Saturday, 1 February 2025
My love affair with the theatre is long and torrid. But between my move to Zurich and certain family expansion projects, 2025 promises to be a particularly difficult year to get out to a show. Still, a boy can dream, and of course I can't disappoint my loyal readers. So I have still done the homework, dug through the depths of the artistic underground and found for you a list of the year's most exciting productions.
So here it is, our list of the top 10 theatrical productions to keep an eye on in 2025, perhaps with a slight London and Zurich bias, starting with number 10:
10. "The Invention of Love" by Tom Stoppard, at the Hampstead Theatre
So here it is, our list of the top 10 theatrical productions to keep an eye on in 2025, perhaps with a slight London and Zurich bias, starting with number 10:
10. "The Invention of Love" by Tom Stoppard, at the Hampstead Theatre
Let's begin with a returning legend of the stage, Tom Stoppard. The Invention of Love is a revival of his 1997 portrayal of the life of poet and classicist A.E. Housman as he reflects on unrequited love and his scholarly pursuits.
This new production comes courtesy of the Hampstead Theatre, the headline feature being the casting of another stage legend in Sir Simon Russell Beale, one of the great stage actors of the modern era. Renowned for its heavy literary references, the original New York premiere famously provided a 30-page booklet to audiences to allow the necessary background. Not one for casual viewing then.
The Invention of Love will run through January, so grab tickets while you still can.
9. "Dear England" by James Graham, at the National Theatre
Another revival, but this time not going quite so far back in time. James Graham is one of the great playwrights of his generation, and Dear England proved to be something of a surprise hit when it first premiered back in 2023.
Ostensibly a narrative of the tenure of England manager Gareth Southgate, but Dear England's real substance is as an exploration of modern masculinity and leadership, depicted with rapturous energy and a keen understanding of the cultural impact that sport can have on a nation
This new revival features a modified final act to cover the events of Euro 2024 and the final years of Southgate's England. Dear England returns to the stage from March until May.
8. "Sing Street" by Gary Clark, John Carney, and Enda Walsh, at Lyric Hammersmith
An adaptation of the excellent 2016 musical film. Sing Street transfers to Lyric Hammersmith, following an acclaimed, albeit truncated-by-pandemic run off-Broadway, and a sold-out run in Boston.
Set in 1982 Dublin, the story follows 16-year-old Conor as he forms a band to escape his troubled home life and impress a mysterious girl named Raphina. The production features a book by Enda Walsh and music and lyrics by Gary Clark and John Carney. Audiences can anticipate a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative enriched with the vibrant new wave sounds of the 1980s.
The film was a wonderful, underrated thing. If the stage adaptation is half as good then this is definitely one to keep an eye on. Sing Street will run through the summer.
The Zurich Opera House is set to premiere Beat Furrer's latest opera, "Das grosse Feuer" ("The Great Fire").
This opera, commissioned by the Opernhaus Zürich, is based on Sara Gallardo's 1971 novel "Eisejuaz," with a libretto by Austrian writer Thomas Stangl. The narrative centers on Eisejuaz, a shaman and leader of an indigenous South American tribe, whose life is upended by colonization and missionary efforts. Furrer's composition delves into themes of cultural displacement and existential struggle, marking his first large-scale choral opera.
The Great Fire opens in March and will run through to June.
6. "East is South" by Beau Willimon at the Hampstead Theatre
The Hampstead Theatre's next production will be the latest play of Beau Willimon (best known for House of Cards), East is South.
The production delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced artificial intelligence, centering on 'Logos,' a sophisticated AI nearing consciousness. Following a security breach, two coders undergo intense interrogation to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Timely subject matter combined with seasoned creative talent should make this an early highlight of 2025 theatre. East is South will run through the spring, starting in February.
5. "Les Misérables: 40th Anniversary Arena Spectacular" by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, touring globally
I'm never going to pass up an opportunity for some Les Misérables. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the world famous stage musical, and to celebrate, a grand "arena spectacular" has been produced, featuring the largest ever orchestra in a Les Mis production, and with a rotating cast featuring some of the most acclaimed actors to play these characters on stage in recent years.
It should be noted that this is more a concert of the music, rather than a full theatrical staging. So perhaps not ideal if it is your first time. But for long time fans of the music, this is going to be a good night out.
The arena spectacular is touring globally throughout 2025.
4. "A Moon for the Misbegotten" by Eugene O'Neill, at the Almeida Theatre
A Moon for the Misbegotten is the 1957 play by Eugene O'Neill. Set on a barren Connecticut farm, the narrative delves into the intertwined lives of Josie Hogan and James Tyrone Jr., exploring themes of reality and illusion.
This new production comes from the Almeida Theatre and the Olivier winning director Rebecca Frecknall, featuring a star studded cast of the Golden Globe winning Ruth Wilson and Oscar nominated Michael Shannon.
World class talent on a world class stage, reviving a celebrated production. This will be a hot ticket when it releases in June.
3. "Stereophonic" by David Adjmi and Will Butler, at the Duke of York's Theatre
One of the bigger tickets in London for 2025. Stereophonic is the highly anticipated West End transfer of the hit Broadway production, which went on to break records and become the most Tony Award nominated theatrical production of all time.
Written by David Adjmi and featuring original music by Will Butler of Arcade Fire, the production delves into the intense dynamics of a 1976 rock band on the brink of superstardom. Loosely based on the true story of the band Fleetwood Mac, audiences are invited into the recording studio to witness the band's creative struggles and interpersonal tensions, capturing the volatile essence of artistic collaboration.
The play has garnered significant acclaim, becoming the most Tony-nominated play in history with 13 nominations and securing five wins, including Best Play. The London transfer begins in May.
2. "Here We Are" by David Ives and Stephen Sondheim, at the National Theatre
Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are, features a book by David Ives and is inspired by two films by Luis Buñuel: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and The Exterminating Angel. The production is directed by Joe Mantello.
A surreal and satirical exploration of privilege, social absurdity, and existential dread the story follows a group of wealthy, self-absorbed elites attempting to enjoy a luxurious meal, only to be repeatedly thwarted by bizarre and inexplicable circumstances.
Premiering originally at The Shed in New York City in 2023, the show received critical acclaim and now transfers to London's famous National Theatre in April.
1. "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage, at the Donmar
And finally, our number 1 pick for 2025 in theatre is none other than the latest production from the brilliant, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright of Sweat, Ruined, and Clyde's, Lynn Nottage.
Her latest play, Intimate Apparel is a drama set in 1905 New York, following Esther, a skilled but lonely African American seamstress who crafts elegant lingerie for both wealthy white women and prostitutes. Despite her success, Esther longs for love and security, exchanging letters with George, a laborer from Panama who promises romance and stability. However, when he arrives, reality falls short of her dreams, leading to heartbreak and betrayal.
Running from June until August at the Donmar, this is one to anticipate.
So there you have it folks: 2025 in theatre. Tune in soon for our next instalment of the Hot List, covering the essential new music coming this year!
