As this year’s last act gets ready for its grand finale, we present our annual list of the most enduring productions in both the London and UK scene. Join us, as we take a journey into the past – and reveal which ones, out of our 288 posts, have made it into our stagy wall of fame.
50. The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s all-time masterpiece returns to the London stage through ENB’s annual tradition – now in a completely new production featuring staggering visuals and enticing reimagined choreography.
Read our full review here!
49. War Horse
National Theatre’s acclaimed production gallops across the country, bringing back this heart-wrenching story of love, friendship and resilience that’s taken the world, stage and screen by storm.
Read our full review here!
48. The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary
Flaubert’s literary classic gets a twisted homage through this hilarious parody version – educating audiences in the sorrows of a 19th-century woman through uproarious laughter.
Read our full review here!
47. Homo Alone
The Christmas classic gets sassier (and sissier) with this brand new parody musical featuring hilarious jokes, amusing numbers and unstoppable fun (of every kind…).
Read our full review here!
46. The Liar, The Bitch and The Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis’s beloved children’s classic moves to the adult side with this hysterical panto you shouldn’t let mama know about – but your daddy can join…
Read our full review here!
45. The Happiest Man On Earth
Tears of joy and sorrow blend in this beautiful tribute to one of the most uplifting real lives of the last century – leaving audiences with a lesson about finding hope, kindness and joy no matter how hard the circumstances can get.
Read our full review here!
44. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The ageless (and age-back) tale lands on the West End through this musical adaptation returning to the London scene – featuring delightful Irish-flavoured music, as well as one of the most impressive casts of the whole year!
Read our full review here!
43. Giselle
The English National Ballet revives the classic piece through this modern reinterpretation – featuring expressionist, cinematic staging and a revised minimalist score.
Read our full review here!
42. La Fille Mal Gardee
Family comedy puts on its dancing shoes through Carlos Acosta’s traditionally staged montage by the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Featuring extraordinary numbers and charming visuals, art and entertainment don’t hold their horses at any moment – literally!
Read our full review here!
41. Oedipus
Mark Strong and Lesley Manville star in this contemporary set adaptation of the Greek classic, in an awestriking production featuring poignant writing, compelling direction and the most gripping performances.
Read our full review here!
40. A Raisin In The Sun
Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play returns to the London scene in a brand new production guaranteed to touch the soul and bring thought during and after the performance.
Read our full review here!
39. Lehman Trilogy
The rise and fall of the finance mogul family group returns to the West End in a new limited season featuring priceless performances and all-in-all Great Crush production.
Read our full review here!
38. Giant
Acting legend John Lithgow steps into the shoes (and pen) of literary icon Roald Dahl, in this new original play exploring the most controversial side of the reputed children’s books author.
Read our full review here!
37. Buyer & Cellar
What would happen if Barbra Streisand hired you to curate her make-believe shopping centre? Featuring a hysterical rendition by Rob Madge, this quintessentially camp one-man play sends in the clowns through a super realistic recount completely made out of pure imagination.
Read our full review here!
36. The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
The Barbican Centre turns itself into a whimsical garden party with this lively jazz rendition where your role as an audience member is just the beginning.
Read our full review here!
35. Incredibly Human
Worldwide acclaimed magician Asi Wind makes Soho fall under his charm with this striking act featuring the most astounding magic numbers, ranging from new versions of classic cards tricks to the most staggering mind-reading abilities.
Read our full review here!
34. Hugh Panaro – Man Without A Mask
The Broadway legend reunites with all of his prominent acts in this intimate performance where song takes flight, as we are taken by the music of the night.
Read our full review here!
33. The Comedy of Errors
Shakespeare’s hilarious masterpiece relives on the Globe with the return of its period-themed production – determined to give audiences way more than just a cackle or two; err-go, a jolly good time.
Read our full review here!
32. The BBC Proms
The annual tradition continues to enthrall audiences from all over the world with its A-list renditions of all music genres.
Read our reviews here!
31. Fiddler On The Roof
One of the most iconic pieces in musical theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production makes the most perfect match through mind-blogging visuals breathtaking renditions – and ultimately, a catch of a performance.
Read our full review here!
30. A Chorus Line
The Broadway classic flies back to the UK scene with this new traditionally staged production every viewer should hope they get a ticket for.
Read our full review here!
29. Death of England: Michael and Delroy
National Theatre’s harrowing, thought-provoking trilogy lands on the West End – bringing back this gripping tale of discrimination, prejudice and struggle.
Read our full review here!
28. House of Life
Praise the Lord… Lady… Drag… (whatever)! If you’re interested in joining a cult, by all means let yourself be taken by the wise lessons of this glitter-bearded priest. No need for confessions – there will be enough for that after attending!
Read our full review here!
27. Judy
The Ambassadors Theatre hosted this one-night-only homage to film and musical icon Judy Garland, through a most charming tribute act featuring astounding vocals and an overall remarkable rendition.
Read our full review here!
26. Next To Normal
It’s alive, it’s alive, it’s soooo alive! Moving, enthralling and tremendously insightful, the legendary Broadway show celebrated its first-ever West End production – returning to the London scene after its initial Donmar Warehouse run, and featuring the most staggering, A-list company.
Read our full review here!
25. All’s Well That Ends Well
If not with George, the Bard can still provide you with a good Sunday in the park – especially with this flawlessly executed open-air performance taking the Bard’s word all around the squares of London town.
Read our full review here!
24. Boys From The Blackstuff
The iconic TV series travels to the West End stage through this heart-moving National Theatre adaptation exploring the struggles of the coal miners during the Thatcherist era.
Read our full review here!
23. Swan Lake In The Round
Nothing can top a Tchaikovsky ballet, except perhaps if that’s taken to a whole new level through a massive, immersive production at the Royal Albert Hall. Featuring a cast of over 100 members as well as a full-piece symphony orchestra, the classical masterpiece is relived in a way you’ve never seen before.
Read our full review here!
22. Viola’s Room
Dive into a world of night and let the light (and Helena Bonham Carter’s voice) lead you through the fantastic events of this dark 19th century fairy tale.
Read our full review here!
21. A View From The Bridge
Arthur Miller’s classic makes another comeback through this new production by the Theatre Royal Bath starring Dominic West – once again, exploring the deepest conflicts of the human soul through the complexities of family relationships and prejudice.
Read our full review here!
20. Cirque
Showmanship galore thrives in this visually striking montage taking us through a journey of fantasy and imagination – featuring nail-biting acts and intoxicating musical numbers.
Read our full review here!
19. The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams’s signature play returns to the stage in a new, avant-garde production reliving the joys and miseries of a striving Southern family.
Read our full review here!
18. People, Places and Things
National Theatre’s acclaimed, introspective play makes a comeback on the London scene – retelling its gripping story of continuous struggle, fighting the hostility within oneself in a world that offers very little kindness.
Read our full review here!
17. Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s masterwork gets a queer makeover in this new adaptation playing at Regent’s Open Air Theatre – featuring electrifying performances and live musical numbers, as well as an imaginative stage design.
Read our full review here!
16. Spirited Away
The animated film classic flies to the London stage all the way from Japan – in an impressive, most opulent production directed by John Caird featuring staggering sets as well as mesmerizing, crowd-studded performances.
Read our full review here!
15. Much Ado About Nothing
The Bard’s classic tale brings back the laughter through the Globe’s best production of the year – displaying electrifying renditions, exquisite costumes and a most clever direction.
Read our full review here!
14. Sophie’s Surprise 29th
It’s time to celebrate – but watch out for who may be the guest of honour! With amazing acrobatic acts and extremely amusing comedy, it comes as no shock that this show is the perfect plan for a light West End hangout.
Read our full review here!
13. Pippin – 50th Anniversary Concert
Stephen Schwartz’s musical classic celebrates a new milestone in its legacy, with this West End jubilee gig featuring an A-list cast performing one of the most iconic scores in the genre.
Read our full review here!
12. Players Kings – Henry IV Parts I and II
Ian McKellen steps into the shoes (and belly) of the infamous Falstaff, in this almost 4-hour rendition of one of the Bard’s most acclaimed historical plays.
Read our full review here!
11. The 39 Steps
Hitchock’s cinematic masterpiece gets a humorous twist through this hilarious farce celebrating its first-ever return to the West End. With hysterical renditions, uproarious writing and the most amusing absurd situations, the fun and laughter come as no mystery in this performance!
Read our full review here!
10. The Dream of a Ridiculous Man
Greg Hicks stars in this one-man adaptation of Dostoevsky’s literary classic, giving a most compelling performance full of wit, insight and pathos.
Read our full review here!
9. Harry Clarke
Screen and stage star Billy Crudup makes his West End debut with this one-man play taking us through the most entertaining shenanigans of a sociopath – giving a staggering performance effortlessly transforming into 19 different characters.
Read our full review here!
8. Standing at the Sky’s Edge
Buildings may not talk, but they certainly have a soul. One of the most anticipated West End transfers of the year, National Theatre’s original music brings tears and laughter altogether through this moving inter-generational tale of love, loss and self-discovery.
Read our full review here!
7. The Picture of Dorian Gray
Sarah Cook switches her Victorian mode on with this one-woman adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel – combining onstage recordings with a most bewildering live performance.
Read our full review here!
6. The Hills of California
Love, gratitude, remorse and loss blend together in this explosive new drama by Jez Butterworth – taking us on an introspective journey reflecting on family issues and the valuables of life.
Read our full review here!
5. Bronco Billy
May the campiest one win! The 1980s film classic makes a musical comeback through this hilarious adaptation featuring everything a show could offer – except boredom!
Read our full review here!
4. Cowbois
The RSC’s insightful comedy brings laughter and thought altogether through this moving and most memorable tale of diversity and acceptance.
Read our full review here!
3. Cruel Intentions
The 1990s film icon takes audiences on a smashing liaison through this electrifying jukebox musical adaptation – featuring compelling performances, offbeat numbers and a nostalgic, earworming repertoire. Don’t let old morals take you (or anything else) down. When it comes to fun, you can put it anywhere…
Read our full review here!
2. Cirque du Soleil – Alegria
The internationally acclaimed company brings back the allure and fantasy with the return of one of its most significant pieces – regaling audiences with an evening of absolute theatrical magic through staggering acts performed with complete perfection.
Read our full review here!
1. Les Noces – The Departure
Classical repertoires and modern dance mix together in this expressionist, heart-gripping act, elevating the artistic value of each piece into one of the most transformative theatrical experiences ever to hit the stage.
Read our full review here!
Notice: All shows are listed in chronological order; their position does not determine ranking.
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