2012 has seen a phenomenal
boom in a range of fantastic theatre productions being produced not only in the
West End but around the country. To welcome in the New Year we take a look back
at our selection of the best shows of 2012.
Constellations
2012 saw a selection of
the Royal Courts best shows transferring to the West End, with Nick Payne's Constellations shining above them all.
This triumph of a production takes the audience through the journey of one
couple and the infinite possibilities that their actions can take. Sally
Hawkins and Rafe Spall get to the heart of Marianne and Roland's love and
affection for each other, sometimes leading to laughter and sometimes leading
to heartbreak. Nick Payne's script never falters in its intensity and magic to
show that there isn't just one choice but a thousand possibilities. Nick Payne
is defiantly one to watch!
The Fish Tales of
Alaska at Yard Theatre
The Unhidden Collective's
production of The Fish Tales of Alaska
tells the story of the relationship between Man and Sea through a variety of
different mediums. With the world rapidly changing and threatening our seas, The Fish Tales of Alaska tells thought
provoking stories of our ever changing environment and the impact it has on the
sea and its creatures. This début performance at the diverse Yard Theatre
opened to rave reviews in 2012 and TUC are a company that will only keep on
growing in the future.
Blood Brothers
For over 25 years Blood Brothers has been at home at the
Phoenix Theatre and 2012 saw this much loved show play its final show in the
West End. Blood Brothers tells the
story of two brothers separated at birth and the journey of them growing up
side by side and the consequences of the discovering of who they are. Willy
Russell tells a story of love and friendship and how class can, in many ways,
define it. In 25 years this show has never lost the spirit and heart to its
story, so lets hope this isn't the last we've seen of this show.
Richard III
After critical acclaim in
Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem, 2012 saw
Mark Rylance return to the Globe Theatre in the production of Richard III. This production takes
Shakespeare back to its roots with an all male cast, that tells the story of
this tragic King beautifully. For the first time the Globe Theatre has
transferred its productions to the West End with Mark Rylance taking the helm
in Richard III as well as Twelfth Night, giving audiences more
chance to see this fabulous production with Mark Rylance giving an amazing tear
jerking performance as Richard III.
A Chorus of Disapproval
Alan Ayckbourn's plays
have seen a lot of stage time over the last year and Sir Trevor Nunn's
production of A Chorus of Disapproval is
not one to forget. The first time the show has been performed in the West End
since the National Theatre production 25 years ago, it is superb to see it
captivating audiences once again with its charm and wit. A Chorus of Disapproval tells the story of Dafydd as the over
enthusiastic director of The Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society’s production
of The Beggar’s Opera which is slowly
unravelling with the action on stage matching that of the rivalry and romance
stirring up back stage. A fantastic production that should have to wait 25
years to be seen again.
The Curious Incident of
the Dog in the Night Time
Mark Haddon's award
winning novel finally made it to the stage in 2012 to such critical acclaim it
is set for a West End run after a sell out run at the National Theatre. Award
winning director Marianne Elliott and Simon Stephen's adaptation together tell
the story of 15 year old Christopher, the maths genius who tries to unravel the
mystery surrounding the murder of his neighbours dog that leads us on a
terrifying journey of discovery. A fantastic story that most definitely deserved
to be produced on stage, here's hoping it will run and run.
Spamalot
This year saw the return
of the hilarious and revamped Spamalot,
originally opening for a limited run it has proved so popular that is now
embarking on a full West End run. Spamalot
is loosely based on the Monty Python classic, The Holy Grail, with all the classic gags and humour with a whole
host of brilliantly funny musical numbers thrown in. It has an almost panto
feel about it but is most definitely for adults and certainly a show that
should take pride of place in the West End, with it's sheer brilliance and
enough laughs to keep you giggling all the way into 2013!
The Conquering Hero at
The Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond
Richmond's Orange Tree
Theatre is without a doubt one of the best fringe venues in London; set in the
round this intimate space adds an element of charm and magic to any production.
Entering its 40th year the Orange Tree put on a host of fabulous
productions, including Allan Monkhouse's The
Conquering Hero. Set during the First World War this play tells the story
of one family and the impact the War has on each individual. Showing a
different side to the Great War and those people that conscientiously objected
to fighting and the heartfelt justifications and consequences their actions
had. A thought provoking production that was absolutely a must see of
2012.
My Fair Lady
Dominic West made his
debut musical theatre performance in the Sheffield Theatres Production of the
hit musical My Fair Lady at the end
of 2012. This much loved show made its professional return and opened to 5 star
reviews at the Sheffield Crucible with a 5 star cast to go with it. My Fair Lady is a musical based on
George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion,
that tells the story of young Eliza Doolittle taking on the impossible feat of
transforming from a mere flower girl to a fine young lady of society with the
help of the formidable and yet loveable Professor Higgins. With so much to
offer lets hope that 2013 sees this show return to the West End to capture the
hearts of audiences once again.
Playhouse Creatures at
Chichester's Theatre on the Fly
To celebrate the
Chichester Festival Theatre's 50th birthday, a series of productions
were produced with Theatre on the Fly based in a temporary theatre erected in
the grounds of the much-loved theatre. Playhouse
Creatures by April De Angelis is set during the 17th century depicting
the story of a host of feisty female characters trying to be taken seriously in
the theatre. April De Angelis's writing is witty as well as thought provoking
showing the hardship these girls had to face to be taken seriously and the
laughs they had backstage. Michael Oakley's direction perfectly told the story,
taking the audiences right to the heart of the playhouses of the 1600s. A must
see of 2012 and Michael Oakley is one to watch in 2013.
1 comment:
I saw Constellations only last weekend. It really is a brilliant show. The writing is sublime as are the performances. Nick Payne is on a par with Stoppard and Pinter with this play. I first heard his short plays on Radio 4 and was hooked. Yes.....one to watch in 2013.
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