Theatre feature: Our reviewers' picks of 2024

Our reviewers' picks of 2024

Date: 2 January 2025
Reporter: David Chadderton

Gerard McCabe and Shaun Blaney in Octagon Theatre Bolton, Barn Theatre & Wiltshire Creative's Stones in his Pockets Credit: Alex Tabrizi

Dave MacCready and Colin Connor in American Buffalo at The Kings Arms, Salford Credit: Shay Rowan

Aaron Kok in Northern Ballet's Romeo and Juliet Credit: Emily Nuttall

Tristan Sturrock in the title role of Wise Children's Blue Beard Credit: Steve Tanner

Norah Lopez Holden in Shed: Exploded View at Royal Exchange Theatre Credit: Johan Persson

The cast of Little Shop of Horrors from Octagon Theatre Bolton, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre by the Lake & Hull Truck Theatre Credit: Pamela Raith

Ingrid Lacey, Neil Pearson, Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan and Jeff Rawle in Drop the Dead Donkey Credit: Manuel Harlan

Ellena Begley and Bobbie Twaddle in Katherine & Pierre at Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

Shawna Hamic (Ursula) and the cast of Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch Credit: Pamela Raith

Stephen Kunken and Raad Rawi in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Kyoto Credit: Manuel Harlan

Lee Bisset and Bradley Daley in Götterdämmerung and the Ring cycle at Longborough Festival Opera Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis

David Shields in Punch at Nottingham Playhouse Credit: Marc Brenner

Ivan Stott in Welfare at Derby Theatre Credit: Pamela Raith

The cast of Come from Away Credit: Craig Sugden

Matt Rawle and the company of Barnum at Watermill Theatre, Newbury Credit: Pamela Raith

Posi Morakinyo, Ferdy Roberts, Cyril Nri, Adrien Brody, Michael Fox and Tommy Sim_aan in The Fear of 13 at Donmar Warehouse Credit: Manuel Harlan

Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé in The Royal Ballet's Manon Credit: Fonteini Christofilopoulou

Tess from Okham's Razor Credit: Kie Cummings

Laura Pitt-Pulford, Elizabeth Ayodele and Rachael Wooding in Standing at the Sky's Edge Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The Sex Lives of Puppets from Blind Summit Credit: Nigel Bewley

Paapa Essiedu in Death of England: Delroy Credit: Helen Murray

Matthew Baldwin and Chris Lane in Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! from He's Behind You Credit: Steve Gregson

South

Karen Bussell (South West)

Come From Away A strangely feelgood, fun and entertaining musical about flights grounded in the back of beyond due to 9/11. Oddly charming and uplifting.
A double delight of the zany Le Navet Bete: King Arthur and Cinderella.
And staying local: The Last Shout—evocative and thought-provoking piece about the Penlee lifeboat disaster by Cornish writer Simon Parker.
The tours de force of War Horse and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (but I do wish it would tour with an orchestra).
The absolutely amazing effects and puppetry of Life of Pi.
Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me): single-handed retelling of Milton’s epic "Creation" poem squished into an off-the-wall (and up a rope) mixture of theatre, comedy, dance and anthemic music
Cassie and the Lights—a heart-wrenching homespun tale of three sisters which asks tough questions about parenting and the law.
1927’s quirky meld of animation and live action in Please Right Back.
Piece of Work: James Rowland explores (via Hamlet) complicated relationships and his search for peace, home and the ultimate chicken burger.
São Paulo Dance Company’s postponed UK and Ireland première tour Anthem; Gnawa; Agora: thrilling and explosive with technical prowess and athleticism paramount.

Robin Strapp (South East)

The Emu War: Pearl Whirl, written by Lottie Pearl with music by Toby Little
Edinburgh Fringe Pleasance Theatre
“This production captured the playfulness and tomfoolery with imposing choreography in this fast paced highly enjoyable production that oozed exuberance.”

A Little Night Music: Stephen Sondheim, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Edinburgh Fringe Assembly
“An enchanting performance. The staging and singing is sheer bliss.”

Barnum: Coleman, Stewart and Bramble
Watermill Theatre, Newbury
“The large ensemble perform with flair and energy with amazing circus skills it’s a production that leaves you wanting more.”

Pinocchio: Michael Morpurgo
Watermill Theatre, Newbury
“This is a magical vivacious production performed by a multi-talented company and is truly amazing.”

Beautiful Evil Things: Ad Infinitum
Corn Exchange, Newbury
“Immensely talented Debora Pugh gives an acting masterclass in this one woman show retelling of the Trojan Wars see through the eyes of Medusa.”