Whether it was brand new musicals like 42 Balloons or Why Am I So Single? that took the world by surprise, or the much anticipated revivals like Starlight Express, Guys and Dolls, or more recently Oliver!, or even celebrating milestones of our beloved long running musicals, 2024 was a wonderful year for musical theatre. One may even say this year of theatre was Wicked.
Here are a few of the team's favourite show stopping, recent playlist added musicals of the year!
Dorian | Southwark Playhouse
"Dorian is a rock music musical adaptation of the classic novel The Picture Of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. The story has been adapted for modern day, with Dorian now a famous young rockstar, and the implied queer romantic confessions being explored explicitly. I loved this musical from the first time I saw it, immediately booking to return a further three times the following week and even ended up getting a tattoo in honour of the show!"
Oviya
Hadestown | Lyric Theatre
"I’ve been so lucky to see so many great musicals this year, but one of my favourites (one of many!) was Hadestown. I went into the show purposely not listening to much of the Original Broadway Cast album, and I didn’t see it when it was a the National, and I just immediately fell in love with the show. And Melanie La Barrie as Hermes – OUTSTANDING!"
Ally
& Juliet | UK and Ireland Tour
"& Juliet is a long-time favourite of mine so I was delighted to have it back touring the UK and was impressed with how it managed the transition to touring and some necessary cuts to the staging without losing the magic or joy of the original. An incredible cast, brilliant book, and a soundtrack featuring all your favourite 90s and 2000s pop bangers, this show makes a great addition to the UK touring circuit."
Julie
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) | Criterion Theatre
"Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York is the perfect rom-com! Funny, charming and witty with a catchy soundtrack."
Emma
Why Am I So Single? | Garrick Theatre
"In terms of pure escapism and enjoyment, my favourite musical of the year must go to Why Am I So Single? It's funny, it's relatable, the songs are SO catchy! Let's not forget about the cast. Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley are both incredible as the lead roles, but the whole of the ensemble work tirelessly throughout. As well as it being funny and full of pure joy, it's also got real important themes and explores topics which are massively underrepresented in theatre. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss are literal masterminds - there are so many clever easter eggs interwoven in this musical. It's just pure joy and I really hope there's a future life for this show because it truly deserves to be appreciated by wider audiences."
Vicky
Burlesque | Opera House Manchester
"Having been so excited for several years hearing rumours of a production, to have Burlesque first in Manchester was very special. The show was everything I’d hoped it would be and more! The iconic soundtrack as well as new music with an astonishing cast made this the show of the year for me."
Jordan
Guys and Dolls | Bridge Theatre
"The Guys and Dolls revival is coming to a close on 4th January, but it is a thoroughly joyous and entertaining production, infusing a Golden Age show with a modern perspective, but still maintaining a classical tone, with the immersive staging heightening the engagement of a story I wouldn’t have watched as strongly behind a proscenium arch!"
Benjamin
42 Balloons | The Lowry
"I haven’t stopped thinking about 42 Balloons since I saw it! The songs are clever and catchy, and the story is just inspiring. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this show, hopefully a lot of success."
Katie
Next to Normal | Wyndham's Theatre
"Next to Normal is tragic storytelling at its best, but the way in which it doesn’t shy away from tackling hard-hitting, dark, at times uncomfortable issues, is absolutely second to none. It’s beautifully written, the performances all around were phenomenal, and it was truly an unforgettable theatrical experience for all the right reasons!"
James
Let us know your favourite musicals of 2024 and check out the rest of our categories of AIT's Twelve Days of Christmas in the blog section.
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