Our Favourite Theatre Shows Of 2024
The Buddha of Suburbia, Wicked, Hadestown and Ballet Shoes production images.
Over the past year, our team has reviewed a staggering 700+ shows—a remarkable milestone that coincides with my 10th anniversary of blogging. 2024 has been an incredible journey, marked by a slight expansion of my team and the opportunity to witness some outstanding revivals and new productions across the UK. We’ve had a fantastic year and one of my highlights includes seeing our website’s name outside West End theatres. It’s important to note that this year wouldn’t have been as successful without my brilliant collective of writers.
If you're already planning for the year ahead, our "Shows to See in 2025" post is the perfect starting point for planning your theatre adventures.
But before we bid farewell to another unforgettable year in theatre, the Theatre and Tonic team has rounded up their top picks from across the UK. From exceptional plays and musicals to captivating dance performances and immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone to celebrate!
We’ll see you all in 2025 for more fabulous theatre! Thanks for your support this year!
Emmie, Founder and Editor of Theatre and Tonic
Hadestown production image. Photo by Marc Brenner.
Hadestown, Lyric Theatre
This musical is based on the Ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. Anaïs Mitchell’s music paired with this ancient tale makes for a very unique show. It is a breathtaking, soulful masterpiece that is pure theatrical magic. A spellbinding journey to the underworld—poetic, poignant, and utterly unforgettable.
Dr Strangelove, Noel Coward Theatre
This play is a new adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 film of the same name. It is an absurd and dark comedy with Steve Coogan playing all the titular roles. This story holds relevance today and is the perfect vehicle for Coogan’s talent.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle, Apollo Theatre
From the creatives of The Play that Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, Henry Lewis reprises his role of the mind reader in this solo show. With assistance from Jonathan Sayer, absolute hilarity ensues - Definitely the show this year that got me laughing the most!
Next to Normal production image. Photo by Marc Brenner
Next to Normal, Wyndham’s Theatre
An exploration of how grief affects a family, with Diana Goodman—a wife and mother living with bipolar disorder—at its heart. A tough story dealt with sensitively, paired with a rock score that felt intimate at the Donmar Warehouse and electric in the bigger space at the Wyndham’s Theatre. After loving this show for over a decade, finally seeing it in London was a dream come true!
Starter for Ten, Bristol Old Vic
Based on the book by David Nicholls and the 2006 film, this coming-of-age comedy follows Brian Jackson as he goes to university and fulfils his childhood dream of competing on the University Challenge. An excellent cast, catchy songs, and a great script that adapts the original material very well!
Stones in His Pockets, Salisbury Playhouse
Hollywood has landed in the sleepy Irish village of County Kerry—but behind the glamour, reality hits harder than expected, especially for local extras Charlie and Jake. Two actors play 15 characters between them in a whirlwind of laughs, emotion, technical wizardry, and Irish dancing.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Musical. Photo by Marc Brenner.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ambassadors Theatre
Undoubtedly one of the best musicals for many in our team this year is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It tells a beautiful, heartbreaking but at the same time heartwarming story, with stunning music, great direction and phenomenal performances from a brilliant cast of actor-musicians. It is a must-see in 2025 if you haven’t seen it already!
Diva Live from Hell, Kings Head Theatre
Outstanding performance from Luke Bayer playing multiple parts in this hilarious one man musical about a drama kid who goes a step too far taking revenge on his stagey rival. Catchy songs and a very witty book made this journey to Hell devilishly good fun!
Ballet Shoes, Olivier Theatre (National)
This adaptation of the classic children's book is brilliantly staged with a sublimely talented company bringing its colourful characters to life in a production that is about family, female empowerment and the absolute joy of following your dreams, whatever they may be.
Avenue Q 18th Birthday Concert, Sondheim’s Theatre
Watching the original London cast (including Giles Terera, Simon Lipkin and Jon Robyns) reunite to bring back one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen was such a treat. The adventures of Kate Monster, Gary Coleman, Trekkie and the gang are as funny as ever and I’m sure a West End return would see a whole new generation of fans discover that Avenue Q is not only “for now”!
Così fan tutte, Royal Opera House
It was never going to match the version by Phelim McDermott (My Neighbour Totoro) for vibrancy or colour but Jan Philipp Gloger goes for a more intellectual slant, taking this comic opera and using it to turn the art form inside out and upside down with clever direction and inspired set design.
Manikins: A Work In Progress, Crypt
Staged under a working church, Jack Aldisert’s creation is as intimate as it gets: two actors and a solo audience member take part in a thought-provoking 90-minute work that twists and turns until you don’t know which way is up. With its ambiguous title (this complex show is anything but a work in progress), it was this year’s underground immersive theatre hit and deservedly so.
Doctor Brown: Beturns, Soho Theatre
As clowns go, Doctor Brown is like Pennywise made flesh. Without saying a single word, this master absurdist is able to generate extreme reactions through non-verbal means. Under the guise of childish slapstick, he pulls us into his dark imagination, casually ripping up the book of theatre etiquette as he goes; he knows that sacred cows make the best hamburgers and wants us to know it too.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography.
Cruel Intentions The Musical, The Other Palace
An all round 90s romp of a time. Nostalgia and 90s tunes made for a great night out at The Other Palace! Cruel Intentions follows two cruel and twisted siblings who relish a life of luxury, sex and seduction. The production is heading on a tour in 2025 so if you didn’t manage to catch it in London, you must-see it in the new year!
Fawlty Towers The Play
Another successful transfer of a well-known show to the west end stage. The depictions of the characters we know and love were done so well and I’ve never belly laughed so much in my laugh at a play!
The King and I at The Dominion Theatre
Such a beautiful golden age of musical classics for all ages. An all round stunning production and the three-hour runtime didn’t feel any longer than any other musical production, I didn’t want the magic to end!
Macbeth, Harold Pinter Theatre
This groundbreaking production from the Donmar transferred to the West End. It was such a fascinating retelling of the iconic Scottish play, using sound to it’s advantage. You were fully immersed with sound being directed straight to your ears through headphones for every audience member.
Imelda Staunton in Hello, Dolly. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Hello Dolly, London Palladium
A musical with all the hallmarks of a timeless classic. The production returned to London for the first time in 40 years to critical acclaim and was well worth the wait after being shelved due to the pandemic. Let’s not forgetting that the stand out performance from Imelda Staunton who was phenomenal as always.
Operation Mincemeat, Fortune Theatre
This production continues to be a dazzling triumph of wit and originality. Brimming with razor-sharp lyrics, infectious energy, and pitch-perfect performances, this musical masterfully blends history with hilarity.
A Chorus Line (UK Tour)
A dazzling celebration of dance, dreams, and determination, A Chorus Line captures the raw emotion and electrifying energy of the classic production. With iconic choreography, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable numbers, it’s a powerful tribute to performers’ passion and resilience. Timeless, moving, and a must-see for musical lovers.
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) production image. Photo by Marc Brenner
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Criterion Theatre
An unexpected triumph. A warm hug of a show, a two-strong cast takes you on a journey for cake and so much more. Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) is a whimsical and heartfelt exploration of connection, serendipity, and the unforeseen sweetness of shared journeys. With a cast recording, we’ve not stopped listening since. We hope this is a show that will announce a comeback in the near future.
The Mad Ones, Old Stock Joint Theatre Birmingham
A show I had been dying to see for years with a great story, and brilliant songs. Formerly known as ‘The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown’ this YouTube viral musical made its UK debut in Birmingham earlier this year. We’re thrilled more audiences will have the chance to see it when it transfers to The Other Palace next year.
Life of Pi, UK Tour
A stunning visual display that elevates one of my favourite stories. A tale of survival and hope is told masterfully through striking visuals, outstanding acting and beautifully choreographed puppetry.
Punch, Nottingham Playhouse
A new play from James Graham made its premiere at the Nottingham Playhouse earlier this year. Punch is an unshakeable true-life account of the fatal consequences that occurred when the Nottingham teenager threw a single punch on a night out. It’s one of the productions which has stuck with me ever since and I’m delighted that we’re seeing it transfer to the Young Vic in 2025.
King Fawn (The Troll) at The New Diorama Theatre
A gripping dystopian allegory interrogating issues around intolerance and immigration. It had a fascinating narrative and was written superbly.
The Simple Life & Death at Pleasance London
It might just be that it’s the most recent show but Shay Shay Konno and Fizz Sincalir’s hilarious drag murder mystery cabaret was an absolute hoot. Packed with niche pop-culture references, this show was a guaranteed laugh a minute and made a great night out.
Daisy Greenwood, Joseph Peacock, Paige Peddie & Joseph Vella in Becoming Nancy. Photo by Mark Senior
Becoming Nancy, Birmingham REP
It is rare to find such a gem of new theatre that immediately makes you want to jump out of your seat and cheer from the moment the curtain rises, but that is precisely what you can expect from Becoming Nancy. Such a fantastic production which had it all; the story, the songs and the cast. It’s a story of acceptance from others as well as yourself which is portrayed so beautifully. We’d like this one back pronto please!
Oedipus, Wyndham’s Theatre
Robert Icke’s genius reimagining of this Archaic classic, proves how transformative theatre can be. Despite being a story everyone already knows, it delivers as much tension and suspense as if it were your first time seeing the play. A front runner of a show, with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville dazzling as the powerhouse fronting the show.
Kiss Me Kate, Barbican Theatre
A golden age goldie, that is just as gorgeous today as it’s ever been. Stephanie J Block certainly didn’t disappoint in her West End debut, and the rest of the cast provides stellar performances. A high energy show full of mega vocals, stunning dancing and Cole Porter’s satirical genius.
Myles Frost (MJ) and the original London company. Photo by Johan Persson
MJ: The Musical, Prince Edward Theatre
A brilliant insight into the rehearsal process of an MJ tour, that also delves into the complexities of his life, while providing hit after hit. I love the way all the best songs are woven into this piece and the choreography and staging is unbelievable.
Why Am I So Single? Garrick Theatre
This is a perfect example of how awful it is to be single and dating in this day and age, with standout performances from Leesa Tulley and Jo Forster. It closes in January so if you are looking for a show to watch we’d recommend supporting this new musical.
Welfare, Derby Theatre
This is my favourite show of the year. Welfare is a heartwarming story about miners from Derbyshire who are need of a holiday to the coast. It is about families and relationships, teamwork, illness, sadness, racism, death, miner's strikes, justice, misogyny and so many other themes. It was a beautiful production with similarities to Billy Elliott and I left the theatre proud to be from Derbyshire.
Come From Away, UK Tour
I went to see this show with no idea what to expect and I have never been so moved at a production before. The story was beautifully told and the scene changes / character portrayals were genuis. This show is impactful and reminds you that your community will always need you.
Unfortunate, UK Tour
What a widly crass show. I loved it! I was laughing at the dark and rude humour throughout - my cheeks were sore from laughing. The costumes were great and the cast looked like they were having the best time.
We’ll Have Nun Of It, The Other Palace
A beautiful love letter to all survivors of a convent education and brought fond nostalgia to mind as well as being filled with so much joy di vie and a cheeky wagon wheel or two! The production played at The Other Palace following its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the previous year.
Macbeth: an undoing, Rose Theatre Kingston
A beautifully reimagined retelling of the classic Shakespearean Tragedy but one that puts the female characters front and centre in the narrative. Would definitely watch this again.
Rhythm and Ruse, Waterloo Vaults
Really joyful immersive experience that leaves you feeling hopeful and jubilant while you’re attempting to figure out the magic tricks going on.
Pride and Prejudice (Sort of*), UK Tour
Love, laughter, and a lot of karaoke. A heartwarming retelling of Austen’s classic like you’ve NEVER seen it before. Five fierce women, all iconic roles, flipping the Regency world upside down with wit, humour, and a pop song or two.
Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie) & Alex James-Hatton (Clyde) in the UK tour of Bonnie and Clyde. Credit Richard Davenport
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical, UK Tour
A sheer sensation. Captures the passion, danger, and rebellion of the infamous outlaw duo with a thrilling score and poignant storytelling, blending romance and tragedy in a tale of love and crime. Also, we’re so excited to see Katie Tonkinson in the Bat Out of Hell UK Tour in 2025!
Hot Wing King, Dorfman @ National Theatre
One of the funniest and most surprising plays I have ever seen with a script that takes a beautiful deep dive into the lives of black, queer men and their relationships, as well as has you rooting fiercely for the success of the group at the hot wing competition they are preparing for.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre
A new branch of the Stranger Things universe, this new play could have very easily gone awry. Thankfully, it has some of the most incredible staging ever seen, and has thrilled audiences and critics with its murky atmosphere and loyalty to the well loved TV show. So much so that it will soon be enjoying its hotly anticipated Broadway transfer.
For Here and Now, Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
This was the feel good night of the year for me. It’s rare to find a show that unites generations, but this one had everybody beaming, singing and clapping along. One big party, wrapped in a Y2K bow and presented with some very effective writing. Cannot wait to catch this again when it heads on tour in 2025!
Rika’s Rooms, Playground Theatre
A truly astounding one woman show, transporting us back to Rika’s childhood up until the present where she suffers with dementia and everything else in between. I was transfixed throughout.
The Lonely Londoners, Jermyn Street Theatre
A total classic, and one that I hadn’t seen until earlier this year. We follow the story of those who disembarked HMS Windrush as they struggle with settling in to life in London, noting issues which are still very much present in modern day society. This is an adaptation that has done the original true justice.
This Might Not Be It, Bush Theatre
This is another show which explores very current issues, this time issues with the NHS and youth mental health services. The small cast excel as the worker who has been there forever, the keen young temp and the struggling patient. This is a tale that rings very true at points, whilst exploring friendship, trust and hope.
Gigi and Dar, Arcola Theatre
This was the most exciting show Danai watched and she loved its sociopolitical implications. Danai comment on the fact she found it genuine and really enjoyed the actors’ performances.
Club Life. Photo by Kat Gollock
Club Life, Omnibus Theatre
I've never seen the audience so engaged and this show was so much more than just a theatrical piece. It was a whole narrative of an era and it's night life but also very sincere and personal.
Follow the Signs, Soho Theatre
This show stuck with me the most that I saw in 2024. I find myself revisiting it very frequently and will never forget how it managed to be inclusive and give BSL a while new meaning.
Tess, by Ockham’s Razor - Peacock Theatre
The beautiful images from this show have stuck in my mind like no other, I watched it almost a year ago and it still feels fresh in my mind. A gorgeous melding of circus performance with Tess of the D'urbervilles, which always feels like it supports and adds impact to the story rather than distracting from it. It was also one of the most beautiful soundtracks and sets that I came across this year.
G - Royal Court Theatre
Urgent, gripping and fantastically written G was the new urban legend everyone needs to see. With a brilliant cast who make their characters both laugh out loud funny whilst showing their teen vulnerabilities, it is impossible not to get incredibly emotionally invested and find yourself terrified for these kids. It is a show that managed to make an issue you think you know about feel horrifying all over again.
What If They Ate the Baby? - King’s Head Theatre
Xhloe and Natasha are geniuses and everyone should see all of their shows. Fringe sensations who meld clowning and movement to incredible affect, they create surreal stories which combine humour with an underlying sense of dread as each focuses on a different highly visual setting. ‘What If They Ate the Baby?’ is slick, beautiful, and honestly a bit genius in its approach to the 50s housewives trope.
Mischief Movie Night, The Other Palace
A wonderful show of improvisation done right by Mischief Comedy (the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong). With new ideas every night, the creativity and humour is endless. If you haven’t seen one of these yet, you definitely must!
Mean Girls The Musical, Savoy Theatre
An adaptation of a beloved film for many, Mean Girls does not disappoint. With all the iconic moments from the film included, along with some new material and fantastic songs, this is not one to be missed.
Birdsong, UK Tour
This is without a doubt my show of the year! Sebastian Faulks’ beautiful love story is told cleverly through the use of varying perspectives and periods of time. The reality of war is portrayed through the use of sound and imagery and all of that together has created an impression on me that has lasted several months later.
The Buddha of Suburbia, The RSC
A vibrant and vivid exploration of life and liberation! The themes and news depicted in the show were highly relatable for the evening’s international audience. This is a thought provoking production that allows time for reflection and understanding. It was totally unexpected and I still think about it.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, UK Tour
The anticipation that the production builds across the first act is wonderful, and I felt like a child again as the motor car in all its glory was revealed for the first time. This show is completely magical and it had me spellbound at several different points.
Frozen - Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Magical staging and performances from the entire cast in this West End production. Truly glad I got to see it before the run finished earlier this year.
Scrumptious - Beggars Belief Collective
A lovely children’s theatre piece that captured the imagination of all the audience and had delightful music to accompany.
Stewart Lee, Leeds Playhouse
Not traditional “theatre” however Lee plays with audience expectation and the form of stand up so much that I feel he is valid. Masterclass in comedy and playing with and against them.
There Is No Room in Our Bathroom for Lewis Capaldi - Paisley Arts Centre
Fantastic piece of new theatre featuring an incredible young cast. Super heartwarming with lots of laughs.
Sarah O’Connor (Glinda) and Laura Pick (Elphaba). Photography by Matt Crockett.
Wicked, UK Tour
I’ll never tire of seeing Wicked and this particular performance on the tour in Edinburgh was made even more special for me as a long time fan to get a “no fly” show. Bucket list moment. Not forgetting that whilst we loved the UK tour of Wicked this year, we haven’t stopped thinking about the recent Wicked movie release.
Kenrex, Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse Sheffield
Jack Holden brings small town America to life in a thrilling and enticing new play, telling the story of KenRex McElroy and how the small town of Skidmore, Missouri eventually fought back and took the law into their own hands. Kenrex was Intelligent, thought provoking and jaw droppingly clever. A true tour de force performance from Jack Holden.
Here You Come Again, Leeds Playhouse and UK Tour
Here You Come Again is a belter of a new musical - hilarious, vibrant and full to the rafters with heart. A fun jukebox musical that brings together the trauma of 2020 lockdowns and the healing power of Dolly Parton.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, Marylebone Theatre
Hilarious and heart wrenching, bringing the conversation of how people perceive others. A strong cast with an amazing London debut for Joshua Malina.
And for a bonus, here are our European writer Laura’s favourite shows!
Mar i Cel
Star-crossed lovers Saïd and Blanca try to defy the status quo in this epic pirate story. The long awaited return of this beloved Catalan musical has not disappointed with its beautiful music and talented cast.
Hamlet.01 and Hamlet.02
Self-identified as “stand-up tragedy”, each of the shows walks us through an act of Hamlet (so there are still three to go!). Hamlet himself explains the intricacies of the plot and writing of the play in a hilarious but fascinating way.
Lizzie
This musical follows Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her family in 1892. I am still in awe of this show’s powerful raw energy, expertly brought to life by an incredibly talented cast.
What were your theatrical highlights over the course of 2024? Let us know in the comments!
