We are so fortunate in the Midlands to have such a diverse range of theatres. I have been equally fortunate to see so many good productions over the year

As is traditional ,as the year draws to a close, I present my own awards for the most noteworthy  shows of 2025 which I have had the pleasure of seeing:

Best Professional drama

1.Boys from the Blackstuff- Derby theatre. A searing revival of Alan Bleasdale’s best work

2. Dear England- Nottingham Royal theatre. A fantastic biographical  play of the fortunes of England manager Gareth Southgate. For theatre lovers who don’t like football and football lovers who don’t like theatre! At Birmingham Hippodrome in 2026- don’t miss it

3. Murder at Midnight-  Wolverhampton Grand .Another black comedy from the hottest contemporary dramatist around, Torben Betts

Amateur  Drama

Haunting Julia- Sutton Arts an inspired  quirky off beat revival of Aykbourn’s rarely performed  chiller.

Pro Musical

1,Moulin Rouge- Birmingham Hippodrome. A lavish, spectacular  extravaganza with eye watering ticket prices- worth every penny.

2, Top Hat- Nottingham Royal theatre- renowned for its song and dance, but this production also delivers a wonderful comic sub plot. At Birmingham Hippodrome in 2026- don’t miss it

3. Sunny Afternoon- Alexandra theatre Birmingham– fabulous Kinks jukebox musical which soars because of what is on the jukebox.

Amateur  Musical

Sound Of Music- Sutton Arts . If you are going to revive this am dram period piece you had better do it well- and Sutton Arts delivered that  in spades