"How Do You Measure a Year?" - 2022 Theatre Wrap Up

This year I managed to tick off many shows that were lying on my list for quite a while. Some new, some old but either way definitely had my yearly dose of Dr Theatre.

January - Come From Away (Phoenix Theatre)

Yes, I know what you're thinking... "Abi, you're a bit late to the party". To be perfectly honest, it was definitely worth the wait. This was one of my first solo theatre trips (after the Last Five Years the previous year) so thank you rush tickets for giving me a chance to see this wonderful show. I managed to snag a ticket to the Dress Circle C 28 and from what friends have said, sitting up is not a bad place to be.

I studied this one at uni so I had quite a secure idea of what was instore for me, but what I was not prepared for was the sheer emotion that was left on stage. The minimalistic design features of this show made you focus intensely on every word, every note that was uttered on the stage of the Phoenix. The event surrounding the show is naturally something that evokes a certain emoitional response, but being in the room sparks even more.

There is a lot of lessons to take away from this show, as well as a lot to think about! It is such a shame that this show is drawing to a close in early January (2023), but is embarking on their UK tour in 2024 seeking out more "comefromaway's" to welcome to the Rock.

February - Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre)

Rush ticket success! Another favourite of mine, the film holds such a special sentimental place in me, so to say that I was tentative in wanting to see this is a bit of an understatement. I went into this one blind - minus the songs that have been played as promos and/or the obvoius ones fro the film itself.

The most common word I said during that show was HOW? How did the DeLorean appear on stage that fast? How are the cast so perfect at capturing the essence of each character? Roger Bart as Doc was something that I didn't know I needed (being a Hercules fan it was a double hit for me). For the performance that I saw we had the understudy for Marty McFly (Will Haswell) who also captured the iconic Marty-isms with great ease.

This show definitely managed to capture the film's nostalgia effortlessly, albeit with some changes to fit the stage. Rightfully, this show has been extended to late next year (2023) and have been waiting to find an excuse to take a trip back to 1985, but don't see in my future as of yet...

April - The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Duke of York)

This one was a bit of a spontaneous trip out. None of us knew anything about this one and all of us are more musical people. It is always good to have a change of scenery. This one was a bit different from the usual song and dance that we're used to. I used to watch my fair share of plays when I was back in school, so it was nice to be back watching one.

As I mentioned, I had no idea what I was going into. Having not read the book either, i was excited to see what awaited me at the Duke of York. We managed to catch the show at the end of the run and I wish I went sooner, so I'd have the chance to go again. This production was definitely about the visual. The illusions cleverly crafted by Jamie Harrison, the use of space, set etc all of it I was just left in awe. The key thing that stood out for me, was their innovative use of the ensemble and puppetry. The ensemble played an integral part within the production and worked cohesively to evoke/create these scape of intense physicality all created by Steven Hoggett.

This specific production is currently on its UK and Ireland tour until September next year.

May - Cinderella ALW (Gillian Lynne Theatre )

I'm going to be honest with this one, I had no intention of seeing this show after the rumours surrounding it. But when my friends and I saw a deal with front row tickets we thought why not? Now, I don't mind Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals. Have no strong feelings either way. This was one that I wanted to see, just to see what the "hype" was about. As I'm sure a large amount of the theatre folk know about the certain situation surrounding the show and it's swift closure.

We knew about the spoiler of the seats moving so ideally why not go for the ride whilst we're there. My opinion of the whole thing is that it wasn't that bad. Not the best thing I've seen nor the worst. The staging, set and costume were really interesting and different, however the music was just typical ALW a fair amount of repetition, although there were some songs that were stuck on a loop and kind of catchy, but it was the script that didn't quite do it for me.

Overall, I'm glad that I went to see it the once but if by chance there was a revival... Might give it a miss. It will be interesting to see how the broadway run of the new "Bad Cinderella" will go (arriving in Belleville/Broadway next year).

June Part 1 - The Great Gatsby Immersive Experience (Gatsby's Mansion)

All I have to say about this one is JUST GO AND SEE IT! A close friend of mine invited me to go and to be honest both of us are a bit wary when it comes to immersive theatre as some pieces we've been to have been a little intense in the immersive aspect. But this one was the perfect balance of immersive and simply being a spectator of the action laid out in front of you. It was the most fun I have had at a production in a very long time.

Besides being taught how to Charleston by Jordan Baker and having a one on one with Nick Carraway, it was so different from the other productions that I have seen this year. It was nice to not have the fourth wall there, to just simply live in the moment. Both my friend and I are big fans of the Fitzgerald novella and seeing these characters come to life right in front of you is something special. This cast knew there characters inside and out that it felt as if they have been plucked straight from the pages themselves. There was a lot of depth and a lot to read into with this production.

Unfortunately, Gatsby's Mansion is being reposessed in 2023 but I do hope it'll be rebuilt again.

June Part 2 - Bonnie and Clyde (The Arts Theatre)

This one started the Jeremy Jordan Theatre Universe of this year. If you have had the chance to read my review on the production that speaks for itself in regards to my opinion on the show. Another rush ticket sucess (Stalls J 16), this one I did know what I was walking into. After listening to the album on repeat for while, when it was announced that a westend transfer was in its future a trip to the Devil's Back Porch was definitely needed.

Seeing it at the Arts, I whole heartedly think is what really made this show even better. Having it in a more intimate venue gave the audience the chance to really see the tension and love being portrayed on stage, by this insanely talented cast. As mentioned in my review, I saw the alternate Clyde and their depiction of the ill-fated Clyde lives rent-free. There was just something special about this production, whether it be a long awaited show to grace its presence or the creative minds behind it all. Either way, there was something to take away from this one.

Recently announced, Bonnie and Clyde will be returning to the west end at the Garrick for another limited run from March to May. I think it will be interesting to see what the will do with both a larger performance space and another run, what things will change with more room to explore?

August - Jeremy Jordan in Concert (Drury Lane)

Another long awaited show. I already had the privilege of seeing Jeremy at Cadogan Hal a few years back so when the chance popped up to see him again, it was obvious what was going to happen. Tickets were booked, a companion found the countdown started. Sat in the balcony of the historical Theatre Royal Drury Lane, knowing vaguely what is to come. One thing that stood out for me was obviously the set list. Yes, there was the iconic JJ songs "Moving Too Fast" from the Last Five Years and "Santa Fe" from Newsies, but what I don't think any of us were expecting was the masterful storytelling that came in act 2, there was not a dry eye in the house when Jordan recounted his life experiences coordinated perfectly with great songs "The Middle" Jimmy Eat World and "Wake Me Up" Avicii.

But the surprises didn't stop there, with extra special guests popping up at every turn, Frances Mayli McCann joining to recount their previous concert various of Bonnie and Clyde. Not to mention being able to hear a sneak peak of Age of Madness' new music and also announcing their first UK gig in November of 2022. The bar just kept being raised, just when we thought surely this is it? We were proven wrong time and time again!

The concert was filmed so who knows when it will make an appearance so us audiences can relive this impeccable night all over again.

September - Wo-Man Up:Wicked Women of the West End (The Other Palace Studio)

A friend of mine was performing in this one and told me that I should come along. I'm so happy that I did! Being surrounded by such talent was certainly empowering. The overall concept of this one was to flip the stereotypical gender roles on their head. Taking inspiration from caberet style productions such as "Pronoun Showdown" Wo-Man Up took well known and well-loved musical theatre songs, but simply changed the performers singing them. The setlist included iconic numbers such as the staple tenor ballad "Santa Fe" from Newsies to the contemporary trio that is "Washington On Your Side" from Hamilton. The big difference was that they were all sung by female identifying performers.

I wrote by dissertation on the use of gender in theatre, focusing mainly on projects such as Pronoun Showdown, so finally being able to be in the room and seeing this idea come to life really did prove such a point. The interpretation of these numbers gave a completely different context and subtext to them, flipping them on their head. WWOTWE, I look forward to see what else you bring to the theatre scene in the future.

November - Witness for the Prosecution (County Hall, Waterloo)

This one has been on my list for the longest and another rush ticket win. This one really showed that it pays to show up early, as I managed to snag an upgrade to the jury. For those who are unsure what this means, it is exactly what it entails (without mentioning any spoilers). The real question is, does this mean that I don't have to do jury service? I digress, after being sworn in we were tasked with coming to a verdict for the case of Leonard Vole who was being trialed for murder possibly awaiting the death penalty. Now, the one thing I did forget about this production is the very small detail of it being written by Agatha Christie. Which meant that just when you think you've got the plot sussed out, you are usually completely wrong.

The venue has been completely transformed from a previous County Hall to a courtroom decked out with the stand and jury box alike. The thrust style stage/seating gave an well rounded view of the case being presented to you and, from the jury's perspective, gave us a real opportunity to see the complete raw emotion being delivered right to you. As shown in the above list, I am definitely a musical person, but will never say no to a good play and this one is certainly another to add to the list.

December - Newsies (Troubador Theatre Wembley)

This one was probably the most anticipated show of mine this year! After booking the tickets in a fairly stressful pre-sale, the wait began. If you have also read my review of the show then it is pretty clear that this one was one of the best shows that I have seen this year, if not in a very long time. I have to be biassed with this one considering that it is my favourite musical, but it didn't disappoint even with the newer changes. There was a level or darkness that lined this production but it was needed. It showed the harsh realities that these kids were facing amongst the "Disney-ness" of it all.

What made this trip even more memorable was I draged a very good friend of mine along for the ride. They knew very little about the show, so watching their reactions to the athletic/balletic choreography and to the staple numbers, they finally understood why I love this show so much. There was so much to look at with this one, so much to read into, so many clever minor details that we spotted. The stack of newspapers that make up the stage or the colour pallet which connotes a more deeper story. The creative and cast should be incredibly proud of the show that they have created and I thoroughly look forward to another visit to Lower Manhattan soon!