Theatre and Tonic’s Best Shows of 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, the team at Theatre and Tonic has reviewed over 800 shows in the past year. In 2025, our team grew, and we continued to be involved in some of the best revivals and new productions across the country. We also spent time in rehearsal rooms and conducted a diverse range of interviews, giving us valuable insight into the creative process of a show. 

Before we bid farewell to another unforgettable year in theatre, the team has shared their best shows of the year. We’ll see you all in 2026 for more fabulous theatre!

Inside No.9: Stage Fright at Wyndham’s Theatre

As a lover of the anthology series on which this show is based, and the work of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton more generally, this dark comedy drama did not disappoint! With twists and turns that keep you guessing, and moments that had me both craning my neck towards the stage and cowering from it, this production was the perfect blend of horror and comedy. 

Lovestuck at Stratford East

Written by the team behind the popular podcast ‘My Dad Wrote a Porno,’ this rom com was bursting with humour and relatable moments. With a funny central plot and zany characters, it was a heartfelt and wonderful new piece of theatre which I really hope to see back on stage. 

Review: Lovestuck: A New Comedy Musical at Stratford East Review

My Neighbour Totoro at Gillian Lynne Theatre

This beautiful production from the RSC retains the simplicity and heart of the Studio Ghibli film while bringing the wow factor with the amazing puppetry they have brought to the stage. Seeing Totoro and his friends come to life at the Gillian Lynne theatre is truly magical and left a lasting impression.

Kenrex at The Other Palace

The bonkers, captivating, true crime thriller starred just one performer in the most insane multi-role play of the year. With a single spotlight and seamless character transitions, Jack Holden delivers a remarkable solo performance, making each role instantly recognisable. His haunting turn as Ken Rex is compelling, but it’s the portrayal of lawyer Richard McFadin that truly brings the house down. 

Review: Kenrex at The Other Palace

Comedy About Spies at Noel Coward Theatre

A Comedy About Spies at the Noël Coward Theatre is another triumph for Mischief: relentlessly funny, brilliantly written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, and powered by a flawless ensemble and ever-escalating twists that prove their comic genius once again.

Review: Comedy About Spies at Noel Coward Theatre

Little Brother at Jermyn Street Theatre

A powerful tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths we will go to for our families. This play explores the life of Ibrahima Balde as he searches for his lost brother. It was a masterpiece of storytelling and wields its themes with the precision of a scalpel and the weight of a sledgehammer. This play is a must-see for all in its place in current political discourse and an eye-opener into what migrants go through. 

Review: Little Brother at Jermyn Street Theatre

The Glamification of Loki at Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Performed by the British Youth Music Theatre, this laugh-out-loud and deeply clever adaptation of Norse myths stays true to their message but brings them into our modern world so well. It had plenty of twists and turns, and I hope it returns to London soon in some form of capacity!

Review: The Glamification of Loki at Southwark Playhouse

Bad Immigrant by Jennifer Irons at Jacksons Lane

A clever and deeply personal exploration of identity as a Canadian Immigrant in London who is determined to win the world roller skating championships in less than a year of training. Charming, heartfelt, and deeply welcoming to all, with a charm to remind me of the warmth of the skating community, this was a show I would love to see again. 

Review: Bad Immigrant at Jacksons Lane

Punch at Young Vic

The true story of Jacob Dunne was a raw and emotional piece of awareness on the effects of death by one punch. With exceptional performances from David Shields and Julie Hesmondhalgh, Punch is educational, engaging and a real eye opener. 

Review: Punch at Young Vic

Showmanism at Hampstead Theatre

Performance artist Dickie Beau, known for their talent at lip-syncing and working with archives, has proved themselves as a master of their craft in their considered history of performance, Showmanism. Lip-syncing honest interviews and conversations with famous names in theatre, including Sir Ian McKellan and Fiona Shaw, Showmanism was a jaw dropping piece of art that was totally unique. 

Review: Showmanism at Hampstead Theatre

4:48 Psychosis at Royal Court Theatre

Returning to The Royal Court 25 years after its impactful debut, the original cast and crew came back together to perform Sarah Kane’s swan song once again. It was a special watch, witnessing an unchanged piece of theatrical history which remains as shocking and devastating as it was when it was first received in 2000. 

Review: 4:48 Psychosis at Royal Court Theatre

Daniel’s Husband at Marylebone Theatre

Daniel’s Husband is a beautiful production, with an unexpected and heartbreaking twist. A stellar ensemble of actors, a beautiful set design and a wonderful script.

Review: Daniel’s Husband at Marylebone Theatre

Millennium Girls at Brixton House

Millennium Girls takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, Walkmans included. Important themes are explored, as we travel between the decades. One for the girls of the millennium! 

Review: Millennium Girls at Brixton House

Animal Farm at Leeds Playhouse

A powerful piece of theatre that is almost even more poignant in 2025 than when it was written. Intense and thought provoking. 

Singin’ in the Rain at Manchester Royal Exchange

Joyful and spectacular. A true showstopper of a musical with some of the best choreography I’ve ever seen and a title number that left me gobsmacked. 

Review: Singin’ in the Rain at Manchester Royal Exchange

Pith at Manchester Royal Exchange

To say this was a work in progress show for Daniel Kitson goes to show how good he must be at full pace. A sublime one man show from every comedian’s favourite comedian. Storytelling at its finest. 

Ohio at the Young Vic

I had no idea what to expect from this show, but it was a beautifully moving piece, performed by a wonderfully talented couple, asking the big questions about life, faith and where we go when we die. 

Review: Ohio at Young Vic

Pinocchio at The Globe

My first time at The Globe, and what a special show! The puppetry was incredible, and the cast was all fantastic, a great feel good show in an amazing venue. (but don't forget to bring a coat!)

Review: Pinocchio at The Globe

The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre

There's a reason this is the longest running show on the West End! A show that keeps you guessing until the very end, it's the perfect evening out, and a great conversation starter!

The Railway Children at Tabard Theatre

A classic story brought to life brilliantly in a small space. It was extremely well acted, and it was hard to pick a stand out performance. Technical elements worked really well and ensured the audience stayed engaged throughout. 

Review: The Railway Children at Tabard Theatre

Farewell Mr. Haffmann at Park Theatre

Struck the right balance of suspense and dark humour. I was gripped throughout; gasping in shock one minute, and laughing the next. Without doubt, one of the best things I’ve seen at Park Theatre. 

Review: Farewell Mr. Haffman at Park Theatre

Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer, UK Tour

Thoroughly entertaining, vibrant and fun. The choreography was varied and intricate. It was packed full of dancefloor anthems, which a member very well sang of the company. 

Review: Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer

Kinky Boots, UK Tour

With its unapologetic energy and endless joy, Kinky Boots is loud, proud, and will leave you walking out of the theatre with a little more pep in your step and a lot more sparkle in your soul. Don’t worry if you missed out on this show during its sell-out UK tour as it heads to the West End in 2026! 

Review: Kinky Boots UK Tour

Spitfire Girls by Tilted Wig Productions

A show I'm still thinking about months later. It was theatrical memory in motion. Fragmented, fragile and fiercely human. 

Review: Spitfire Girls 

Much Ado About Nothing at The RSC

This is a phenomenally fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies, as the term ‘players’ is sensationally inverted – creating a football team FC Messina, led by Don Pedro (Olivier Huband), captained by Benedick (Nick Blood), and featuring star player Claudio (Daniel Adeosun). This was a hilarious modern take on a classic that was full of joy and simply a great time.

Cyrano De Bergerac at The RSC

Another RSC show, another comedy, but I feel like the RSC have produced some great comedic stuff this year. Adrian Lester was incredible, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house by the end!

https://theatreandtonic.co.uk/blog/cyrano-de-bergerac-swan-theatre

Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Macbeth at Globe Theatre.

My first step back into Shakespeare after years of avoiding it since school. Playing Shakespeare takes the work of the bard and makes it more accessible for a younger audience with this particular show taking only 90 minutes. An excellent production and it made me want to explore more, leading me to see to additional Shakespeare plays this year.

Every Brilliant Thing at @sohoplace

A show I knew I wanted to see as soon as it was announced. With it's rolling cast and small amount of audience participation, each show is slightly different. I had the pleasure of seeing Lenny Henry and I laughed, I cried and learnt to enjoy every small moment to it's fullest.

Review: Every Brilliant Thing at @Sohoplace

Be More Chill at Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

I knew nothing going into this show, and it’s the surprise favourite of the year. I can now see why this is a cult classic for some, with its fun musical numbers and completed by an excellent cast, the OJS did it again for me with this show.

Review: Be More Chill at Old Joint Stock

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Donmar Warehouse

Adapted from a crucial segment of War and Peace; Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 was undoubtedly one of the most delightful theatrical surprises of the year for me. Rather than emphasising the opulence and complexity of its historical setting, the production presented the story with an astonishing level of conciseness and intimacy that was hard to imagine before witnessing it. Enhanced by the actors' excellent and deeply engaging performances, the show felt bold and full of vitality, igniting a passionate fervor in the midst of the cold winter.

Review: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 at Donmar Warehouse

Evita at London Palladium

Absolutely the show of the year for me. Killer powerhouse vocals, a real spectacle, and produced an amazing soundtrack too. Hoping it does make that long rumoured Broadway transfer!

Review: Evita at London Palladium

Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre

Before watching Stereophonic, I had never seen a stage production that felt so vividly lifelike. Set entirely within a recording studio, the story revolves around five band members and two sound engineers—everything unfolds in this confined space, among these seven individuals. Their seemingly mundane conversations are layered with profound, weighty meanings. Every song emerges at just the right moment, carrying emotions both spoken and unspoken. This production truly makes the audience feel as though they are glimpsing the authentic lives of these seven people through the lens of the stage. In that sense, a runtime of just over three hours feels far from long.

Review: Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre

Wendy & Peter Pan at Barbican

Among all the fairy-tale-themed stage plays I’ve seen, this one is definitely my favorite. In this version, Wendy no longer sets off for Neverland simply to chase a dream of never growing up—instead, she goes in search of her younger brother Tom, who passed away from illness when he was just six years old. Beyond its richer storyline and more fully realized character arcs, the exquisite stage design and powerfully energetic performances also draw the audience intimately into the world of the play. Watching it, I was reminded once again that a truly good fairy tale should bring joy to children while also offering healing to adults—and this production does exactly that.

Review: Wendy and Peter Pan at Barbican

Noel and Gertie at Curve Theatre, Leicester

This delightfully daring and breath-taking production took to the stage at Curve Theatre in Leicester, as well as Blackpool’s Grand Theatre and Mayflower Studios. This production tells the story of the one and only Noel Coward and his child actor friend Gertrude Lawrence and the development in their professional relationship, which spanned over 40 years. Including songs from Noel’s films, his life inspires his professional career and also inspires modern musical theatre today and beyond. This production was a triumph, and it will stay with me for a long time. 

Review: Noel and Gertie, Curve Leicester

Breaking the Code at Royal & Derngate, Northampton

Alan Turing’s incredible tale of bravery, intellect and knowledge was reimagined for the stage earlier this year in a thought-provoking production which tells the life of Turing from a range of different perspectives and across a range of eras. The production was full of relentless energy and humour but Alan’s fear and pain towards the end of his life was also explored effectively in the second act. If I could have given this show 100 stars I would have! 

Review: Breaking the Code at Royal & Derngate

Northern Ballet Merlin

A mesmerisingly magical storytelling wonder! An original story with magnificent scenery, clever choreography and inspirational, skilled dancers makes my top 3 shows of 2025 this year. Some people may be surprised that a ballet has made my top 3 but this production didn’t feel like a ballet at all. The talent of the dancers as well as the inclusion of humour and modern musical and dance references, created this powerful and modern part fairy tale and part fantasy production. This was the most relatable and easy-to-watch ballet that I have seen in a number of years. I look forward to seeing what Northern Ballet creates next year! 

Review: Northern Ballet’s Merlin

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Chichester Festival Theatre)

An exuberant, joyous yet understated new musical based on the book by Rachel Joyce, featuring music by Passenger. Thankfully, due to critical success,  it has earned a life outside of its regional theatre origins and is playing a West End run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in early 2026.

Review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Chichester Festival Theatre

Giant at Harold Pinter Theatre

It was just so intimate and clever. It felt like you were a fly on the wall in Roald Dahl’s living room. It was utterly shocked and a masterclass from John Lithgow. He was sublime.

Review: Giant at Harold Pinter Theatre

The Great Gatsby at London Coliseum

The cast made The Great Gatsby as amazing as it was. The music was soaring and the set was wonderful. Jamie Muscato was incredibly impressive as Jay Gatsby. Amber Davies and Rachel Tucker also gave standout performances. 

Review: The Great Gatsby at London Coliseum

Fiddler on the Roof, UK Tour

The multi-award-winning production embarked on a UK tour in 2025, delivering truly astounding results. It was a beautiful presentation of a classic musical, elevated by breathtaking set design, which suited the touring circuit more than I thought it would. The cast in this production were phenonemonal too!

Review: Fiddler on the Roof UK Tour

Richard II, Bridge Theatre

Making a Shakespearean history play relatable is no mean feat. Especially to an audience of Jonathan Bailey fans. But Nick Hytner managed it. It was a wonderful retelling with a brilliant central performance from Jonathan Bailey. He was out of this world. 

Review: Richard II at Bridge Theatre

Titanique at Criterion Theatre

You really cannot get a better fun night out in London than Titanique! Such a joyous and infectious show that has you roaring with laughter throughout. I for one can’t get enough! 

Review: Titanique at Criterion Theatre

Paddington The Musical at Savoy Theatre

Laugh out load funny, tender, exquisite performances, toe tapping tunes...tap DANCING, seaquins and everything you want in a musical as well as powerful political messages, beautiful design, inexplicably moving, iron clad casting- not star casting but solid talent. We absolutely love Paddington the Musical! 

Review: Paddington the Musical

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ambassadors Theatre

The best show in London for 2025, Button captured the hearts of its viewers until closing in October. It earns its spot at the top of the highlights list, a deserved winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. I hope that there is a future for this folksy, incredible musical in the future because the world needs it more than ever.

Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at Ambassadors Theatre

The BFG at The RSC

Talking of more great stuff produced at the RSC this year, they really rounded off their year in style with The BFG. Easily one of the best things I’ve ever seen produced - it’s a theatrical delight filled to the brim with jaw-dropping puppetry and performances from the entire cast.

Review: The BFG at The RSC

The Pitchfork Disney at King’s Head Theatre

Philip Ridley’s The Pitchfork Disney unfolds like a fever dream lodged in the corners of your mind: a claustrophobic, uncanny fable in which an alluring stranger indissolubly fractures the routine of siblings Presley and Hayley. One of the most memorable productions I’ve ever seen - deeply unsettling, dark and profound. Also fun as hell. 

Review: The Pitchfork Disney at King’s Head Theatre

Just for One Day at Shaftesbury Theatre

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the concert that changed the world, this joyful show transferred to the Shaftesbury Theatre following its initial run at the Old Vic. With brilliant new arrangements of classic 80s pop and rock tracks telling the story of Live Aid, it’s big, bold, and emotional. One of the easiest five stars I’ve given this year!

Review: Just For One Day at Shaftesbury Theatre

The Producers at Garrick Theatre

Another transfer, this time from the Menier, this hilarious Mel Brooks comedy moved into the Garrick Theatre and is showing no signs of leaving any time soon! This revival of The Producers balances Broadway spectacle with its original intimate edge, led by electric performances from Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin. The story of two producers setting out to stage a massive flop includes some tour de force performances and a pigeon that deserves ALL the awards!

Review: The Producers at Garrick Theatre

What were your theatrical highlights over the course of 2025? Let us know in the comments! Our guide to the shows to check out in 2026 will also get you geared up for a fantastic year of theatre ahead!