This is one of the hardest blog posts I’ve had to write this year! I only managed to see 24 shows this year but most were top-notch. Choosing my top 10 musicals of 2022 meant a lot of deliberation!
To compile this list, I didn’t include shows I’ve seen previously (such as Six, & Juliet and Come From Away in the West End) so these were all new-to-me shows or tours from this year. Some of these shows are linked to press nights that I saw for free in exchange for a review so I’ve used an * next to them. They’re in order of date!
WAITRESS UK TOUR – 13/2/22
After seeing the West End version just before the pandemic hit, I was really excited to see it on tour. Chelsea Halfpenny, Sandra Marvin, and Evelyn Hoskins were a trio that I’ll never forget. The soundtrack is one of my favourites from a musical ever and I’m praying for another tour or a West End residency soon!
DREAMGIRLS UK TOUR – 17/3/22
Despite seeing Dreamgirls back in March, I’ve been thinking about it every week since. Nicole Raquel Dennis is a tour de force, who made me cry in multiple places during the show. People who know me know that is a feat in itself!
*SIX UK TOUR – 5/4/22
Now you’ll know that this show is one of my all-time faves but this is the first time I’ve seen it on tour! I hate how many MT fans think tours aren’t as good as the West End because they’re 100% wrong. Six works so well on tour and I adore this cast.
*BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS UK TOUR – 12/4/22
This is one I was incredibly surprised to enjoy so much. It was literally magical! It felt like a real ensemble piece, despite the five leads, as everyone was epic. Not only do they sing, dance, and act, they also act as puppeteers and prop movers!
JERSEY BOYS WEST END – 23/4/22
I’ve been brought up on the music of the Four Seasons and seeing the music come to life on stage was a real highlight of 2022 for me. I’m not usually the biggest fan of jukebox musicals but this cast sealed the deal for me. Everyone in this show is beautiful, fact.
BONNIE AND CLYDE OFF-WEST END – 23/4/22
This has been my most-played soundtrack in 2022 because Jeremy Jordan is epic. I had very high hopes that the West End production would be just as incredible and I wasn’t disappointed. Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCann are insanely talented and I can’t wait for their return. My only note was that the script needs padding out a bit around the songs!
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN UK TOUR – 1/6/22
I went into FGW with zero expectations and knowledge of the show. The audience was filled with mothers and children and everyone was so well-behaved! I learned a lot of information and you can see the Six influences across the show. The only negative was that the show is too short! I need to see it again because I’m sure you’d spot something different on every watch.
*LES MISERABLES UK TOUR – 17/6/22
I always say that Les Mis is a show that’s not one of my favourites but I’ve decided that I’m an idiot. This touring cast is phenomenal and gave me all of the emotions. Will Barratt’s rendition of Bring Him Home was one of the best I’ve ever heard. It’s not a show I’d see regularly but it makes it more special to see it every couple of years.
LEGALLY BLONDE REGENT’S PARK LONDON – 30/6/22
We love diverse, talented casting! Legally Blonde was an absolute revelation and I loved the setting of Regent’s Park in the backdrop. Courtney Bowman’s interpretation of Elle Woods felt much more real than the movie and previous stage adaptations. Special shout out to Lauren Drew for singing Whipped Into Shape and skipping at the same time!
SISTER ACT OFF-WEST END – 7/8/22
This was another show that was an unexpected highlight as I’d never seen the movies or listened to the soundtrack. Beverley Knight could sing anything and sound exceptional and it’s another show where it feels like an ensemble piece. I really liked the Eventim Apollo as a venue as the acoustics were amazing as was the view from my seat near the back!
And that’s a wrap on my top 10 musicals of 2022. It was so much harder than I was expecting because most shows I saw this year were really great!
If you enjoyed my top 10 musicals of 2022 list, you can find my other theatre reviews here. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with my stagey adventures!
