You're the top 🔝
I rank my 2023 theatre trips, plus January sales galore!
Well, that’s a wrap! After 120 theatre trips totalling 14,811 minutes of live theatre, a whopping £3,356 in ticket savings, and two West End stage appearances (oh yes), it’s safe to say 2023 has been a busy one. So which shows did I rate above all the others? Here’s my top ten theatre for 2023.
1. Sunset Boulevard
Jamie Lloyd’s reimagining of this classic may have had marmite reactions, but I thought it was one of the freshest, bravest and most interesting revivals I’ve seen in years. I developed a new love for a score I’d never paid much attention to before. Nicole Scherzinger was no stunt casting, and if you know about that start of act two sequence... well, it just had me gawping throughout - I loved it. I’d urge you all to see it before it closes on Saturday, but it’s completely sold out. I’m starting the campaign for its return now.
2. Next to Normal
I’m not ashamed to admit I cried 7 times in the first act alone seeing this one - it’s a very personal show for me as someone who has lived with mental health conditions for many years. But the music is fantastic and the cast were just superb. It’s heading back to the West End in June if you missed out on the original sold-out run at the Donmar.
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
As new musicals go, this is probably the current benchmark for me. With gorgeous music and a heartfelt story, it really worked in the Southwark’s intimate space. I’m crossing everything this has another life in 2024.
4. Groundhog Day
I’d waited years to see this one, and Tim Minchin’s musical adaptation of the classic film didn’t let me down. With an incredible soundtrack, great performances and brilliantly executed disappearing tricks, it’s a great all-rounder. I saw it three times!
5. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A late entry in this top ten, and the highest ranked play in a strong year for musicals. After winning the lottery for Shadow Seats, I had a front row experience like no other watching this new five-star adaptation of the TV phenomenon just before Christmas. The prequel boasts some of the best stage magic in the West End right now, and I think the opening was my favourite theatrical moment of the entire year.
6. The Effect
A second entry for Jamie Lloyd’s productions this year - I really enjoyed The Effect at the National Theatre in September. It took a sharp look at the complexities of mental health, drugs and human relationships in a way I’ve never seen before. The staging and lighting were so well done too.
7. Manic Street Creature
It certainly is a strong year for shows focusing on mental health, but so many did it well and this is one I had to include. Maimuna Memon’s self-penned fringe show takes a look at the effect our mental health has on those closest to us, all set to a stunning soundtrack of her music. Maimuna’s unique voice is one that brought me to tears and I’d love to see this show again.
8. Sylvia
I waited so patiently for this one after the new musical’s original three-week run in 2018 that was plagued with bad luck and multiple cancellations. Seeing the show in it’s full glory was an absolute treat. It was a wonderful combination of fantastic vocals, amazing choreography and a part of history with a lot of girl power behind it, although I liked how it explored the issues with activism too.
9. Standing at the Sky’s Edge
The success of this home-grown new musical came almost from nowhere, but after just a few songs I knew it was completely warranted. I listen to the soundtrack all the time. The story is emotional and complex, but it really gets to you. It’s real and gritty, and I can’t wait for it’s West End run in 2024.
10. Grenfell: in the words of survivors
Rounding out my favourite shows is this serious but delicately handled play about the Grenfell disaster from the National’s Dorfman Theatre. The tragic event may have been pushed to the back of your mind after several years, but this show shoved it sharply back to the forefront with its focus on the community that still fights for justice today.
I look forward to another year of exciting theatre, and of course bringing you all more discounts and tips. This will (I promise) finally be the year I launch my website, and I have many more exciting things I want to launch too. Watch this space, and in the mean time, happy New Year and happy ticket-buying!
Rochelle 🎭🎫
Carrying the banner
In the news this week…
New Years Honours List announced including Gregory Doran, Emilia Clarke and Don Black
Artistic director steps in to save Around the World in 80 Days show
I’m kind of a big deal
The New Year Sale isn’t the only offer around for an early 2024 treat. You can get reduced price tickets all over the UK thanks to ATG’s January Sale. Tickets start from just £15 and there’s shows taking part at almost all of the company’s chain of theatres in locations such as Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton, Sunderland and many more.
Just a few of the shows on offer include Bonnie & Clyde, I Should Be So Lucky, Calendar Girls, The Woman in Black, Madagascar, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pretty Woman, Come From Away, Sister Act and The Drifters Girl. Of course not all shows are available at all theatres, and it’s only selected performances that are reduced. However there’s still lots of money to be saved, so filter by your local theatre and take a look.
Hey big spender
Here’s your discounts, offers and cheap seats this week.
As I mentioned above, the New Year Sale is still about with loads of tickets left. You should be able to buy them right through until February. There’s tickets for West End shows from just £10 across the next few weeks.
Today is also the last day for your Boxing Day sale deals, which has even more discounted London theatre tickets from just £15. Remember to check versus the New Year Sale for the best price. You can shop through SeatPlan, TodayTix, Central Tickets, West End Wilma and most agents.
There’s still time to enjoy some cheap panto this season. Get £10 tickets to Dick Whittington in Nottingham. Use code FIRSTPANTO10, valid on most performances until the end of the run.
Get £12 tickets for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at The Lowry.
There’s £15 tickets for Brief Encounter at the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
Get £15 tickets to Cockfosters at the Turbine. Use code TFLOL, book by 5 Jan.
Get 2 for 1 tickets to Life of Pi in Manchester, making a seat as little as £17.60.
The Everyman in Cheltenham is reducing lots of tickets to just £25 with their New Year offers, including Shrek and The 39 Steps. Use code JANUARY24.
Don’t throw away your shot
Competitions, on-sales and announcements.
MT Fest is back for 2024! Eight new musicals have been announced for the event that starts at the end of the month across both The Other Palace and the Turbine Theatre. You can get tickets from as little as £12 per show with their bundles too.
And finally win tickets to The Rocky Horror Show in Sunderland.
That’s all for this week. If you enjoyed the newsletter, please tell your friends. I’m also open to suggestions and requests for certain discounts, so do drop into my DMs. Right, time for a night in writing my New Year’s resolutions! ✍🏻
