Editor's Blog: Top 10 shows of 2014

2014 has been an incredibly diverse year for theatre. Producers have taken some risks and it's great that several off-West End productions managed to make it into the West End. In 2014 I went to the theatre 257 times and, out of everything I have seen (in the West End and on Broadway as well as in off-West End, regional and fringe theatres), below I have highlighted my top ten personal favourite shows...

10

Assassins

Menier Chocolate Factory

"I don't think I breathed once"

Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

Assassins is probably the most intense piece of theatre ever written and Jamie Lloyd's production at the Menier has set theatreland alight (it sold out shortly after opening). I don't think I breathed once for the entire hour and forty-five minutes. The ensemble cast - featuring the likes of Catherine Tate, Simon Lipkin and Aaron Tveit - are remarkably strong. I am still digesting the piece and am hugely looking forward to seeing it a second time next year (I ensured I bought a ticket before publishing my review).

Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Full casting announced for West End transfer of Good People starring Imelda Staunton & Lloyd Owen

Full casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Good People.

David Lindsay-Abaire's play, which originally premiered on Broadway in 2011, opens on Tuesday 15th April 2014 (previews from 10th April). Good People will play a limited season of just ten weeks at the Noёl Coward Theatre, filling the gap between The Full Monty and Shakespeare in Love which premieres in July.

Led by Imelda Staunton (Margaret) and Lloyd Owen (Mike), the full cast includes: Lorraine Ashbourne (Jean), Matthew Barker (Stevie), Susan Brown (Dottie) and Angel Coulby (Kate). 

Hampstead's Good People confirms West End transfer starring Imelda Staunton & Lloyd Owen

It has been confirmed that Good People will transfer from the Hampstead Theatre to the Noel Coward Theatre. The production opens on Tuesday 15th April 2014 (previews from 10th April).

Good People will run in the West End for ten weeks, filling the gap between The Full Monty (which is closing early on Saturday 29th March) and Shakespeare in Love which premieres in July.

Jonathan Kent's production, about whether you can ever truly leave the place where you were born, made its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre on 5th March starring Imelda Staunton and Lloyd Owen. The show originally premiered on Broadway, winning the New York Drama Desk Critic’s Circle Award for Best Play. 

GOSSIP: Hampstead's Good People starring Imelda Staunton to transfer to the Noel Coward Theatre?

According to WhatsOnStage, David Lindsay-Abaire's new play Good People, which premiered at the Hampstead Theatre earlier this month starring Imelda Staunton, could transfer to the West End's Noel Coward Theatre.

Jonathan Kent's production, which runs at the Hampstead Theatre until Saturday 5th April, would follow The Full Monty which is now scheduled to close on Saturday 29th March. Shakespeare in Love premieres at the Noel Coward Theatre in July.