I’ve never had the chance to do this, but this was my first fully fledged theatre reviewer year, and I have to document some of the sheer brilliance that I saw on stage: the shows that made me gasp, yelp and howl with laughter. For me, the theatre is a space to be taken to another world, created by those on (and off) the stage. I had the chance to visit NYC for the first time, and I was amazed by the talent on stage; so much so, I;ll be returning back in 2024! The creatives in these shows below, I should add, have accumulated a real sense of being taken on a visual experience that I’ll never forget: the haunting notes, the costumes that dazzled, and the loveable character who stuck with me long after the curtain dropped.
In no particular order, I give to you Hamza Jahanzeb’s top 5 shows of 2023:
1. Next to Normal, Donmar Warehouse
REVIEW: Next to Normal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Donmar Warehouse
2. The Witches, National Theatre
REVIEW: The Witches ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Olivier Theatre, National Theatre
3. Purlie Victorious, Music Box Theatre
REVIEW: Purlie Victorious ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️ 📍Music Box Theatre
4. Oliver! Leeds Playhouse
REVIEW: Oliver! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📍Quarry Theatre, Leeds Playhouse
5. Blue Mist, Royal Court theatre
REVIEW: Blue Mist ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Royal Court Theatre (Jerwood Theatre Upstairs)
All the best for those of you who are going to see shows in 2024; long may they bring us the escapism we crave, and create memorable pieces that can allow us to set no limits on what is achievable. I will always champion the schemes for those from under represented groups to visit, and experience the theatre.
Thank you for reading, and I very much wish to see more of you – and your creations – on and off the stage.
H
xo