One more year goes by and so does the theatre scene, regaling us with more than a few astonishing productions to treasure in our hearts for the rest of our days. Here is our list of the top 50 shows we’ve seen in 2023 – ranging from West End to fringe, while also featuring ballet and much more!
50. A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic’s acclaimed adaptation on Charles Dickens’s popular tale returns for the holidays – through a beguiling montage featuring stunning visuals, immersive effects and remarkable acting and musical performances.
Read our review here.
49. Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick
Nothing like a good load of fun to have a warm, white Christmas… Take that as you want… (wink, wink). And by all means, do not miss the best adult panto you’ll find in London! Currently playing at the Charing Cross Theatre.
Read our review here.
48. Ghosts
Ibsen’s dramatic masterpiece returns to London in the first production ever done by the Globe, performed in the intimacy of the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse and presented in a new, adapted version keeping the unnerving allure of the original.
Read our review here.
47. Feeling Afraid As If Something Bad Is Going To Happen
Acclaimed actor Samuel Barnett stars in this uproarious one-man show exploring the fears and insecurities of dating in your thirties – especially when you’re a comedian in a relationship with a man who can’t laugh!
Read our review here.
46. The Woman In Black
Stephen Mallatratt’s terrifying play continues to spook the nation with its current tour around the UK. Two performers, multiple setting and one strange apparition, be prepared for a few jumps and a lot of screams in what’s still one of the most enjoyable horror shows of all time.
Read our review here.
45. Mates In Chelsea
An affluent stream of laughs will surely pour out of your mouth with this hilariously savvy comment on the upper class, featuring a most amusing plot filled with twists, turns and a few burns.
Read our review here.
44. The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s Christmas fantasy leaps to the jazzy side through this new adaptation currently playing at the Southbank Centre – bringing back (and out) the magic of the original through a whimsical updated production exploring self identity.
Read our review here.
43. La Voix’s Red Ambition Tour
She’s here, girrrrrrrrls! UK’s favourite ginger drag gets her heels on wheels with this dazzling touring production you don’t want to turn your back on – unless she tells you to!
Read our review here.
42. The Foreigner’s Panto
The show that Rishi doesn’t want you to see before sending you to Rwanda. A brilliant comment on prejudice and discrimination, this uproarious musical farce will make laugh and think through its silly wit and sharp absurdity.
Read our review here.
41. Fell
One of the most piercing, captivating plays of the entire season, this harrowing observation on self-determination is a distressing yet fascinating whirlpool of crude reality.
Read our review here.
40. Strangers In Between
The Aussies gets saucy through the return Tommy Murphy’s endearing play about the struggles but, above all, strengths of the gay community – starring former Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham.
Read our review here.
39. Police Cops
Here comes a show that will surely arrest you – in every way! Sharp writing, exhilarating renditions and an incredibly catchy score make of this piece one of the best new fringe musicals to be put on this year. Coming back to the Southwark Playhouse next season!
Read our review here.
38. The Little Big Things
An encouraging true story of personal development and overcoming any obstacles in life, this enticing new British musical brings joy, tears and inspiration through enjoyable numbers, engaging performances and a masterfully written script.
Read our review here.
37. Salty Brine: Bigmouth Strikes Again
A monstrously droll musical adventure, Mary Shelley’s Frankestein takes the camp on a flashy night out through this drag show retelling the classic horror story through song, dance and a lot of fun!
Read our review here.
36. The Odyssey: The Underworld
Homer’s greatest work gives a new meaning to the word epic through this massive production by the National Theatre featuring impressive staging, delightful musical numbers and one of the largest casts ever included in a single montage.
Read our review here.
35. Eve, All About Her
The b*tch is back – and certainly, as you’ve never seen her before. Mixing different genre ranging from stand-up comedy to live musical renditions (and even a bit of Greek style lore) this grasping one-man show is a tribute to the one of the greatest Hollywood myths and to the myth of acting itself.
Read our review here.
34. Dumbledore Is So Gay
Sometimes your biggest allies are in your books – though may be not in those who write them… A poignant, beautifully written romantic comedy exploring the struggles of LGBT+ teens and family and school relationships, this extremely entertaining new play is a triumph for love in all its forms.
Read our review here.
33. La Cage Aux Folles
I am what I am, and what I am is a fan of this show! Time doesn’t wither this heart-melting musical stressing the importance of being true to oneself – revived this year in a new lavish production at Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre.
Read our review here.
32. Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet
Prokofiev’s classic ballet takes an extra turn through this re-imagined take on the timeless love story – relying on astonishing visuals and extraordinary performances.
Read our review here.
31. Macbeth
By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes… Shakespeare’s popular tragedy conquers the throne at The Globe by providing a bloody good summer production – ranking as their best one in the whole year.
Read our review here.
30. Duck
Good luck can be cursed, especially when those around you strive to take it away from you. The Arcola Theatre presents another compelling tale of personal struggle through this insightful one-man show dealing with high school bullying and discrimination.
Read our review here.
29. 42 Street
Nothing like an evening of Great White Way drama to lure our spirits into the enchantment of Broadway town. Starring Adam Garcia and Ruthie Henshall, this jaw-dropping production is the ultimate ride of stage bewilderment.
Read our review here.
28. Scouts! The Musical
You’re never too old to go to summer camp. And if you think you are, camp can always come to you – or at least, to the London stage. A most entertaining piece about the power of friendship and camaraderie, this hilariously amusing new musical by the Gigglemug company is a safe bet for children and children-at-heart alike.
Read our review here.
27. Mrs. Doubtfire
Helloooooooooooooooo (etc), poppets! The most beloved 90s nanny is back and in better shape than ever, through this updated musical theatre adaptation of the iconic Robin Williams film featuring staggering performances and breathtaking numbers.
Read our review here.
26. The Pillowman
A choking dark comedy involving the mysterious deaths of several children, Martin McDonagh’s ripping piece had its West End premiere this year – in a bewildering new production starring Lilly Allen and Steve Pemberton.
Read our review here.
25. The Crucible
Arthur Miller’s all time classic brings back the paranoid horrors of puritan Salem through the National Theatre’s acclaimed revival – featuring imaginative set designs and nail-biting acting.
Read our review here.
24. Cinderella In The Round.
You’d never wish for the clock to hit 12 with this one – simply because you’ll never want it to finish. Dazzling visuals and enticing dance numbers hone this crowning achievement by the English National Ballet, set to return to the Royal Albert Hall next year through another audience fave, Swan Lake.
Read our review here.
23. Paper Cut
Some stories have nothing but pointy ends… A harrowing yet highly uplifting tale, this inclusive cast production relies on a powerful narrative and grasping renditions to create a most stirring theatrical experience.
Read our review here.
22. 2:22
No number joke intended… Especially when the punch comes from the other realm! Having played at 4 different venues in the West End, this star-studded show dealing with the supernatural has all the chills and thrills to give you a frightfully good night at the theatre.
Read our review here.
21. Build A Rocket
What wouldn’t you try to do for those you love? Featured at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, this insightful one-woman monologue explores the trials and tribulations of a single mother struggling to give her son a better life – all dealt with through compelling writing, clever staging and a most engaging performance.
Read our review here.
20. Brokeback Mountain
The most moving secret love story jumps from the screen onto the stage through this beautiful adaptation dealing with two bonding souls forbidden to share their joy with the rest of the world. Heart-touching performances, profound writing and an intricate production are just three of the many reasons to make of this montage one of the summer highlights.
Read our review here.
19. Bleak Expectations
When it comes to Charles Dickens tragedies, you’d better look elsewhere… Because this Victorian melodrama is nothing but HILARIOUS. Sharp, fast-paced and extremely entertaining, the stage adaptation of the hit radio show is a non-stopping ride of booming laughter.
Read our review here.
18. The Tony Blair Rock Opera!
The world is run by assh*les. And thank God for that! Otherwise, we wouldn’t have one of the most amusing musicals of the season! Full of catchy tunes, hilarious performances and extremely witty lyrics and dialogue, this silly comment on political stupidity is a success in every sense. And its dances, by far, the smartest move you’ll see any government make.
Read our review here.
17. The Vortex
Noel Coward’s masterpiece made a triumphant comeback at the Chichester Festival, in a lavish and harrowing montage packed with piercingly awe-striking renditions.
Read our review here.
16. F*cking Men
And the show is also a lot of fun. Sensual, deep (no pun intended) and ridiculously funny, this cracking classic comedy returned in a new production at the Waterloo East Theatre featuring most astonishing and versatile (…) performances.
Read our review here.
15. Wicked
It’s never too late to take one short day to the Emerald City, or to the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Now in its 17th West End year, this stage icon exploring the untold story of the Witches of Oz continues to enchant audiences from (and around) all over the world.
Read our review here.
13. Generation Games
Because every gay life is a story of struggle, honour and pride. This double-play show explores the lives of several queer men, dealing with their backgrounds, present and destiny. Insightful, relatable and extremely funny, this highly compelling comedy is probably one of the best offers in this year’s pub theatre productions.
Read our review here.
12. The Wagatha Christie Trial
Takes one to know one. What, precisely? Well, find by yourself in this hilarious legal catfight dealing with one of the most absurd conflicts in celebrity gossip.
Read our review here.
11. Creature
Old-fashioned sci-fi meets contemporary storytelling through this opulent display of dance and visual spectacularity. A showcase of talent, technique and imagination, this captivating musical melodrama constitutes one of the English National Ballet’s highest achievements of the 2023 season.
Read our review here.
10. Eugenius!
You can be anything you want when you put your mind to it – even a comic hero! A love letter to the 80s written through a show to fall in love with – this camp, uplifting musical has every superpower to strike you and hook you till the end!
Read our review here.
9. The Accidental Death of An Anarchist
Nothing like some old good police brutality and an insanely funny suspect to create one of the most hilarious comedies of the year. Featuring infectious performances and a savvy script, this uproarious comment on law and order is more than a guilty pleasure – but a crime not to watch!
Read our review here.
8. The Great British Bake Off
Fresh off the telly and onto the spolight, this West End star-studded new musical was icing on the cake for theatre and reality TV shows fans alike!
Read our review here.
7. Bell, Book and Candle
So much happened before Bewitched came in. Paul Van Drutten’s wickedly funny play returned to London this years in a bewitching production by The Tabard Theatre.
Read our review here.
6. My Son’s A Queer
Labels are for clothes – especially in such a frock-tiferous show! Get prepared for the most colourful parade in your stagey life. Now heading to Broadway, this hilarious and moving piece of self-love and acceptance is a true rainbow of joy!
Read our review here.
5. Duet for One
A passionate tale of loss, grief and acceptance, Tom Kempinski’s classic has played in a higher pitch through the Orange Tree Theatre’s intricate and strongly emotive production.
Read our review here.
4. Lehman Trilogy
Undeniably, one of the richest plays in the West End, the National Theatre revival of Stefano Massini’s acclaimed piece about the corruption of wealth and economic power is an exhilarating roller coaster of philosophical twists and turns.
Read our review here.
3. The Mistake
Those who those learn from their past errors are condemned to repeat their history. Performed at the Arcola Theatre, this heart-gripping, insightful drama is also one of the venue’s best offers in their entire yearly season.
Read our review here.
2. The Unfriend
Nothing like an unexpected guest in the house to end up dead… with laughter. Now returning to the West End, this hilariously witty farce is guaranteed to slay it – in every sense!
Read our review here.
1. Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios – Gabinet du Curiosites
A trip through steampunk nostalgia and sci-fi enchantment, Cirque du Soleil’s Jules Verne-esque universe is a wondrous display of performing magic.
Read our review here.
All of the shows have been listed in a chronological order, with their positions not determined by the ranking among the rest.