The Basic Theatre Reviewer

.@OliverOnStage has a cast that stuns! #SimonLipkin shines as Fagin, while #ShanayHolmes dazzles with incredible vocals. #LionelBart's timeless score remains as catchy as ever. The big production numbers, choreographed by @SirMattBourne, are a spectacle to behold!

#IntoTheWoods is masterfully directed, creating a vivid fairytale world onstage. The cast are excellent throughout, with superb performances from @KateFleetwood, @DickLeFenwick, #ChumisaDornfordMay and #JoFoster. A stunning set and lighting design complete the magic.

A superb West End revival of #AllMySons. @BryanCranston and #MarianneJeanBaptiste deliver raw, devastating performances, supported by an excellent ensemble of performers. #JanVersweyveld’s atmospheric lighting is a standout.

#TheImportanceOfBeingEarnest is hugely entertaining and flies by. The cast are excellent, with #StephenFry’s Lady Bracknell a standout. The production leans fully into the camp, exaggerating every word and movement. The grand, beautifully designed costumes are also a treat.

#PaddingtonTheMusical is the theatrical highlight of the year. Catchy music by @TomFletcher, a uniformly outstanding cast, richly detailed sets, and colourful costumes. Paddington himself is astonishingly life-like. One of the very best shows in the West End right now.

I had an absolute blast seeing @RickyGervais in his new stand-up show #Mortality. Gervais was utterly hilarious, holding the attention of 11,000 people all on his own. I was laughing from start to finish, and it a fantastic night out!

In September, I had the chance to see @FiddlerRoofUK, an outstanding production. The choreography by #JuliaCheng was particularly impressive, with the Bottle Dance a real highlight. @MattJWoodyatt gave a compelling Tevye, capturing both his strength and tenderness.

#Nye boasts a phenomenal performance from @MichaelSheen, who captures both the charisma and vulnerability of the titular figure. A compelling insight into a pivotal chapter of British history, and a powerful reminder of what political action can achieve when done right.

Six years after first seeing it, it was surreal to revisit @SixTheMusical. I adored it then, and it was a joy to experience again. Six still boasts one of the finest musical scores ever written, featuring catchy melodies alongside razor-sharp lyrics.

.@GoodNightOscar boasts a remarkable turn from @SeanHayes, who throws his whole body into the role. He captures both Oscar Levant’s biting humour and tragic depth, while showcasing his many talents, not least his phenomenal piano skills.

.@Titanique is a riot - pure joy from start to finish! The cast are on top form: @CarlMullaney is gloriously over-the-top as Ruth, @RodneyVubya brings sass while understudying as the Iceberg, and @IAmAstridHarris shines as a wild Céline Dion.

.@StereophonicLDN is superbly written; a fly-on-the-wall look at the chaos and beauty of making an album, layered with sharp insights into the human condition. The ensemble cast are excellent, with a special shout-out to #SamDenia on an outstanding West End debut as Grover!

The performances in @EvitaMusical are spectacular. @rachelzegler commands the stage with magnetic presence and stunning vocals. #DiegoAndresRodriguez is a charismatic, compelling Che, while #JamesOlivas impresses with his powerful voice. The choreography is another standout!

.@GiantThePlay features some of the finest performances on the West End right now. @JohnLithgow, @ElliotLevey_, #AyaCash, and #RachelStirling create a dynamic, intense atmosphere. Sharply written and thoroughly engaging—there’s not a dull moment.

.@StarlightLondon is one of the most technically impressive shows I’ve ever seen. Under @LukeJ_Sheppard’s masterful direction, every element shines—from the choreography and set to the costumes, lighting, and sound. The cast also impress, acting while skating at high speed!

@MMBThePlay boasts a standout performance from @KateFleetwood, who commands the stage. #ElizabethDebicki is also superb. The striking set design by #RichardKent is yet another highlight.

The five actors in @TheYearsPlay are delivering some of the most powerful performances in the West End right now. Whether moving as a collective or shining in solo moments, each one is utterly mesmerising. The show demands raw emotion from its cast—and they certainly deliver.

.@MrJamesGraham delivers another hit with #Punch—a play that moves seamlessly from grief to hope. Its strong character development is a testament to Graham’s masterful writing. #DavidShields captivates in a remarkable lead performance, bringing the character’s journey to life.

Following their success with The Jungle, #JoeMurphy & #JoeRobertson deliver another hit with #Kyoto—a masterclass in storytelling with a fascinating protagonist. Under #StephenDaldry & #JustinMartin, the direction is sharp, fast-paced, and utterly compelling—never a dull moment.

Best Actor In A Supporting Role - @elliotlevey_: @GiantThePlay Best Actress In A Supporting Role - #RamolaGarai: @GiantThePlay Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Musical) - @TomXander2: @MeanGirlsStage Best Actress In A Supporting Role (Musical) - @MaimunaMemon: #TheGreatComet

Best Actor - @JohnLithgow: @GiantThePlay Best Actress - #LesleyManville: @OedipusWestEnd Best Actor In A Musical - @JohnDagleish: @TCCOBBmusical Best Actress In A Musical - #ImeldaStaunton: @HelloDollyLDN

My predictions for the 2025 #OlivierAwards are as follows: Best New Play - @TheYearsPlay Best New Musical - @TCCOBBmusical Best Revival - @OedipusWestEnd Best Musical Revival - @FiddlerRoofUK Best Entertainment Or Comedy Play - #BalletShoes