2021 was the year that theatre felt like it was truly coming back to life. After an absolutely rubbish year throughout the 2020 lockdown, it was so wonderful to get back into theatres and watch some brilliant shows. To celebrate, I wanted to list some of the best and most memorable shows that I saw this year.
Be More Chill was the first show in London that I saw once theatres had re-opened. It was a show that I didn't know anything about, but heard enough of a buzz around it that I decided I needed to see. It was a show that blew me away and after taking Max to see it (after I loved it so much that I needed to see it again!) it firmly became one of his favourites too. Unfortunately it closed at the end of August, but I am hopeful of a UK tour at some point in the near future as I can't bear to not see it again!
Of course a visit to London would not be complete without a trip to see Six the musical. It's one that I've seen several times and absolutely adore. Luckily I managed to score a front row seat and not only see some of the original cast before they left, but also some alternates making their west end debut. To say that the chemistry in the theatre was electric was an understatement.
The return to theatre meant the return to arguably my favourite theatre, the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. We absolutely adored seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Max loved meeting some brilliant local queens before the show began. We also went as a family to see Magic Goes Wrong. We knew that it would be brilliant as we love anything that Mischief Theatre put on, and it didn't disappoint at all!
Keeping at the Mayflower, I also ventured into my first opera. It was definitely an experience that I won't forget, and it was a show that I was surprised that I enjoyed as much as I did. I even surprised myself that I managed to understand the story without having to read it in the programme. Who says that a girl can't be cultured at times! We also went and saw one of the most magical plays that I had seen in such a long time. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe absolutely blew us away and left us feeling ready for Christmas. It's still touring the UK, so if you want that fuzzy feeling, it's one to see.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World was a new musical that absolutely floored me. It made me feel empowered, had Max dancing in his seat, and honestly made us as excited as when I saw Six for the first time. It honestly felt like we were watching something special that is going to make a huge impact on the world of musical theatre. In fact, I've already got tickets for when it comes back locally!
After years of waiting, rescheduling and even more waiting, I finally got to see Dear Evan Hansen and it was everything I wanted and more. Sam Tutty was the perfect Evan and had me in tears throughout his performance. I honestly loved the show so much that I can't wait to see it again. It's definitely on the list for a re-watch as I know that Max would love to see it too.
Back To The Future was a spur of the moment booking. When one show closed due to Covid, we booked rush tickets to see this one. Having heard good things about it from various friends and family, we were quite excited. But nothing would prepare us for how incredible this show was. Having Max hold my hand in glee and whisper that he had never seen something as brilliant is a moment I won't forget for a while!
Our year ended up unexpectedly in the room where it happens as we were gifted tickets to see Hamilton for Christmas. With brilliant seats and not knowing what to expect we were so excited. To say it was phenomenal was an understatement. With a cast full of swings and covers, we were blown away with the talent on stage. Luckily we have more tickets to see it in February! We can't wait to be back in the room where it happens.
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