My 10 Favourite 2023 Musicals

As one year ends and another enters, now couldn’t be a better time to reveal my favourite 2023 musicals. Having seen over 100 shows this year (which explains why I haven’t had time to review every single one), I decided to split my top 10 lists into my favourite 2023 musicals and plays because the bar has been so high.

To lay out a couple of rules, if I already saw a show in 2022 and it returned in 2023 i.e. My Son’s A Queer and 2:22 A Ghost Story or one opened in 2022 and I saw it in 2023, then it won’t be on the list (I’m so sorry). With that said, consider the below list my top tier five stars reviews. Finally, I want to preface that this is my opinion, so if there are any you disagree with, more power to you.

My 10 Favourite 2023 Musicals

10) Next To Normal – Donmar Warehouse

14 years since its original Broadway run, the UK premiere was definitely worth the wait. Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s heartwrenching story of a dysfunctional family trying to navigate the matriarch’s bipolar disorder still feels raw and honest years later. With stunning folk music including I Miss The Mountains and I’m Alive performed by a mix veterans and newcomers including the always amazing Caissie Levy, ztrevor Dion Nicolas, Eleanor Worthington Cox, Jamie Parker (more on him later) and Jack Wolfe, I can’t wait to see this show return to the Wyndham’s Theatre next year.

9) The Little Big Things – @sohoplace

Based on the memoir of the same name by artist Henry Fraser who became paralysed following an accident in Portugal, this feel-good musical felt much needed in a time when disability representation is being re-examined. What struck me about this show was its ability to present Fraser’s awe-inspiring story in a way that didn’t fall into the usual trappings of inspiration porn that much media surrounding disability has relied on to cater to able-bodied/neurotypical audiences. Funny, creative and heartfelt with amazing lead performances from Ed Davey and Jonny Amies as both versions of Fraser, this musical is definitely a step in the right direction for disability representation.

8) A Strange Loop – Barbican Centre

Am I sad this Tony and Pulitzer winning musical didn’t get the attention it deserved following its Barbican transfer? Yes, because what I saw was a beautiful, hilarious and touching musical. Michael R Jackson managed the impossible in creating a show with universality surrounding themes of identity while we watch a black gay plus sized man attempt to write a show about a black gay plus sized man creating a musical about (you get the idea). Lead by Kyle Ramar Freeman as Usher and an ensemble who brought so much personality to his inner thoughts and family, we need more shows like this that challenge audience’s thinking and get us in touch our inner white girl.

7) Guys & Dolls – Bridge Theatre

Immersive shows have been a hot ticket since Rebecca Frecknall’s innovative Cabaret revival, and what the creatives managed to do in this production stunned me. With all the hallmarks of a classic Broadway show, having the audience join in parts of the show was what elevated it to groundbreaking. With dazzling sets, Arlene Phillips’ stellar choreography and showstopping performances including Celinde Schoenmaker, Cedric O’Neil and the always amazing Marisha Wallace as Miss Adelaide, watching this production felt like being in one big party.

6) Groundhog Day – The Old Vic

Returning to the Old Vic 6 years after its original run, I finally understood the hype when I saw it this summer. Based on the classic 80’s movie, what really glued this heart-tugging show together was the return of lead Andy Karl (I’m convinced he really is Phil Connors) as he made the character’s progression from callous egomaniac to learning to appreciate life and the people around him feel so natural. Add in some amazing illusions, comedy setpieces and Tim Minchin’s clever music, I’d happily be stuck in a time loop watching this show over and over again.

5) Crazy For You – Gillian Lynne Theatre

Between this and the other jukebox musical I saw featuring Gershwin’s repertoire, I’d say this production tops it for me.

4) Sunset Boulevard – The Savoy Theatre

In a year filled with Andrew Lloyd Webber revivals, concerts and the strange saga that was Bad Cinderella ending, there was no question which came out on top. Another smash for director Jamie Lloyd, his innovative use of cameras and signature minimalist aesthetic created something so mind-blowing and unique while enhancing the musical’s themes of ageism and misogyny in Hollywood. Add in Nicole Scherzinger’s stupendous (I sadly won’t be able to see alternate Rachel Tucker who I also want to shout out) and very meta performance as Norma Desmond and an iconic act two opener that led everyone to the outside of the Savoy at 9PM, this is easily my favourite revival for taking risks that paid off.

All I thought while leaving was what could’ve been had Jamie Lloyd directed the Aspects Of Love revival…

3) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Southwark Playhouse Elephant

I initially gave this a four star review when I was invited to see it, but after watching it a second time a mere three days later, I did the unthinkable and bumped it up to five. Easily becoming one of my favourite 2023 musicals, the way Jethro Compton and Darren Clark have adapted F Scott Fitzgerald’s short story into a Cornish folk tale was nothing short of enchanting. With foot-stomping and soul-stirring folk music I still can’t get out of my head and one of the strongest leading performances I’ve seen this year from Jamie Parker, watching this musical live honestly felt like falling in love.

Yes, I know I haven’t shut up about this show for the past few months. Also, I need a West End transfer and cast recording as soon as possible.

2) Operation Mincemeat – Fortune Theatre

The question “What’s the British Hamilton?” has been flying around the theatre scene with the likes of Treason and Sylvia vying for that title. However, I think we finally found it in a little show called Operation Mincemeat. Garnering so much positive word of mouth leading up to its West End run, it exceeded all of my expectations when I finally saw it. A farcical comedy surrounding the real life M15 operation, it doesn’t sacrifice its emotional core as its terrific five-piece ensemble juggle their multiple characters and comedic setpieces with such smoothness. Given the number of extensions in its current run, will it eventually find its forever home in the West End? We’ll just have to see.

All else I can say is some shows were born to follow, but Operation Mincemeat was born to lead.

1) Standing the the Sky’s Edge – National Theatre

Some may find it controversial this tops my favourite 2023 musicals, but I’ve heaped enough praise on this show so I don’t need to repeat myself. A beautiful love letter to Sheffield using Park Hill as a microcosm of British society and politics over the last 60 years, I hadn’t felt so emotional watching a show in a long time. Or at least in a way that had me bursting into tears. Thanks to Chris Bush’s raw book, Richard Hawley’s music and phenomenal performances from its ensemble cast, to say I was elated at its Olivier wins would be an understatement.

When it returns to the Gillian Lynne Theatre next year, there’s no question I’ll be there.

What were your favourite 2023 musicals? Be sure to comment below!