Theatre has been through a lot in the past few years, with the complete shutdown of the industry in 2020 we were all left with uncertainty about the industry and how it would come back. Whilst we are still feeling the effects of this, the theatrical world is back on its feet and 2022 has been a wonderful year for theatre. Pocket Size Theatre looks back at the productions we've seen this year and we have collated a list of the best 20 shows we've seen, take a look and celebrate with us all that theatre has achieved in the past year!
The Wicker Husband at the Watermill Theatre
"This is a story with real heart and meaning. In a world ravaged by war & global warming and dominated by a superficial obsession with images & messages on social media, it is a pleasure to see a story with powerful reinforcement of natural good triumphing over evil intent and a message that what makes a person beautiful is their soul and caring attitude rather than their external appearance."
Cruise at the Apollo Theatre
"This is an important piece for the LGBTQ+ community, Holden gives the performance of a lifetime and you need to beg, borrow or steal a ticket to this. The most important play you can see this summer."
Grease at the Dominion Theatre
"This is a really great production and whilst it may not be what audiences are expecting, it's a much-needed revival that the West End needs right now to inject some life into it. An absolute mind-blowing cast and it’ll be one I will definitely be returning to!"
Grease returns to the Dominion Theatre in 2023, running from the 2nd of June to the 28th of October. Click here for tickets from £21.00!
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty at Sadler's Wells
"If you have never seen a New Adventures production, I have just one question for you, when have you booked tickets for?! If you are in a position to snap up a ticket, be sure to head to Sadler’s Wells to witness this spectacular, sensational spin on the beloved fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty."
Sleeping Beauty runs at Sadler's Wells until the 15th of January 2023 and then heads out of a UK tour until the 29th of April 2023.
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol at the Southbank Centre
"Despite being set in a different era and on the other side of the world, the message behind the story of “A Christmas Carol” remains just as strong. It goes to prove that time and location don’t matter when it comes to stories of humanity. As always Dolly Parton brings her unique radiance to the piece as she sprinkles the show with the magic of her music and lyrics. Ultimately the show represents one of Dolly’s most famous quotes, “If you want the rainbow you gotta put up with the rain” "
Dolly Parton's Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol runs at the Southbank Centre until the 8th of January 2023.
Yellowman at The Orange Tree Theatre
"Orlandersmiths’ writing is a first-class example of the way in which comedy and hard topics can integrate and create quality material. Both Higgin and Anthony really lend themselves to the subtle humour in the text, especially when playing their character's younger selves. Even though it’s a piece performed by two actors, the distinction between all the different characters they play is very clear and easy to follow as an audience."
Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Kontakthof at Sadler's Wells
"While there are still enough people around who physically worked with Pina Bausch while she was alive who can pass on their first-hand experience of the work to new generations of company members, all dancers and performers alike should witness a performance by Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch while they can. A work like Kontakthof is a gift to the world of dance."
The Color Purple at the Birmingham Hippodrome
"The Colour Purple is touring selected venues in the UK until November and if you see any show for the rest of the year, make sure this is it. With not one weak cast member and a production so intensely poignant, I cannot give this show any less than my highest rating."
Bacon at the Finborough Theatre
"...the cast, the design, the writing- it’s all just a beautiful synergy of when theatre is done right. I have no doubt that Sophie Swithinbank is going to be hugely successful- so don’t miss the chance to say you were in the room for one of her earliest plays!"
Hamlet by Guildford Shakespeare Company at the Holy Trinity Church, Guildford
"This was my first time watching a Guildford Shakespeare Company production but will certainly not be my last. This production of Hamlet has sold very well but beg, borrow or steal for a ticket if you can to see a fantastic production with a wonderful cast led by Freddie Fox whose stock will only rise further after this performance."
For a Palestinian at the Camden People’s Theatre
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"I was blown away by For a Palestinian. It is a truly important show. It plays at the Camden People’s Theatre until October 1st before transferring to the Bristol Old Vic. Promise me you will go and see it."
Steve at the Seven Dials Playhouse
"‘Steve’ is an absolute delight to watch. It is jam-packed with every ingredient that you hope to see in a play when booking. Humour, heart, and a hop skip and a jump through sensational and satirical Sondheim references, what’s not to love?"
The Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking
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"In a corps de ballet with this much skill and expertise, it is noteworthy that every dancer was sensational, however, Rachael Gillespie leads this company as Clara and blesses us with her endearing performance. She is magnetic and inviting; gracing the stage with a huge presence, despite being so petite in stature."
The Nutcracker runs at the Leeds Grand Theatre until the 7th of January 2023.
Zorro at The Charing Cross Theatre
"Zorro is incredibly immersive, a traverse stage with the audience submerged in the action. The set is simple but exceptionally effective; a sizzling hot pueblo in London’s West End, transporting you to 19th century California effortlessly. An excellent view is guaranteed wherever you are sitting in the auditorium, thanks to the intimate setting and enveloping atmosphere."
Rose at Park Theatre 200
"The plot deals with universal themes that remain current today as race, politics and gender equality all jostle for prominence in a thoughtful and searching narrative. The effects of growing old in a society increasingly obsessed with youth are painfully well observed. Subtle humour underpins the script but never feels forced with a manufactured punchline. Funny lines naturally flow from the character's interaction with others. Maureen Lipman has added more gold stars to an already glittering CV."
English National Ballet ‘The Forsythe Evening’ at Sadler’s Wells
"The Forsythe evening highlights the athleticism of dancers. The stamina and the connection to their bodies that they have are on another level; they are constantly moving fluidly and energetically across the stage. A few of them still seemed bound by the constraints of classical ballet and needed a little time to ease into the freeing movements, but ultimately the production is faultless and thoroughly enjoyable."
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
"This was only my second ever Thursford experience and I was particularly impressed that, a few traditional elements aside, it seemed to me an entirely new production. Yes, the essence and the format remain the same, but costumes, choreography, music – even Ken Orkian’s jokes – were all new for this year. I think I’m all Christmassed-out for this year now!"
Jekyll and Hyde at Reading Rep
"We are left with a clear impression of the struggle within Jekyll and the impact it had on his small loyal group of acquaintances but most of all just overwhelmed by the sheer quality, and engaging charm of Audrey Brisson herself and feel privileged to see her perform in such an intimate venue as Reading Rep."
The Ballad of Maria Marten at Wilton’s Music Hall
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"Beth Flintoff’s The Ballard of Maria Marten was first staged in 2018 and has since been in development with two further casts. We are privy to four years of maturation and it is as compelling and gripping as theatre can be. Every note perfectly pitched, each harmony as tuneful as a room full of angels, each movement elegant and eloquent, every inch of the stage fully inhabited and the character and the world of Maria Marten, fully realised."
Tell Me Straight at The Chiswick Playhouse
"For any theatre-goer who is looking to be mentally challenged about the ongoing questions we ask ourselves mixed with a good belly laugh, then this is the type of honest and stripped back theatre you should be watching. Every moment is engaging and as an audience member, you experience an array of emotions within the 75 minutes of action."
