It seems the last annual roundup I did was in 2010, so with 64 shows feeding my theatregoing addition last year, it is high time for another and fortunately 2013 was a fantastic year for London theatre.
It remains my favourite building in London and the National Theatre celebrated their 50th anniversary in fitting style, with a couple of documentaries, a pick-and-mix variety show of highlights and a fascinating series of discussion panels that were thankfully recorded and available on SoundCloud. These are a wonderful educational resource for anyone in the industry or watching from the wings.
So without further ado, in alphabetical order, here are my top 12 favourite productions of 2013.
1984 (Richmond Theatre)
A couple of years ago I saw a Northern Broadsides production of Orwell’s 1984 and I remember it leaving no impression on me whatsoever! However, this Headlong touring production, could not have been more different. Brilliantly directed and performed with an impressive set and very effective use of video projection. 1984 comes to the Almeida Theatre in February and the entire run is already sold out.
Chimerica (Noel Coward Theatre)
Lucy Kirkwood’s play about the Tiananmen Square ‘tank man’ was a sold-out success at the Almeida before it transferred to the West End. A Headlong co-production it had an ingenious set based on a rotating cube, which is the cleverest thing I’ve seen on stage since The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Equally impressive was the brisk pace of the production which is no mean feat for a three hour play. The reviews were unanimously stunning and I was dubious whether it would live up to them. It did.
Fault Lines (Hampstead Theatre)
One of my favourite London theatres, Hampstead Theatre pulled a cracker with this new contemporary comedy by Ali Taylor, set in the office of a disaster relief charity. While I wasn’t quite convinced by the central relationship, there were some strong performances (particularly from Alex Lawther, above) and another fantastic Hampstead set which took naturalism to a whole new level.
Fences (Duchess Theatre)
Another feather in the cap for Lenny Henry who was simply stunning in this fine production of August Wilson’s American classic. I’d never seen the play before but I found myself captivated and very moved by it.
The Hothouse (Trafalgar Studios)
I absolutely loved this Pinter play. Perfectly cast with Simon Russell-Beale and John Simm as the leads and featuring a manic John Heffernan and the wonderful Harry Melling (above). Impeccably directed by Jamie Lloyd and beautifully designed by Soutra Gilmour.
Let the Right One In (Royal Court)
Creating a stage version of a movie which features a series of horrific deaths and a scene in a swimming pool is hardly a walk in the park, but the National Theatre of Scotland pulled it off brilliantly.
London Wall (St James Theatre)
This production was a complete joy from beginning to end. This revival of the John Van Druten play about office life in the 1930s was originally produced at the Finborough Theatre and transferred to St James Theatre in May. Superb performances from the entire cast, I honestly didn’t want it to end.
Port (NT Lyttleton)
This NT revival of Simon Stephens’ 2002 epic play about a brother and sister growing up in Stockport received mixed reviews. Putting a curiously double-casting decision aside, I really enjoyed the sheer ambition and design of this production on the vast Lyttleton stage.
The Pride (Trafalgar Studios)
The last show in Jamie Lloyd’s ‘Trafalgar Transformed’ season and what a classy production this was. A very simple but beautifully executed set and heartbreakingly delicate performances from Harry Hadden-Paton, Al Weaver and Hayley Atwell supported by Matthew Horne. The Pride is shortly embarking on a mini-tour to Brighton, Manchester and Richmond from mid-January and I’m very tempted to see it again.
Sweet Bird of Youth (Old Vic)
It’s an odd play but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kim Cattrall and the rather lovely Seth Numrich were great as the leads in this epic tale of an middle-aged actress chasing her youth and a young man escaping his past.
Twelfth Night (Globe)
Not strictly a 2013 production since this was recorded at the Globe in 2012, but I thought this all-male production was spell-binding. Mark Rylance was amazingly entertaining as Olivia and this is another one for the ‘complete joy’ category.
The Winslow Boy (Old Vic)
This was the first time I’d seen this Terence Rattigan play and with its beautiful design and top notch performances, this was one of those productions that you soon feel completely immersed in. A perfect revival for the Old Vic – they just do them so well.