Our top reviewed shows from across the UK in 2023

We’ve got a two-part celebration of the best theatre seen in 2023 – while our head critic Sarah Crompton has picked her favourite assortment of shows from the last 12-months, we’ve also picked a variety of productions that wowed up and down the UK. Which was your favourite?

1. Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Nathan Queeley-Dennis’ debut play, which has now transferred to the Royal Court in London, was an out-and-out success at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, described by Sarah Crompton as “an evening of utter, exhilarating joy.” 

2. Gypsy at the Mill at Sonning

The Mill at Sonning has been going from strength to strength this year, currently staging a hit production of High Society. Over the summer, it also tackled a critically lauded staging of Gypsy, which received the full five-stars.

3. I, Daniel Blake – on tour

This hard-hitting take on the famed film of the same name opened over the summer in Newcastle before touring – and received a glowing review for its charged staging and top-notch cast. We hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of it.

4. Assassins at Chichester Festival Theatre

Polly Findlay’s take on the Sondheim and Weidman musical shone a new light on contemporary American politics – the intoxication of a news cycle and the 24-hour world of fame and digital consumption. It also radically transformed the auditorium, thrusting spectators into the heart of the action.

5. The Threepenny Opera at Edinburgh International Festival

By all accounts it was a very successful festival year in Edinburgh, but our chief critic Sarah Crompton was unwaveringly taken by this Berliner Ensemble take on Brecht’s iconic tale of corruption and destitution. Who knows if we’ll see more of it on UK shores!

6. The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre

Like the Hobbits it presented on stage, the Watermill Theatre is both small yet incredibly mighty – capable of pulling off some hefty feats. The latest addition to their roster of stellar productions is The Lord of the Rings, last seen in a UK venue ten times the size. Revisiting and revitalising work is part of their MO.

7. Unexpected Twist at Royal and Derngate and on tour

“Unique and special” is how this mash-up of Dickens and beatboxing was described by our critic Anna Brosnan – a new and exciting way to introduce audiences to classic tales. It then embarked on a significantly successful tour.

8. Woodhill – UK tour

LUNG Theatre are one of the most exciting theatre companies making work today, and their latest work, which dismantles the problems underpinning the UK prison system, has continued that trend. We’re certain there’s a lot of exciting work to come from the LUNG team.

9. The Hypochondriac – Sheffield Crucible

Molière got a major overhaul at Sheffield Crucible earlier this year, with comedy almost as elaborate as the wonderful costumes. Sometimes farce can be a major force for good – and we’d not be surprised to see more of the French playwright’s work return next year.

10. Machinal – Ustinov Studio

The Ustinov Studio in Bath revels in creating taut, assured revivals of classics, and case-in-point is Richard Jones’ production of Sophie Treadwell’s seminal play, now almost a century old but feeling as fresh as ever. It was no-doubt helped by a top-notch performance from Rosie Sheehy.