Podcasts

What were the best stage shows of 2025?

We scour the last 12 months to see what stood out – and what trends emerged

Alex Wood

Alex Wood

| London |

19 December 2025

rachel zegler paddington
Rachel Zegler, Arti Shah as Paddington and Brendan Gleeson, © Marc Brenner, Johan Persson and Rich Gilligan

In our final main episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast before Christmas, Alex and Sarah discuss their favourite shows of 2025, from Golden Globe winners on Palladium balconies to animatronic bears reducing thousands of punters to tears.

With names like Bryan Cranston, Cate Blanchett, Brendan Gleeson, Rosamund Pike and Samira Wiley leading top-tier productions, there’s a whole lot to chew on. The pair also pick out their favourite new plays, revivals and names that really made a splash in 2025 – and what it might all mean for the future of theatre.

The podcast can be listened to on various streaming platforms – including Apple Podcasts and Audible. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Sarah Crompton will also be publishing her list of top shows later today.

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