WhatsOnStage Awards: Six possible contenders for Theatre Event of the Year

During this season of five plays the Noël Coward Theatre has played host to Simon Russell Beale‘s Privates and David Walliams‘ Bottom, what more could you ask for? How about superlative performances from Ben Whishaw, Judi Dench and Sheridan Smith, and 100,000 tickets available for just £10?

At the stage door after tonight’s performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ someone asked @Sheridansmith1 ‘are you queuing to meet David?’!

2. Punchdrunk’s return to London with The Drowned Man

Site-specific specialists Punchdrunk returned to the London theatre scene in dramatic fashion, transforming a vast building next to Paddington Station into the forgotten world of Temple Studios, in what has been described as "A gigantic-mild altering labyrinth".

Never seen anything like The Drowned Man by @PunchdrunkUK – go and see it now. Then go see it again #thedrownedman

3. NT Shed’s opening on Southbank

Whilst only a temporary venue, The Shed is already an award winner after taking home the Peter Brooke Empty Space award earlier this month and has featured an eclectic mix of productions including The World of Extreme Happiness, Table and The Hush.

“One of the very best new plays of the year” (Michael Coveney on The World of Extreme Happiness @ntSHED) http://t.co/ALGUNB0l8u #ntshed

4. The Open Court Festival

This summer the Royal Court handed over its keys to playwrights who created the Open Court Festival, featuring play readings by the writers themselves, a theatrical treasure hunt and a rep season which saw the same ensemble perform six plays over six weeks.

Lovely morning @royalcourt never thought I would have a play read to me and 3 others by Timberlake Wertenbaker in @vicfeatherstone ‘s office

5. National Theatre’s 50th anniversary gala

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the National Theatre assembled a star-studded cast including Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Michael Gambon, who took to the stage in a televised gala performance looking back over 50 years of theatre at the NT.

National Theatre tribute re:50 Years was sensational last night- special shout outs to Adrien Lester , Clive Rowe, cast of Jerry Springer..

6. West End Heroes

The finest military musicians in the country and the best of the West End joined forces for this gala performance which included the casts of War Horse and We Will Rock You, supported by a 50 strong orchestra from the Royal Air Force. The event will return on will return on 22 June 2014.

Tonight is one of those nights where the wonder of humanity shines. Feel privileged to have witnessed such bravery n talent. @WestEndHeroes