the woman who shaped it. Performed beautifully by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the show follows the life of Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, and the tragic death of their son. Grief, passion, and nature get intertwined in this great love letter to theatre and the arts. The show is playing at the Garrick Theatre until February 2024!
Molière, l’Opéra Urbain
Discover a brand new french musical about one of France’s greatest genius! This Hamilton inspired musical is sure to blow you away with amazing choreography, stage design and catchy songs. A musical like no other. Molière, l’Opéra Urbain is currently playing at the Dome de Paris. The show will embark on a national tour across France in 2024.
Brokeback Mountain
A heartbreaking and moving love story that still rings true today. A whirlwind of emotions that swept us off of our feets in the most unexpected way. While the story is so well-known, it’s the actors that won us over in this intimate and simple piece. Brokeback Mountain played at @sohoplace this summer and starred Mike Faist as Jack and Lucas Hedges as Ennis.
StarKid’s Nerdy Prudes Must Die!
It’s one of the most professional-looking, put-together shows the company has ever produced. The score is just banger after banger and the story is so well-written, with clever nods to previous Hatchetfield show (as it’s the last installment of a musical trilogy) that still don’t confuse people who haven’t seen the previous material. Besides, the acting performances were phenomenal, especially newcomer Will Branner as Max Jägerman and Angela Giarratana as Grace Chasity.
The Great Gatsby
Of course, Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada were fantastic in bringing this story to life along with the rest of the cast. However, I was hesitant at first about seeing a classical novel as a musical, especially since it’s one of our favorites, but they did an excellent job with maintaining the elements of the source material. Our favorite parts were the set pieces, costumes, and extravagant dance numbers!
Heathers
It was so energetic, you couldn’t help but love it. the cast just gave it 110% and every beat landed, whether comedic or emotional. Heathers played its final performance on September 3rd, after 5 amazing years. A classic, fan-favourite musical that won the audience over years after years! This show will be missed dearly in the West End.
Back To The Future
Great Scott! An electric ride came to Broadway and it’s one of the most fun and exciting show we had the opportunity to witness this year! Roger Bart, still as amazing as Doc, is starring alongside Hugh Cole reprising his role as George McFly. Newcomer Casey Likes is sure to win you over with his Marty McFly! Make sure to pay a visit to Hill Valley if you can. The show is currently running at the Winter Garden Theatre.
Sweeney Todd
We’d never seen it live before and with such a powerful cast it was an unforgettable experience! This revival of the Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler masterpiece is not to be missed! The show will star Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster this february. Sweeney Todd is playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, make sure you don’t miss it!
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