2025 Top 40 - All That Dazzles' Favourite Shows Of The Year
- All That Dazzles
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
Written by Daz Gale
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on a, shall we say, interesting year for theatre? There have been some amazing shows, and there have been some less-than-amazing ones.
I’ve looked back at every show I’ve seen this year and rounded up my top 40, split into 2 categories:
Top 20 Plays
Top 20 Musicals
The criteria is that the show had to have opened this year (Two shows in musicals technically opened in late 2024, but invited people to review in January, so missed the cutoff last year and are present here instead)
This is all my personal taste, so prepare to be surprised at some inclusions and disagree with some of my choices. With the bar set, let’s begin!
Click the link underneath each entry to read the corresponding review from this year:
TOP 20 PLAYS
It was a very strong year for plays with the following among those I also loved but didn’t quite make it into the top 20 this time around: The Line Of Beauty, Apex Predator, This Bitter Earth, Farewell Mister Haffmann, The Land Of The Living, Manhunt, Othello, Letters From Max, Stereophonic, The Seagull, Kyoto, The Last Laugh, FOUR PLAY, Ghosts, Oh, Mary! and Fat Ham.
20. The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs (Kiln Theatre)
The story of the only lesbian choir in the country boasted exceptional writing and a shifting tone that balanced comedy and serious issues.
19. The Code (Southwark Playhouse Elephant)
The first of two Michael McKeever plays in the chart, Tracie Bennett and John Partridge transported us to Hollywood in the 1950s in a production that ticked every box.
18. Intimate Apparel (Donmar Warehouse)
Writer Lynn Nottage and director Lynette Linton reunited for this finely woven and beautifully stitched together play, featuring an exceptional performance from Samira Wiley.
17. Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright (Wyndham’s Theatre)
The TV favourite hit the stage for the first time, as Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith bring a riotously funny and deeply intelligent story full of twists, turns and huge surprises.
16. Second Best (Riverside Studios)
Asa Butterfield delivered the first contender for performance of the year in a rich world of emotion and vulnerability, featuring inspired direction by Michael Longhurst.
15. Punch (Young Vic/Apollo Theatre)
One of the only shows I reviewed twice this year, James Graham’s true story of Jacob Dunne proves hard-hitting and powerful, with a beautiful message told with sensitivity and authenticity.
14. Paranormal Activity (Ambassadors Theatre)
One of the final shows of the year, and one I didn’t expect to be anywhere near as good as it is. The film series came to life on stage in the best example of horror in theatre, boasting some jaw-dropping effects.
13. Good Night, Oscar (Barbican Theatre)
Sean Hayes reprised his Tony Award-winning role as Oscar Levant, delivering a tour-de-force performance in a production that more than matched the genius of its subject.
12. The Years (Harold Pinter Theatre)
A play that missed my top 20 last year, its West End transfer was somehow even better than before, as this impactful play about memories stayed in mine all through the year.
11. Much Ado About Nothing (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
The second show in Jamie Lloyd’s Shakespeare season was better received than the first, with Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell leading a colourful and surprising production.
10. War Horse (UK & Ireland Tour)
Galloping to theatres around the country all year, this production was saddled with emotion and trotted the fine line between heartbreak and hope.
9. A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bridge Theatre)
In a year full of strong Shakespeare adaptations, this return of an acclaimed production was my favourite. Bursting with creativity, it was an absolute dream of a play.
8. Till The Stars Come Down (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
A 2024 favourite got a West End transfer with Beth Steel’s phenomenal writing and an outstanding cast, making this a marriage made in heaven.
7. Giant (Harold Pinter Theatre)
Another West End transfer of a 2024 standout was this shocking and thought-provoking depiction of Roald Dahl, boasting a towering performance from John Lithgow.
6. Inter Alia (Lyytlelton Theatre)
Soon to be seen in a West End transfer, Rosamund Pike gave a memorable performance in Suzie Miller’s intelligent and devastating play, the strongest show at National Theatre this year.
5. All My Sons (Wyndham’s Theatre)
Ivo Van Hove adapted Arthur Miller’s classic in a striking production full of suspense. Bryan Cranston delivered one of the performances of the year and may be the frontrunner to win an Olivier next year.
4. The Comedy About Spies (Noel Coward Theatre)
Mischief Theatre worked their magic once again, creating the funniest show of the year and what may be their best show yet. With a licence to thrill, this is the most I have laughed in a theatre all year - I spy we may not have seen the last of this show bursting with intelligence.
3. Every Brilliant Thing (@SohoPlace)
The only show I reviewed three times this year, but for good reason. With five different performers, each brought something new to this suitably brilliant show, which has made it high up on my own list of brilliant things I saw in the theatre this year.
2. Daniel’s Husband (Marylebone Theatre)
A show that took me and many others by surprise. Michael McKeever has written a deceptive and devastating show that pulls the rug from under you with its tonal shift. A show that deserves to be seen by many, let’s hope we see more from it after this run concludes.
1. KENREX (Southwark Playhouse Borough/The Other Palace)
When I first saw KENREX in February, I commented it might be the play of the year. Nothing had come close to overtaking it until I saw Daniel’s Husband the day before my return visit in December. That second trip confirmed there is nothing like KENREX this year or any other. The creativity and artistry involved make this a show like no other, with Jack Holden’s astonishing performance setting the bar impossibly high for any other play to meet - even more impressive in a particularly strong year for plays.
CONCERTS
In previous years, I’ve included a top 10 concerts of the year but didn’t review as many this year so have decided not to include them this year. I do want to mention some of the standout ones, however, with Marisha Wallace, Samantha Barks, Jeremy Jordan, RepresentAsian and Aaron Tveit providing some of the highlights of the year,
In terms of staged musical concerts, The Book Thief, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Little Dancer, If/Then and Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical were the standouts for me.
A special mention has to go to the incredible pairing of Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker for Gravity, a concert so incredible, it is coming back in 2026 for an entire tour.
TOP 20 MUSICALS
It felt like this was a stronger year for plays than musicals, with it much harder to narrow down my top 20 plays. That said, these musicals deserve a special mention for being fantastic but just missing the top 20: Lovestuck, One Man Musical, Coven, Here We Are, Cry-Baby, Play On!
20. Clueless, The Musical (Trafalgar Theatre)
In a year of new movie musical adaptations, this musical may have been clueless for what it wanted to be at times, but when it gets it right, it provides some of the best moments on stage this year.
19. King Of Pangea (King’s Head Theatre)
The first outing for this new musical was full of potential, creating a magical world and coming very close to finding the final piece of the puzzle. This is one this year I’m looking forward to seeing again as it is developed further.
18. Ride The Cyclone (Southwark Playhouse Elephant)
UK audiences had waited years for this musical to cross over, and when it finally did, it was one Hell of a ride. Dangerous and exciting, yet comforting and satisfying, let’s hope audiences can get another ride sooner rather than later.
17. Brigadoon (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)
The first major revival in London in over 35 years concluded what may be Open Air Theatre’s strongest ever season on a high, bringing nostalgia while keeping one foot in the present and even a look to the future.
16. 13 Going On 30 - The Musical (Manchester Opera House)
The premiere musical adaptation of this much-loved movie had all the right ingredients to become a new fan favourite. Led by fantastic performances by Lucie Jones and David Hunter, don’t be surprised if this show finds itself thriving in the West End next year.
15. My Fair Lady (The Mill at Sonning)
The annual Christmas musical at the picturesque dinner-theatre just outside of London is always a highlight in my calendar, and their ambitious take on the Lerner and Loewe classic may have been their best yet in a production that was simply loverly.
14. The Great Gatsby (London Coliseum)
Possibly the most divisive musical of the year, while it may have been a case of style over substance, it was still impressive at just how stylish it is. With Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann leading a stellar cast, this big, beautiful and bold musical was one of the must-sees of the summer.
13. The Sound Of Music (Curve Leicester)
Curve Leicester pack no punches when it comes to their annual festive musical, and this year was no exception. Molly Lynch was a glorious Maria in a stunning production that hit every note perfectly.
12. Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre)
Transferring to the West End to mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, this jukebox musical took some of the greatest songs of all time in a production that was bigger and even better than last year’s first outing.
11. Fiddler On The Roof (Barbican Theatre)
One of the charms of this Open Air Theatre revival last year was its outdoor setting, so it was surprising how effective it worked indoors, bringing even more of an emotional connection in a miraculous production that has become a new tradition in itself.
10. Dear Evan Hansen (UK Tour)
A show that has always been very special to me, this new touring production took the essence of the original and tweaked it a bit to make it fresh, but every bit as impactful. Ryan Kopel led a stellar cast with a mesmerising turn as Evan in an amazing production.
9. Sing Street (Lyric Hammersmith)
The UK premiere stage adaptation of John Carney’s movie is the perfect reminder of the power of music and the joy it can bring. It was hard not to fall in love with this group of talented musicians, and I certainly hope we get to see more of them in the future.
8. Jesus Christ Superstar (Watermill Theatre)
With a reputation for big and bold summer musicals, the small space in Newbury showcased the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical in a way like never before, with innovative staging even moving the entire audience outside to the garden of Gethsemane for Act 2.
7. Titanique (Criterion Theatre)
Though it opened in 2024, reviews happened in January as the story of Titanic told by Celine Dion finally docked in London in a hilarious and madcap production that was anything but a sinking ship. Luckily, it shows no signs of going anywhere as the run has been going on and on.
6. Miss Saigon (UK Tour)
The legendary musical was reborn in a new production that took off around the UK this year. One of the all time greats, this was at the top of my list of musicals I had always wanted to see on stage, and it certainly didn’t disappoint, making this one Saigon I’m glad I didn’t miss.
5. Shucked (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre)
UK audiences finally got a taste of the Broadway hit in the corniest musical of the year. A strong cast, some great songs and some of the most stupid yet hilarious jokes of the year made this production truly cob-smacking. This show really was the cream of the crop when it came to new musicals opening this year.
4. The Producers (Garrick Theatre)
Back in the West End for the first time in 20 years, this hilarious production could run for 20 years, with a strong cast and fantastic staging taking this show to the next level after last year’s well-received debut at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The result is one huge hit!
3. Evita (London Palladium)
You couldn’t escape Evita summer this year, as thousands gathered on Argyll Street for a glimpse of Rachel Zegler on the balcony of the Palladium. Jamie Lloyd’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic was far more than a novelty though, with some inspired creative choices, mainly through Fabian Aloise’s incredible choreography. Then there was Rachel Zegler’s performance herself - as good as it gets, I’d be very surprised if she doesn’t bag herself the Olivier next year.
2. Oliver (Gielgud Theatre)
A new production of Lionel Bart’s classic got the balance right between nostalgia and bringing something fresh to the mix, with an exceptional cast including Simon Lipkin’s faultless take on Fagin. This production really is musical theatre at its best and would have easily earned the title of the number one musical of the year, if it wasn’t for another new arrival…
1. Paddington The Musical (Savoy Theatre)
I usually have to think long and hard over what will be my number one musical of the year. Not this year. The most anticipated show of the year had me excited from the moment the bear was revealed at the first preview and broke the Internet. A month later, I sat in the theatre with impossibly high expectations, which were all effortlessly met.
Everything theatre should be and more, this flawless production is magical in every sense from its cast, music, staging and direction - every aspect of this show is simply ma-ma-ma-marvellous.
Not just the best musical of the year, this is the best new musical the West End has seen in years and will ensure London will be looking after this bear for a very long time.
Those are my personal choices, but what about the amazing contributors who write with me on All That Dazzles?
It takes a village to run this website, and here are what some of the team selected for their favourite play and musical of the year:
DAN G.
Play: Daniel’s Husband (Marylebone Theatre)
A devastatingly powerful and flawlessly performed play that stands out as one of the very best and most essential pieces of theatre this year.
Musical: Evita (London Palladium)
A career-defining magnetic performance by Rachel Zegler transformed this musical into a thrilling triumph.
DAN S.
Play: Scenes From A Repatriation (Royal Court)
An epic script elevated even higher by some of the most playful and fascinating staging I’ve ever seen, including a giant dragon.
Musical: Here We Are (Lyttlelton Theatre)
It was on my Spotify Wrapped as my album of the year, so it would be wrong not to. I will die on the hill that is the brilliance of this musical.
HARRY
Play: Giant (Harold Pinter Theatre)
With searing performances and bitingly relevant social commentary, this exploration of Roald Dahl’s alleged antisemitism blew me away and left me asking myself questions, as all good theatre does.
Musical: Lovestuck (Stratford East)
Easily the most catchy soundtrack in 2025, this new British musical has legs and I hope it goes far; get on board so you can say you were there near the start.
HYWEL
Play: The Comedy About Spies (Apollo Theatre)
Everyone loves a bit of Mischief Theatre and they never seem to run out of new ways to make people laugh.
Musical: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (Chichester Festival Theatre)
Its down to earth wholesome story about bringing joy to other people set itself apart from the others to be my favourite of the year.
ISABEL
Play: Stereophonic (Duke Of York’s Theatre)
Utterly compelling with an insanely talented cast, brilliant music and humour to balance.
Musical: Shucked (Open Air Theatre)
Full of energy and corny jokes which were actually funny.
IZZY
Play: The Comedy About Spies (Noel Coward Theatre)
Easily one of the funniest things I have ever seen, it's also quite possibly my favourite Mischief show to date. The writing is impeccable; every joke lands perfectly, the plot lines are masterfully intertwined, and the final twists culminate in a surprisingly shocking sequence that neatly wraps up the action, before ending with some signature heartfelt moments that beat through the chaos of every Mischief creation. All of this is elevated by the exceptional performances from the cast, whose skill, passion and genuine friendship make them an absolute delight and honour to watch. Mischief are still hard at work, consistently delivering the most hysterical, innovative and stupidly clever shows, proving over and over again that their talents age like a fine wine. More specifically, a non-explosive bottle of Shiraz.
Musical: The Great Gatsby (London Coliseum)
When rumours first started circulating that The Great Gatsby would be coming to London, I said my dream casting would be Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to find out my dreams had come true! The pair have the most beautiful voices that I could listen to forever without getting bored, and together they manage to create absolute magic.
JACK
Play: Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright (Wyndham’s Theatre/UK Tour)
A frighteningly funny love letter to theatre that distilled the show’s trademark twists, scares and humour into an amazing live experience.
Musical: Young Frankenstein (Hope Mill Theatre)
It found the sweet spot between satire and subtle sincerity to create a perfect parody.
LILY
Play: Oh, Mary! (Trafalgar Theatre)
I thought the entire cast were truly “sensational” and the script was brilliantly bonkers.
Musical: Shucked (Open Air Theatre)
Deliciously corny in all the right ways, with wonderfully eccentric choreography supported by a talented band.
RAPHAEL
Play: Cyrano de Bergerac (The RSC)
This absolute gem of a show that was a delight from start to finish, written in gorgeous poetry and balancing humour and heartbreak delicately.
Musical: Evita (London Palladium)
There’s a good reason why this Jamie Lloyd show was a viral sensation - it was a thrilling, seat-shaking rock concert of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical that made the ‘Evita summer’ one to remember for life.
SAM
Play: Otherland (Almeida Theatre)
Anchored by compelling performances from Jade Anouka and Fizz Sinclair, Chris Bush mined the expectations of womanhood and the final nuances of coming out as transgender in adulthood in this rich, deeply moving new play.
Musical: The Harder They Come (Stratford East)
Bringing the landmark Jamaican film back to the stage after an adaptation twenty years prior, this production succeeded not only as a tribute to that film’s importance, but to the legacy of the since-passed Jimmy Cliff, giving his work a final hurrah before the world lost his gifts.
SETH
Play: The Comedy About Spies
In a brilliant year for Mischief, the laughs never stopped in this play. Some of the scenes were the work of true genius, and seeing that cast bring it to life was a genuine treat - Chris Leask saying “spleen” was worth the tickey price alone.
Musical: Starter For Ten (Bristol Old Vic)
Although there is still room for development, this new production was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve had in a theatre all year. An incredible cast, stunning choreography and some of the best new musical theatre songs of the decade with each a certified banger. I sincerely hope it’s not too long until I can hear them again.
What do you think of our choices? Let me know on my socials - @ATDazzles on all of them.
Anything you particularly agree or disagree with here, or any notable absences? Let me know.
Listen to me talk about my favourite shows of the year as well as my least favourites along with Sam Williams and Henry Calvert on the latest episode of All That Chat on Apple podcasts and Spotify now.
Looking back, there have been some incredible shows this year - and that makes me even more excited to see what 2026 has in store for us all.
I hope you all have a very happy New Year. Until next year, see you in the theatre!