Features

Top selling shows on WhatsOnStage in December 2017

What sold best over the Christmas period?

Lucy O'Byrne as Maria in The Sound of Music
Lucy O'Byrne as Maria in The Sound of Music
© Pamela Raith

10. The Sound of Music

UK tour

The hills are alive with the sound of a rush to buy tickets! The Voice finalist Lucy O'Byrne heads up this new production of The Sound of Music as it travels the UK and Ireland for a 2018 tour, joined by EastEnders regular and West End veteran Neil McDermott (The Wind in the Willows). With such classics as "Do-Re-Mi" and "My Favourite Things", it's no surprise that the show has proved such a hit with UK theatregoers.

See the full tour details here


The cast of Dick Whittington
The cast of Dick Whittington
(© Paul Coltas)

9. Dick Whittington

London Palladium

Panto season may be a slowly fading memory for most, but the most sequins-stuffed, star-studded, innuendo-packed panto in all the land was a big draw for festive theatre audiences in December. Touting Elaine Paige, Julian Clarey, Charlie Stemp, Emma Williams, Paul Zerdin and the dancing troupe Diversity, this was certainly a panto worth seeing.

Read our review of Dick Whittington


Guess How Much I Love You
Guess How Much I Love You
© Barry Rivett

8. Guess How Much I Love You

UK tour

The stage adaptation of Sam McBratney and illustrator Anita Jeram's much-loved classic children's novel will be hopping across the UK this year after a quick stay at the Arts Theatre in December. With puppeteering, live music, interactive costume and some human-sized rabbits, this certainly looks like the sort of experience that can charm young audiences into a building lifetime love of theatre.


Hannah Tointon and Jack Ashton in Strangers on a Train
Hannah Tointon and Jack Ashton in Strangers on a Train
© Helen Maybanks

7. Strangers on a Train

UK tour

Patricia Highsmith's thrilling novel was catapulted into the public eye when it was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into a major film. It's no mystery, therefore, as to why it has proved such a certified hit among theatregoers as it departs for a new UK tour. Hannah Tointon, Jack Ashton and Christopher Harper lead the cast in the production.


The cast of the anniversary production of War Horse
The cast of the anniversary production of War Horse
© Brinkhoff & Mögenburg

6. War Horse

UK tour

Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris' adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's classic First World War novel caused a storm when it opened a decade ago at the National Theatre, before a lengthy stay in the West End. The show is now embarking on its tenth anniversary tour, displaying some of the best theatrical puppetry on our stage at the moment.


Alice Fearn as Elphaba
Alice Fearn as Elphaba
© Matt Crockett

5. Wicked

London Apollo Victoria

Wicked has been a firm fixture on our bestselling list, and it isn't hard to see why – the Oz-based magical musical has been enchanting West End punters for over a decade and is still going strong. Not only that, the production will also be embarking on a new national tour at the end of the month.

See the show's UK tour cast


The cast of SIX
The cast of SIX
© Josh Bird

4. SIX

Arts Theatre, until 22 January

Pipped to be the hottest new musical in town, SIX is currently in the middle of a five-night run at London's Arts Theatre. Transforming the wives of Henry VIII into a kick-ass all-singing group of historical legends, the show was clearly a hit with audiences. It's no surprise that they lost their heads over it.


The cast of The Jersey Boys
The cast of The Jersey Boys
© Brinkhoff-Mögenburg

3. Jersey Boys

UK tour

Audiences can't take their eyes off Jersey Boys! The Olivier Award-winning musical may have closed in the West End, but in December it kicked off its second national tour in Birmingham. The tale of The Four Seasons seems like it will be a sure-fire hit for the rest of this year too.


Carrie Hope Fletcher
Carrie Hope Fletcher
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

2. Carrie Hope Fletcher in concert

Cadogan Hall, 31 March to 1 April

Fletcher's first ever solo concert was our top selling show in November, so it's no surprise to see her at the top of December's list, with further dates announced at Cadogan Hall. With credits including The Addams Family, Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as a sizeable YouTube following, the opportunity to see an unprecedented performance from the star was, for many punters, too good to pass up.


Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty
© David Gordon

1. Megan Hilty: Live in London

Cadogan Hall, 3 June

Megan Hilty was already Broadway royalty by the time she starred in hit US jukebox musical drama Smash, which was nominated for four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. The chance to see Hilty live on British shores at Cadogan Hall brought out ticket buyers in droves, catapulting the musical theatre star to the top of our best selling list.

Featured In This Story