2024 has seen the birth of Babies, the first breath of the full stage production of 42 Balloons, the full blossoming of Your Lie In April and the first date of Why Am I So Single? A truly spectacular year for new musicals, inviting audiences to imagine new possibilities and add hundreds of new songs to your playlists. No doubt this year has seen the start of several new award winning musicals.
Here are some of the team's favourite new musical theatre masterpieces.
House of Edgar | Seven Dials Playhouse
"A brilliant haunting musical about the late Edgar Allan Poe, with some of the most catchy songs and intelligent lyrics, and a fittingly clever story spun around speculations and secrets and the supernatural. Performed as a concert reading, it still felt incredibly polished."
Oviya
Cliffs | The Other Palace
"A clever and gripping musical about the mysterious disappearance of the 14-year old Teddy. With a wildly talented cast, beautiful songs, a thrilling and chilling story, and strong lyrics, this musical reading deserves to grace larger stages, along with a cast recording."
Oviya
Stuck | Duchess Theatre
"There truly isn't anything like this musical, for David Hunter created a one of a kind musical in a one of a kind production that features theatre magic. The concept is so bizarre that it takes a real genius to turn it into a masterpiece of a musical and that's exactly what Hunter has done. Featuring some of the best original musical songs from this year, it's a stunning show and an emotional rollercoaster."
Oviya
Kathy and Stella | Ambassadors Theatr
"One of my favourite new musicals, which had its first West End run this year, was Kathy and Stella. As someone who came from their neck of the woods, it was so nice to hear my voice on stage, and I resonated with both the characters so much. Despite having a true crime storyline, the show was hilarious and full of heart. I hope it comes back soon!"
Ally
Becoming Nancy | Birmingham Rep
"A piece that enabled me to justify every penny spent on a pricey train ticket to Birmingham, the UK premiere of Becoming Nancy has been one of the most joyful musicals I've seen this year, celebrating what it means to grow up and be yourself. With a head-bopping pop score from Stiles and Drewe, I hope this is not the last we will see this production in the UK!"
Wyman
"In an attempt to not say Burlesque, Becoming Nancy really captured my heart this year. I try not to repeat view shows unless I really do connect with them. I had given it a glowing review to friends who also loved it. New musicals are so hard to capture the general audiences imagination and I’m hoping there is further life for this reaffirming life story."
Jordan
Your Lie in April | Harold Pinter Theatre
"This new musical with a score by Frank Wildhorn earned its place in the list of my all-time favourites. The story is thrilling, yet charming, and the score is just flawless! Not to mention the set and lighting designs."
Emma
Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist | The Other Palace
"Technically not brand new for 2024, but extensively reworked from its tour and concert versions ahead of an all-too-short run at The Other Palace, Cake ticks all of the boxes for me. Fiercely funny, with a soundtrack packed with earworms and a plot which forces us to look differently at historical characters we think we know, this show has all the ingredients for success and deserves far more life than it has currently been granted."
Julie
42 Balloons | The Lowry
"After the success of the staged concerts, 42 Balloons took to The Lowry for its fully staged production and without the doubt, it blew audiences away. 42 Balloons has a truly poignant story at its heart and writer Jack Godfrey has honoured this story and brought it to life so beautifully. The songs are so catchy, the cast were sublime and the production elements were all of such a high standard. I need this musical to come back asap."
Vicky
Why Am I So Single? | Garrick Theatre
"This musical was so much fun to watch, with catchy songs and loveable characters. Leesa Tulley and Jo Foster’s friendship shines through and makes you root for Nancy and Oliver. It’s a shame to see the show close so soon."
Benjamin
Maybe Happy Ending | Belasco Theatre
"This was my favourite new to Broadway musical - not only because it was such a surprise, but it’s just a beautifully written, designed and performed piece of theatre, delightfully unique and original, and I did not expect to feel such a strong emotional connection to two robots."
James
Let us know your favourite new musical of 2024 and check out the rest of our categories of AIT's Twelve Days of Christmas in the blog section.
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