As always, this year I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some incredible pieces of theatre, and with the year soon coming to a close, I wanted to take the time to celebrate my favourites I’ve seen this year. There’s dance and more plays as well as musicals, as this year I made a more concerted effort to broaden my theatrical horizons, something I want to continue in 2020. So, without further ado and NOT in any order of preference at all, here we go!

Notre Dame de Paris

Let’s start with where I began the year, as it was a pretty special first on two levels: my first visit to the London Coliseum, and my first time seeing a show in a language other than my own. This adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel features some absolutely stunning music and the level of talent on that stage was phenomenal: Richard Charest in particular still holds a little piece of my heart! You can read my full thoughts on it here

The Bridges of Madison County

How could this show not make my list? I thought I’d never get to see it, but after three years of loving and longing, the Menier Chocolate Factory came through for me. Hearing Jason Robert Brown’s score that I love so much in context and the story unfolding up so close was just phenomenal. I saw it three times in the end, and found it so hard to say goodbye!

It introduced so many talented people to me properly, including Jenna Russell who was exquisite as Francesca, and Edward Baker-Duly who was an absolute joy as Robert… I miss the smile he gave to me at curtain call massively. Over two of my visits, I managed to meet the majority of the cast, and they are some of the most generous and loving folks I’ve ever met; I look forward to supporting them in future ventures whenever I can from now on!

It also wins “Best Stage Door Encounters” of the year 😉

You can read my thoughts on my first Bridges of Madison County trip here.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

When Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake came up on our review roster at my local theatre for BroadwayWorldUK, I quite literally begged to be the one to review it. I had missed out on tickets to his productions for years (venues only have a set number of wheelchair spaces).

Due to my Cerebral Palsy, I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with dance – I’m in awe of the skill and artistry, but that’s always mixed with a bit of jealousy and sadness. I was totally floored by everything and everybody in this production in the best kind of way, by the time I got home I was so pumped on adrenaline I was shaky and shed a few tears.

I thought the whole company were utterly incredible, but I particularly hope it won’t be the last time I see Will Bozier dance.

I’m thrilled to be seeing my 2nd New Adventures production next year with The Red Shoes, with the bonus of it being at Sadlers Wells!

The Hunt

My second outing to the Almeida, seeing one of my favourite actors Tobias Menzies up close, this play (an adaptation of the 2012 Danish film) was one of the most intense afternoons I had at the theatre this year. My nerves were absolutely shredded by the end and I was absolutely spent, but everything about it captured me, so much so I had to continually remind myself to breathe; I was scared of breaking its spell! Some more coherent thoughts on The Hunt can be read here

The Deep Blue Sea

All of my visits to Chichester’s theatre over the years thus far have been fab but I’m especially pleased to single out this production as one of my favourites of the year. The Deep Blue Sea is a favourite play of mine, and this production was so powerful, intimate and moving, comprising a stellar cast including Nancy Carrol, Gerald Kyd, and the always wonderful Hadley Fraser. Full thoughts on the play here.

Hamilton

I’ve done a complete 180 with Hamilton; roughly a year and a half ago I just didn’t get it. But I persevered with the Cast Recording, fell in love and have seen it three times this year. I’ve had the honour of seeing a dear favourite Waylon Jacobs as a hilarious King George and an incredible Burr twice, Aaron Lee Lambert as Washington and the current fabulous leads, Karl Queensborough and Sharon Rose as my original Hamilton and Eliza while they were still understudies. I love the energy around the show, the choreography and how intricate the harmonies are, and I’ll always look forward to being in The Room Where It Happens!

This was really difficult for me to whittle down as I’ve seen so much great theatre this year, but I’m really happy with this list. What were your favourite pieces you saw this year?

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