This blog has only been going since April 2016 so it isn’t a comprehensive look at the hits and misses of the year. I saw 80 shows this year, across London and the South East of England.

Highlights

Cyprus Avenue, Royal Court Upstairs a play that should have transferred and I hope it still does. What could have been a simple look at Northern Ireland’s religious identity was a deep look at masculinity, race, nationality and one of the year’s finest performances from Stephen Rea

Kiki’s Delivery Service, Southwark Playhouse’s production of this classic story was the perfect family show for Christmas 2016, it wasn’t overlong and flowed in a story that was very much character based rather than story based.

King Lear, Theatre Royal Brighton Not as showy as the Old Vic’s production with Glenda Jackson this production kept it simple and faithful and was all the better for it.

Lowlights

The Sewing Group, Royal Court Upstairs a baffling look at modernity and a waste of some strong performers.

The Entertainer, Garrick Theatre a disappointing end to Kenneth Brannagh’s debut season. After much anticipation this was lacklustre, miscast and dull

Corbyn the Musical: The Motorcycle Diaries, Waterloo East, With some memorable songs and some pitch perfect performances it was a real shame this production didn’t embrace the camp and wasn’t more politically astute.

Undead Bard, Theatre N16 Where to start with Robert Crighton’s indulgent performance that belonged at an open mike night. Overlong, unfunny and to top it off Crighton hated the critics back