Top ten selling shows on WhatsOnStage in December

December and Christmas is always a time for giving and you all gave the gift of theatre. Here's what you booked for across the whole month.

10. Nine Night

Trafalgar Studios, until 23 February
Natasha Gordon became the first black British playwright to have a piece on in the West End with this finely wrought, very funny drama about the Jamaican tradition of Nine Nights of mourning. With some fabulous performances – including from Gordon herself – it's a beautiful window into grief and what it can do to a family.

9. The Inheritance

Noel Coward Theatre, until 19 January
Matthew Lopez's award-winning piece is undoubtedly one of the plays of last year. It's such a hot ticket that even with only a week of the run to go, it's still one of the top slots on this list. And rightly so. Miss it and you miss out on one of the most beautifully directed and poignant theatre experiences in a long while.

8. The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty's Theatre, currently booking until October 2019
Andrew Lloyd Webber's old reliable is still a big draw and this month you've been booking to see it as if you were possessed with the ghost of the Phantom himself. Those classic songs still resonate beautifully with today's audiences, as does the story of a haunted soul and his theatre obsession.

7. Don Quixote

Garrick Theatre, until 2 February
Behold – a masterpiece in stage comedy is here, courtesy of the RSC's adaptation of Cervantes' iconic novel. Oh, and the performances of Rufus Hound and David Threlfall too, of course. If you want cheering up, which you all clearly do, it's absolutely the show to see.

6. Waitress

Adelphi Theatre, from 9 February
We can't wait to see Katharine McPhee star in Sara Bareilles' US musical import, which opens in March. All the talk of pie is making our stomachs rumble and the rumours that real pie is baked during the show is definitely not helping. It's a delicious prospect and you have all been ravenously booking those tickets.

5. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Palladium Theatre, from 6 June
We couldn't be more delighted that this coat of many colours is returning to the West End and the show's appearance on this list demonstrates that neither could you. It may be opening in June this year, but that hasn't stopped you bagging a whole lot of tickets, despite casting not yet being announced.

4. Company

Gielgud Theatre, until 30 March
Marianne Elliott's brilliant revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical about a 35 year-old Bobbie who is berated by friends that can't understand why marriage isn't yet on the cards. Elliott's decision to change the gender of the lead role to a woman brings a whole new perspective to the narrative, so it's not one to miss.

3. Betrayal

Pinter Theatre, from 5 March
New casting, just announced this week, makes this entry even more seductive than if we still had just known that Tom Hiddleston was in it. His co-stars, Charlie Cox and Zawe Ashton, are a tantalising addition to the piece, which is directed by Pinter maestro Jamie Lloyd. Tickets are flying out the window.

2. Strictly Come Dancing – UK Tour

Various venues, until 10 February
A chance to see your favourite TV show live on stage! It may be a rogue theatre entry, but it sure is popular. Craig Revel Horwood directs the performance, which is guaranteed to have sequins galore and some of your favourite stars strutting their stuff.

1. Hugh Jackman

Various venues from May to June
Of course he's at number one! Hugh Jackman's solo show was big news when it was announced last year and, like you, we can't wait to see this greatest showman demonstrate his many talents on UK stages. And with news that he will be performing songs from Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman and The Boy From Oz you all have jumped on those tickets.