Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
After a tumultuous period of lockdowns, restrictions and uncertainty, the arts and entertainment industry is finally bouncing back with a vengeance. 2024 promises to be a year of innovation, diversity and spectacle, as theatres, dance venues and comedy clubs across the UK and beyond offer a dazzling array of shows to suit every taste and budget.
Whether you are looking for a classic drama, a cutting-edge musical, a thrilling sci-fi adventure, a heartwarming romance, a hilarious comedy or a stunning dance performance, you will find something to inspire, challenge and delight you in the new year.
Here are some of the reasons why 2024 is the year to rediscover the magic of live performance, and some of the best shows to book now.
Theatre: From Ancient Greece To The Future
Theatre lovers are spoiled for choice in 2024, as some of the most acclaimed and talented actors, directors and writers bring their visions to the stage. From ancient Greece to the future, from fairytales to reality, from comedy to tragedy, there is something for everyone in the theatre scene.
One of the most anticipated shows of the year is The Frogs, a reimagining of Aristophanes’s ancient comedy by Carl Grose and physical comedy company Spymonkey. The show, which premiered at the Royal and Derngate in Northampton, features a beleaguered double act who are enlisted to perform the Greek play in Hollywood, and end up in a monster-filled underworld, where they encounter a chorus of tap-dancing frogs, a giant crab and a singing Cerberus. The show is a riot of absurdity, satire and musical numbers, and a perfect antidote to the gloom of the past few years.
Another show that promises to be a musical treat is Blue Beard, a new adaptation of the fairytale figure by Emma Rice and her company Wise Children. The show, which stars Keeley Hawes and Jack Davenport, follows the young bride of the notorious murderer, who comes with her sisters and is apparently his match. The show is a darkly humorous and feminist take on the story, with a score by Ian Ross and songs by Nick Cave, Kate Bush and Nina Simone.
For fans of drama, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as An Enemy of the People, a revival of Henrik Ibsen’s play about truth, power and corruption, starring Matt Smith and directed by Thomas Ostermeier. The show, which was originally produced at the Schaubühne in Berlin, explores the moral dilemma of a doctor who discovers that the water supply of his town is contaminated, and faces a backlash from the authorities and the public when he tries to expose it. The show is a timely and provocative examination of the role of the whistleblower and the media in a democracy.
Another drama that is sure to attract attention is A View from the Bridge, a production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, starring Dominic West and directed by Lindsay Posner. The show, which will have a limited run at the Theatre Royal Bath, tells the story of Eddie Carbone, a Brooklyn longshoreman who is obsessed with his niece and becomes jealous of her relationship with an illegal immigrant. The show is a powerful and tragic portrait of a man who is consumed by his own desires and destroys himself and his family.
For those who are looking for something more futuristic, there is Minority Report, a stage version of Philip K Dick’s sci-fi story, co-produced by Birmingham Rep, Lyric Hammersmith and Nottingham Playhouse, and directed by Max Webster. The show, which is based on the Hollywood film starring Tom Cruise, follows a female neuroscientist who is a fugitive of her own “pre-crime” programme, which predicts and prevents crimes before they happen. The show is a thrilling and immersive experience, with a set design by Tom Scutt and a sound design by Ben and Max Ringham.
Finally, for those who are interested in history and politics, there is The Human Body, a new play by Lucy Kirkwood, set in 1948 Shropshire, about a GP and a Labour councillor trying to implement the NHS. The show, which stars Keeley Hawes and Jack Davenport, is a romantic and realistic drama, that explores the challenges and hopes of creating a free healthcare system for all. The show is directed by Michael Longhurst and Ann Yee, and will premiere at the Donmar Warehouse in London.
Dance: From Cinderella To Revelations
Dance fans are also in for a treat in 2024, as some of the most renowned and innovative dance companies and choreographers present their new and classic works. From Cinderella to Revelations, from ballet to contemporary, from classical to experimental, there is something for everyone in the dance scene.
One of the most awaited shows of the year is the Royal Ballet’s new version of Cinderella, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and featuring a score by Joby Talbot. The show, which will have its world premiere at the Royal Opera House in London, is a fresh and enchanting interpretation of the fairy tale, with stunning costumes by Bob Crowley and a cast that includes Francesca Hayward, Matthew Ball, Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov. The show is a perfect family outing, and a celebration of the magic and romance of ballet.
Another show that promises to be a spectacular event is the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Sadler’s Wells in London, with a programme of new and classic works. The company, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary, is one of the most influential and diverse dance companies in the world, and showcases the rich and varied traditions of African American culture. The programme will include Revelations, the masterpiece by Alvin Ailey that depicts the journey from slavery to freedom, and Lazarus, the first two-act ballet by Rennie Harris that pays tribute to Ailey’s life and legacy.
For those who are looking for something more experimental, there is The Future of Dance, a series of performances and workshops by some of the most cutting-edge and emerging dance artists and choreographers, curated by Sadler’s Wells and The Place in London. The series will feature works by artists such as Oona Doherty, Botis Seva, Nora Chipaumire, Crystal Pite and Hofesh Shechter, who explore themes such as identity, politics, technology and spirituality. The series will also offer opportunities for audiences to participate and learn from the artists, and to discover the future of dance.
Comedy: From The Tentacle To The Book of John
Comedy lovers are also in for a laugh in 2024, as some of the most hilarious and original comedians and comedy shows hit the stage. From The Tentacle to The Book of John, from standup to sketch, from satire to surrealism, there is something for everyone in the comedy scene.
One of the most anticipated shows of the year is The Tentacle, the debut show by Julia Masli, a Russian-born comedian who won the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show, which will have a run at the Soho Theatre in London, is a bizarre and brilliant comedy, that features Masli as a tentacle-wielding alien who tries to fit in on Earth.
The show is a hilarious and inventive comedy, that showcases Masli’s physical and vocal skills, and her unique perspective on the world.
Another show that promises to be a laugh riot is The Book of John, the comeback show by Rhod Gilbert, who took a six-year break from standup after suffering a mini-stroke. The show, which will tour the UK and Ireland, is a candid and hilarious account of Gilbert’s life-changing experience, and his quest to find the meaning of life. The show is a mix of storytelling, observational humour and existential angst, and a welcome return of one of the most popular and distinctive comedians in the country.
Another comedian who is making waves is Ania Magliano, a British-Polish comedian who was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. Her show, Sorry I’m a Witch, is a witty and charming exploration of her identity, culture and feminism, with jokes about her family, her love life and her witchcraft. The show, which will have a run at the Pleasance Theatre in London, is a refreshing and relatable comedy, that showcases Magliano’s sharp and confident style.
Book Your Tickets Now
As you can see, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for live performance, with a variety of shows to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a classic drama, a cutting-edge musical, a thrilling sci-fi adventure, a heartwarming romance, a hilarious comedy or a stunning dance performance, you will find something to inspire, challenge and delight you in the new year.
