Shanine’s 2017 Theatre Highs at a glance

I decided to compile a quick look at the best theatre of the year, though I failed to see anything in December.

The year had many highlights; new plays hosted by Theatre N16, which closed in December and is looking for a new home, amongst revivals of forgotten classics such as Incident at Vichy, which later transferred to the King’s Head following its success at the Finborough.

It was ultimately a year about women, with Herstory Festival and Bechdel Testing proving that there was plenty of excellent new writing from women, despite Hampstead Theatre claiming otherwise. Ballroom and I Loved Lucy showcased great roles for older females. The Revlon Girl with its all-female cast was moving and humorous play about a difficult subject. nside Pussy Riot was an immersive look at what happens when you speak out but why you should do so anyway

Though men did try to give them a run for their money; Ian McDiarmid in What Shadows gave a fantastic performance in play about Enoch Powell that feels as relevant today as it ever will. Incident at Vichy, with its large ensemble cast, looked at persecution from the point of view of the persecuted.

This also gives me an opportunity to thank all my contributors, who are not only much better at reviewing than me but have kept this site alive when I can only be in one place at once. I hope I am lucky enough to retain them in 2018

Thanks for reading over the last 18 months and I hope you stick with us too

January