True fact: I’ve not seen a single show this summer. However, that’s because I chose to stay at home and focus on my business instead. I love the theatre so I have big plans for the last four months of 2023. This is basically a sneak peek at my theatre calendar for the rest of the year! Here are 13 shows on my 2023 bucket list for theatre!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory @ Hull New Theatre
This is a production that I’ve been excited to see for a while after seeing a couple of songs being performed in Leeds Trinity Market about a year ago. I assume it’s the Leeds Playhouse production on tour as much of the cast looks the same. In fairness, I’ve seen both movies but I have no idea what to expect.
Sister Act @ Hull New Theatre
I saw Sister Act in both London and Sheffield already and with Hull on the tour soon, I’ll be seeing it again with my mum. It was a show that I was pleasantly surprised at and now it has a new leading lady, Landi Oshinowo, and multiple new cast members. Mostly, I’m excited to see Lizzie Bea absolutely smash it again!
Heathers @ Hull New Theatre
Now if you know me well, you’ll know that Heathers is not my favourite show. However, I do like the soundtrack and I’m looking forward to seeing the new tour cast. My mum has no idea what she’s in for with this show so I’m interested to see what she thinks!
The Drifter’s Girl @ Sheffield Lyceum
Whilst The Drifter’s Girl is visiting Hull next year, it was announced at a later date so I’d already bought a ticket for Sheffield! I was sad to see it close in the West End before I could get the chance to see it so I’m excited to see the tour version. Carly Mercedes Dyer was a standout in Anything Goes so I can’t wait to see her take on this role and thrive in it!
Jesus Christ Superstar @ Hull New Theatre
This is one of my dad’s favourite movie musicals but we’ve yet to see it on stage. Once again, I’m thrilled that it’s the Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre version because it made it even grittier. I didn’t get to see that production but I’ve seen clips and it looks spectacular. It won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival so it must be good!
Lizzie @ Junction Goole
Despite being a true crime junkie, I tend to watch documentaries on UK serial killers. It wasn’t until I saw the Dance Moms episode where Maddie does a solo based on Lizzie Borden that I actually researched who she was. With a bunch of former Six cast members, I have a feeling it will be similar to Fantastically Great Women but much, much darker and sexier. Definitely not for children!
Annie @ Hull New Theatre
It’s been years since I’ve seen a tour of Annie and whilst my dad detests this musical, I think it’s fab! I’m always astounded by just how talented the kids are in these productions too, proper triple threats. As much as I’m not usually a fan of casting celebs in productions, casting Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan is genius and I have very high expectations!
Greatest Days @ Hull New Theatre
So I was a huge fan of The Band back in the day so again, I have high hopes for the updated version of it, Greatest Days. I love Take That’s music and I’m glad that it has a proper storyline and not just a tribute performance. I’ve not watched the movie yet so I’m hopeful that the show hasn’t changed too much.
Treason the Musical @ Sheffield Lyceum
Other than basic history, I have no idea what to expect with Treason. However, I was over the moon to see that one of my all-time fave stage performers, Nicole Raquel Dennis, was cast! They are a superstar (I have big hopes for them in a Demi Lovato or Kelly Clarkson jukebox musical) and I will see anything they’re in (Dreamgirls was a highlight last year)!
La Bamba @ York Grand Opera House
Now I’ve seen mixed reviews of La Bamba so far but I’m always willing to make my own opinions and give a show a chance. We know the choreography is going to be incredible because Strictly’s Graziano is the lead choreographer on the show. I’ve actually no idea if it features original music or not!
Hamilton @ Manchester Palace Theatre
This one is much anticipated as finally, we get to see Hamilton around the country. I’m hoping it comes closer to Hull at some point but I will travel to see it. In fact, I plan on seeing it a couple of times in Manchester! I’m really excited to see the casting for this one as well as the staging.
Oliver @ Leeds Playhouse
Another childhood favourite musical of mine was Oliver and yet another show that I’ve never seen on stage! In my opinion, it’s a musical that lots of people sneer at but actually, the songs have stood the test of time and we all know them! It’ll be interesting to see if it’s been updated or not.
White Christmas @ Sheffield Crucible
White Christmas is a classic movie musical that most of us watch every year at Christmas time. Is it the best show ever? Probably not. However, Sheffield Crucible Christmas shows are always incredible. I saw Guys and Dolls a couple of years ago and it was incredible. They always find a way of making classic musicals feel contemporary and find an incredible group of performers.
Those 13 shows on my 2023 bucket list are a complete mixture but I enjoy seeing a range of shows. Because of the travel prices for trains and hotels right now, London trips will be very rare for me. That just means I’ll be exploring UK tours instead.
If you enjoyed my 13 shows on my 2023 bucket list, you can find all of my theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram for a closer look at my stagey trips and press nights.
