1. TV’s Inside No 9 takes to the stage

Our most read content of 2025 was this preview review of Inside No 9 Stage/Fright as the beloved TV anthology series was put to bed at Wyndham’s Theatre. After a UK tour it transfers to Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith early next year. Tickets

• Read on for reasons including EVITA, new Conor McPherson, Brie Larson and Rami Malek

2. Jamie Lloyd’s EVITA starring Rachel Zegler

We saw Zegler at this 1st preview at the London Palladium and wrote: ‘Zegler may be best known currently as a film star (West Side Story and more recently Snow White) but that is all about to change as she is absolutely sensational in this debut London stage role.’ The album is available ahead of an expected Broadway transfer in 2027. Zegler won Best Theatre Actress, EVITA, Best Revival, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina Best Performance Of A Song and the London Palladium Best Venue in our 11th annual monstas awards.

3. New Conor McPherson The Brightening Air

We’ve yet to see McPherson’s take on The Hunger Games in Canary Wharf, did catch his classic The Weir but it was this new play at the Old Vic which proved most popular. We said: ‘… lyrical, romantic, laugh-out-loud funny and giving Punch up the road at the Young Vic a run for its money as best new play of the year so far.’

4. Elektra starring Brie Larson

Oscar winner Larson is perhaps best known for her recent Marvel work and this Marmite take on a Greek classic wasn’t for all at the Duke of York’s Theatre. We said: ‘Last night we saw Oscar winner Rami Malek as Oedipus at the Old Vic and, of the 2, that would be the Hollywood star does Greek tragedy London ticket we would recommend.’

5. Oedipus starring Rami Malek

Departing artistic director Matthew Warchus co-directed Malek here at the Old Vic and we felt the dance at the heart of the production was overemphasised to its detriment. We said: ‘And yet every 15 minutes or so there is a needless brief yet overlong techno dance break which adds nothing to the story and immediately sucks you out of what is happening.’ Review

6. Cate Blanchett in The Seagull

2025 was perhaps the year for Oscar winners to taking to the London stage with Blanchett preferring this Chekhov over Greek classics. She was shortlisted for a Best Theatre Actress monsta this year in a stellar production at the Barbican. Review

7. Ewan McGregor is My Master Builder

McGregor returned to the West End stage after a 17-year absence playing ‘starchitect’ Henry Solness as his British publishing magnate wife Elena prepared to throw a party for him on the eve of July 4th in the Hamptons in this Ibsen reimagining. Review

8. Mike Bartlett frees Unicorn

The new Mike Bartlett starred Nicola Walker and Erin Doherty, who won this year’s Best TV/Film Actress monsta for Adolescence, and this frank and very funny 3-handed sex comedy reminded us more of his COCK (Ambassadors Theatre) than the more lauded Dr Foster. Review

9. Brigadoon revived outdoors

This classic musical hadn’t been seen on a London stage since it closed at the Victoria Palace in August 1989 and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre was the perfect setting for it. Review

10. Catherine Tate in London Palladium pantomime

Tate (Miss Atomic Bomb, St James Theatre) brought some of her most beloved comedy characters to the annual Palladium pantomime starring Julian Clary with his Robin Hood making number 9 on last year’s best read top 10. Review and Tickets

11. Paddington: the Musical arrives at the Savoy

We knew how endearing the bear would be before arriving but it was the songs by McFly’s Tom Fletcher that really sealed the deal for us. An exquisite cast and Paddington: the Musical is set to call the Savoy Theatre home for a long, long time. Review and tickets

• Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and get in touch in 2025. May your 2026 be all you wish for it
• Picture via Facebook by Marc Brenner and courtesy Inside No 9. The show arrives at Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith early in 2026 after a UK tour. Tickets
• Enjoyed our best read list? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook