Editor's Blog: Top 10 Shows of 2015

10

The Ruling Class

directed by Jamie Lloyd at Trafalgar Studios

Photo by Simon Annand

Wild and unpredictable, The Ruling Class is probably the most bonkers play I saw all year. James McAvoy gave a stellar performance as a paranoid schizophrenic in Peter Barnes' play. Jamie Lloyd's production had absolutely no boundaries, it seemed nothing was off limits. I still can't decide whether I was moved or disturbed by Lloyd's top notch, thought-provokingly enthralling production.

Read our 4* review of The Ruling Class

9

Carrie

directed by Gary Lloyd at the Southwark Playhouse

Photo by Claire Bilyard

Known as the most expensive flop in Broadway history, 2015 saw Carrie The Musical finally make its long-awaited London premiere. As expected there was plenty of death and blood, but - thanks to a strong performance from the perfectly cast Evelyn Hoskins - the production also had a great deal of heart. I have no idea why it took so long to bring Carrie to London; Gary Lloyd's production certainly has potential for future life. Behind the blood and beyond the darkness is a touching story of self-discovery, and I loved every second.

Read our 5* review of Carrie

Check out our interview with Evelyn Hoskins

8

Hangmen

directed by Matthew Dunster at the Royal Court & Wyndham's Theatre

Photo by Helen Maybanks

Review: Hangmen at the Wyndham's Theatre

Hangmen
Wyndham's Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 7th December 2015
★★★★

Having sold out its run at the Royal Court earlier this year, Matthew Dunster's production of Hangmen by Martin McDonagh has transferred to the West End's beautiful Wyndham's Theatre for a limited season. 

Full casting announced for West End transfer of Hangmen

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

Completing the cast are Andy Nyman as Syd, Craig Parkinson as Inspector Fry and Tony Hirst as Bill.

They join the previously announced: Josef Davies, James Dryden, Johnny Flynn, John Hodgkinson, Bronwyn James, David Morrissey, Ryan Pope, Sally Rogers and Simon Rouse.

Hangmen transferring to the West End

It has been confirmed that Martin McDonagh's new play Hangmen will transfer to the West End following its run at the Royal Court.

The production, which stars David Morrissey and Johnny Flynn, will open at the Wyndham's Theatre on 7th December 2015 (previews from 1st December) for a limited run to 5th March 2016. Matthew Dunster directs with design by Anna Fleischle, lighting by Joshua Carr and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph