At a time when the nation is readying their renditions of Auld Lang Syne and preparing resolutions for the new year, rather than organising train tickets ahead of time to save money, or actually booking theatre tickets to productions that are nearly selling out I'm of course looking forwards to the productions I'm hoping to see next year.
Sunset Boulevard at the English National Opera
Even if you aren't excited by the prospect of award winning actress Glenn Close returning to the iconic role of Norma Desmond in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest stage works, or if you still believe Patti, Betty or Elaine was a better Norma, Lonny Price's outstanding mounting of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd at the ENO last year has made this obligatory viewing.
The Branagh Season at the Garrick
Following up on the high standards set by The Winter's Tale and Harlequinade, Sir Kenneth Branagh's season at the Garrick Theatre promises to deliver more high quality productions featuring first rate performances from such actors as Adrian Lester, Rob Brydon and Sir Derek Jacobi.
Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park
Having celebrated avoiding seeing the recent arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera, this new revival of the show is far more appealing to me, not least of all because of its first rate creative team, with Timothy Sheader as director and rising star Drew McOnie choreographing. I eagerly await casting announcements.
Guys and Dolls at the Savoy Theatre
I'm unsure if it's the opportunity to see this classic musical on stage, the excellent and innovative casting with Jamie Parker and Siubhan Harrison at the forefront or the Chichester Festival Theatre stamp of approval, but this most recent classic musical revival is one of my most eagerly anticipated west end musicals.
Grey Gardens at Southwark Playhouse
The most exciting casting announcement since Martha Plimpton in Other Desert Cities (expect anyone else to have given a different answer), Jenna Russell and Sheila Hancock's performances in Grey Gardens at one of London's premier fringe musical venues is undoubtedly the most exciting thing on my radar right now.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Whether it's the buzz surrounding the recent casting announcement, the draw of the superbly talented Jamie Parker, the fact that everyone's going to be talking about it or the draw of the challenge to actually get tickets, the often titled Harry Potter play is surely going to be the event theatre moment of the new year.
Sunset Boulevard at the English National Opera
Even if you aren't excited by the prospect of award winning actress Glenn Close returning to the iconic role of Norma Desmond in one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest stage works, or if you still believe Patti, Betty or Elaine was a better Norma, Lonny Price's outstanding mounting of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd at the ENO last year has made this obligatory viewing.
The Branagh Season at the Garrick
Following up on the high standards set by The Winter's Tale and Harlequinade, Sir Kenneth Branagh's season at the Garrick Theatre promises to deliver more high quality productions featuring first rate performances from such actors as Adrian Lester, Rob Brydon and Sir Derek Jacobi.
Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park
Having celebrated avoiding seeing the recent arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera, this new revival of the show is far more appealing to me, not least of all because of its first rate creative team, with Timothy Sheader as director and rising star Drew McOnie choreographing. I eagerly await casting announcements.
Guys and Dolls at the Savoy Theatre
I'm unsure if it's the opportunity to see this classic musical on stage, the excellent and innovative casting with Jamie Parker and Siubhan Harrison at the forefront or the Chichester Festival Theatre stamp of approval, but this most recent classic musical revival is one of my most eagerly anticipated west end musicals.
Grey Gardens at Southwark Playhouse
The most exciting casting announcement since Martha Plimpton in Other Desert Cities (expect anyone else to have given a different answer), Jenna Russell and Sheila Hancock's performances in Grey Gardens at one of London's premier fringe musical venues is undoubtedly the most exciting thing on my radar right now.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Whether it's the buzz surrounding the recent casting announcement, the draw of the superbly talented Jamie Parker, the fact that everyone's going to be talking about it or the draw of the challenge to actually get tickets, the often titled Harry Potter play is surely going to be the event theatre moment of the new year.