Across 2022, I saw 25 different shows, all of which I wrote reviews for. After such a busy year filled with diverse theatre, it was difficult to pick my favourites… but don’t worry, I’ve given it a go!
Honourable mention: Amateur productions
Whilst none of the amateur productions that I saw this year made my top 5 shows, I feel I should mention them here nonetheless. Amateur theatre is truly one of my favourite things to see – whilst these productions might not be the most polished or perfect pieces of theatre, they are performed by people who clearly love every minute of it, and that’s what makes these shows so enjoyable. From BMTG’s “Guys and Dolls” to BYT’s “Legally Blonde” and NAODS’s “The Little Mermaid”, each amateur show is crafted with love and care (and, in the case of NAODS, lots of red face paint). A joy to watch and I look forward to seeing more amateur theatre in 2023.
5. Bugsy Malone
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a professional, touring production of “Bugsy Malone” – after all, it’s basically just a school musical with a budget. This production, however, was so much more than that. From extremely talented singers to mind-blowing musical numbers, and a 21st Century remix to accompany the curtain call, this production was a joy from start to finish. I fully expect to see some of the children involved in this become major theatrical stars in future.
4. Animal Farm
“Animal Farm”, whilst a particularly harrowing tale, is a huge technical achievement in theatre. The lifelike puppetry bringing to life characters such as Napoleon the pig and Boxer the horse made these animals feel real – and the untimely demise of some of the characters even more devastating. Whilst not an easy watch (and particularly prevalent given current events in countries such as Russia, China and Iran), this was truly a highlight of 2022, and one I shall remember for a long time to come.
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
This play has maths, a murder mystery, a rat and a dog… what more could you want? “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” is loud and in-your-face at times, and quiet and reserved at others, offering a fascinating insight into what life is like for people with autism. The sparse stage, part-blackboard, part-Ikea flatpack, means that all of our focus is on the actors – and what amazing actors they were. Every character, no matter how small, felt fully realised, and the story was a rich and brutally honest exploration of family life.
2. Waitress
The standout moment of “Waitress” for me was the song “It used to be mine”, performed excellently by Chelsea Halfpenny, and for that moment alone the play deserves a spot in this top 5. The reason that it is so high is that this musical expertly moves from comedic and upbeat tracks to emotional ballads, weaving a tale that encompasses emotional abuse, anxiety and disability.
1. Dear Evan Hansen
My show of the year, if not the best show I’ve ever seen. “Dear Evan Hansen” is a good story. It doesn’t need to be any more than that. The characters draw you in, they make decisions that makes them both unlikable and realistic. Their stories are left unresolved, their messy situations remain messy, and by the end of the 150 minute show, you’ve been on such an emotional rollercoaster that you feel exhausted. The music, the set design, and most of all the acting, combine to create something that is so special, it really needs to be seen to be understood. I hope this gets revived in some way, or goes on tour. I can’t wait to experience it all over again.
I have several theatre trips already planned for 2023 – “Heathers”, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” and “The Tempest” to kick us off in January, and plenty more throughout the year. I look forward to sharing my theatre experiences with you all throughout 2023. Until then, happy new year!
Tom Morley, December 2022
Broken Legs Blog 