Let's be honest, we all have a few favourite performers whose shows we eagerly anticipate and consistently celebrate their careers. Whether they've taken their first bows this year, are seasoned performers, or returning theatre legends, it's certainly been an exciting year of standout performances that are well worthy of a shoutout!
Here's a few of the team's favorite spellbinding, mind blowingly and utterly captivating performers of 2024.
Ryan Kopel | Dear Evan Hansen
"Ryan Kopel is my performer of the year as I think that he has taken the character Evan and given so much care and attention to the role. He bares his soul on the stage every night and I think for anyone who relates to the character Evan, will be able to relate to how Ryan portrays this character. Ryan is such an incredible performer in general and his vocals, particularly in Words Fail and You Will Be Found, are so incredible that they will fill the huge touring venues. Ryan gives such a masterclass in acting through song and I think that Ryan's characterisation makes you root for Evan, rather than question his motives. Ryan is such a talent and deserves an incredibly fulfilling future of leading roles."
Vicky
"In terms of fully taking their character onboard, meticulous acting work and a voice that could make audiences like the Grinch - as much as their performance is unrelated to Christmas - Ryan Kopel rightfully deserves all the recognition for a high-flying career, leaping from the loveable Davy in Newsies to owning the stage front and centre in Dear Evan Hansen, one tip when you catch his performance which continues on tour in 2025 though - bring tissues!"
Wyman
Jo Foster | Why Am I So Single?
"Jo Foster gives a standout performance in new musical Why Am I So Single? - perfectly balancing the humour needed at the start of the show, to the more emotive performance later on. Their performance during Discoball is a standout moment of the entire show, it's so heartbreaking and will resonate with many audience members who relates to the character Oliver and the situation that they are in."
Vicky
David Hunter | Stuck
"I'd already seen and adore David Hunter from Time Traveler's Wife, along with attending his solo concert earlier this year. Stuck is David Hunter's own musical, with book/music/lyrics written by him, and the songs are so so good and are stuck in my head on loop since. The story is hilarious, and David has such a unique voice and sense of humour that I love! An extremely talented guy, and super lovely to meet as well!"
Oviya
Mitchell Zhangazha | MJ the Musical
"Mitchell Zhangazha has proved multiple times to be an incredible talent in the musical theatre industry, and in MJ the musical, this is no different. Mitchell is an incredible vocalist but gives a solid portrayal of adolescent MJ - showing a journey of self-discovery that is equally heart-rendering as empowering and electric."
Vicky
Jack Wolfe | Next to Normal
"It was impossible not to immediately fall in love with Jack Wolfe as Gabe, his vulnerability, his anger, his fear, his love, his desperation and a hundred other emotions make Gabe such a compelling and haunting character. Not to mention his vocals, especially in "I'm Alive" and his performance in "Catch Me I'm Falling". One of my most favourite performances ever."
Oviya
Jamie Muscato | Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 |
"It’ll come as no shock that one of my favourite performers has been Jamie Muscato. I saw him in his concert, which was so good, and recently as Anatole in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. He’s such a good performer and has so much charisma."
Ally
Caissie Levy | Next to Normal
"I saw Caissie Levy in both Next To Normal and Ragtime, and she gave two contrasting but equally astonishing performances. I’d have to say Next To Normal has the edge though just because of how much she gave to that performance, how she wore her heart on her sleeve so abundantly, and the power and versatility of her voice."
James
Zizi Strallen | Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist
"Zizi Strallen is a performer who has impressed me with her versatility over the years, and Marie Antoinette feels like a role she was born to play. She taps effortlessly into the comedy of the role, while also showing off her triple threat qualities. A true star turn."
Julie
Sam Tutty | Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
"I had already loved his performance in Dear Evan Hansen, but Sam Tutty's portrayal of Dougal in Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York took the cake (pun intended!)! Goofy and altogether lovable, his portrayal of the character was everything it needed to be and then some."
Emma
Rob Madge | Regards to Broadway
"Not only did I manage to catch My Sons A Queer for the third time but Regards to Broadway was one of the most emotional yet hilarious performances of the year. Rob Madge never fails to give their all in each and every performance and show they do. This year was no exception."
Jordan
Georgie Buckland | The Devil Wears Prada
"Georgie Buckland's (The Devil Wears Prada) take on Andy approaches at a slightly different angle to the film version, Buckland puts all of their energy into a wonderful characterisation of an extremely complex character."
Benjamin
Gerardine Sacdalan | & Juliet UK and Ireland Tour
"Gerardine Sacdalan leads the cast of & Juliet incredibly, with gorgeous vocals and a powerful stage presence, her Juliet is breathtaking to watch. You would never know she was just beginning her career, which is why it’s so exciting to see how she will shine in the future!"
Katie
Let us know your favourite performers 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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