Theatre Thoughts’ Best Productions of 2024

Explore what productions sat on our ‘Best of 2024’ list!

The list comprises only shows which the Theatre Thoughts team reviewed in 2024. It is by no means exhaustive and of course there were a lot of shows that we simply couldn’t fit into the list, so we want to say a massive THANK YOU to all the shows that invited us through the theatre doors this year.

2024 was another massive year of theatre as producers, writers, artists and theatres continue to push uphill against the debts caused by the COVID shutdowns, and the Governments’ lack of funding in the arts sector as a whole. Nonetheless, the perserverance was celar as new mainstage productions were brought to our shores, as well as an array of new, original works taking shape across mainstage houses, and independent theatres.

To quote RENT, “How do you measure a year?” and for us, it comes down to the shows that left an unquestionable mark on our senses. Below is our “Best of 2024”, so in no particular order, let’s go!

Honourable Mentions

The Eisteddfod – Sydney/Gadigal

Performed at the Old Fitz Theatre, this black comedy by Lally Katz explored the fractured relationship between agoraphobic siblings Abalone and Gerture, who escape their dysfunctional reality through elaborate role-playing games. Directed by Jess Bell and Miranda Middleton, the production brought Katz’s surreal and darkly comic world to life.

An often challenging piece of theatre with raw performances that explores the complexity of familial ties through frequent frenetic energy – Juliana Payne

You can read our full review here.

Tosca – Sydney/Gadigal

Opera Australia’s 2024 staging of Tosca at the Sydney Opera House was a masterclass in passion and tragedy. Puccini’s iconic opera follows the ill-fated love between Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Rome. Directed by Edward Dick, it featured performances by Giselle Allen and Karah Son as Tosca and Young Woo Kim as Cavaradossi.

A provocative and thrilling production of this timeless story of lust, corruption and betrayal – Claira Prider

You can read our full review here.

The Whale – Naarm/Melbourne

Performed at the Alex Theatre and presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company, The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter offered a deeply moving exploration of grief, redemption, and human connection. Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean, the production starred Adam Lyon as Charlie, a reclusive man reckoning with his past.

The Whale Made Me Cry. It will make you too! – Rachael Vassallo

You can read our full review here.

Your Name Means Dream – Naarm/Melbourne

Red Stitch Actors Studio presented Your Name Means Dream, a poetic new work by José Rivera. Directed by Kat Henry, the play intertwined personal and scientific narratives, exploring themes of connection and falsehoods in an ever-changing technological world.

An honest and touching exploration of the connection between human-made and humanity – Rachael Vassallo

You can read our full review here.

Editor’s Highlights

Never Closer – Sydney/Gadigal

Presented at Belvoir St Theatre, Never Closer is an intimate story of connection and belonging amidst the backdrop of a tumultuously violent period of Irish history. Written by Grace Chapple and directed by Hannah Goodwin, the play follows a young woman grappling with her place in the world, whilst worlds collide between friendships imbued with religious and cultural tension.

A successful transfer to the mainstage for a stunning playwright debut that offers depth, humour and heart in abundance. It’s a must see – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

Yentl – Sydney/Gadigal

Performed at the Sydney Opera House, Yentl tells the moving story of a young Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man to pursue education forbidden to her gender. Directed by Gary Abrahams, the production featured a fabulous performance by Amy Hack as Yentl.

Educational, raw and captivating, this is theatrical storytelling at its finest – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

POV – Sydney/Gadigal

regroup within the Belvoir 25A program delivered POV, a daring exploration of a family breakdown through the eyes of technology in the hands of a young performer. Created by one the leading inventive theatre makers in Sydney, this thought-provoking piece used inventive staging, a rotating cast of unrehearsed actors and multimedia elements entrusted in the hands of two young up and coming artists, Mabelle Rose and Edie Whitehead.

Auteur filmmaking by the indie theatre group that is ahead of the game when it comes to technology based theatre and entrusted in the hands of young performers, this is a bucket list show for 2024 – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

[YOUR NAME] – Sydney/Gadigal

KXT on Broadway presented [YOUR NAME], a return to the Tumbler era of the internet which exploded with fan fiction written around a certain young boy wizard. Written by Kate Bubalo directed by Lily Hayman, the play featured a stellar lighting and audio visual design by Tyler Fitzpatrick, as well as a consistently hilarious and arousing premise.

Hilariously poignant and well and truly set in its Tumbler Era, [Your Name] pays homage to fanfiction, friendship and sexual awakenings – Kat Pech

You can read our full review here.

The Bisexual’s Lament – Naarm/Melbourne

Performed as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, comedian Lou Wall brought their signature wit and charm to The Bisexual’s Lament, a comedic cabaret exploring the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of navigating life in rental crisis, bisexuality, and the online sphere.

An undeniable crowd favourite at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Lou Wall is a must see. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll fall in love with them – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

Team’s Picks

Zombie! The Musical – Sydney/Gadigal

A hilarious and musically gory romp, Zombie! The Musical delighted audiences at Hayes Theatre Co. With music and lyrics by Laura Murphy and direction by Darren Yap the show combined campy horror with toe-tapping musical numbers. It followed a group of survivors navigating a zombie apocalypse trapped in a theatre rehearsal space, with a stellar ensemble and memorable music, audiences are simply dying for the cast album.

An exceptionally performed, fast paced, gory, hysterical and uproarious comedy about surviving community theatre – Claira Prider

You can read our full review here.

Counting and Cracking – Sydney/Gadigal

Carriageworks hosted the return of Counting and Cracking, the epic family saga by S. Shakthidharan. Directed by Eamon Flack, the play spans generations and continents, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and reconciliation. Featuring a diverse cast, and re-staged at Carriageworks with a new design, the production left audiences deeply moved by its scope and humanity.

This is storytelling on a grand scale; a privilege and a pleasure to enjoy Australian theatre in such a powerful production – Kate Gaul

You can read our full review here.

Dear Evan Hansen – Sydney/Gadigal

The Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel Group brought the Tony-winning Dear Evan Hansen to life at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. The musical tells the story of a high schooler grappling with loneliness and a web of lies that spiral out of control. Directed by Dean Bryant, with a newcomer Beau Woodbridge in the title role, it captured Pasek and Paul’s iconic music in the digital age.

A stirring adaptation which addresses themes of belonging, identity and the impact of social media in a way that feels both universal and profoundly personal – Bradley Roe

You can read our full review here.

August: Osage County – Sydney/Gadigal

Belvoir St Theatre’s August: Osage County proved a stellar end of year treat as director Eamon Flack revived Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The darkly comedic drama about a dysfunctional family reunion in Oklahoma featured a stellar ensemble cast led by Pamela Rabe and Tamsin Carroll leaving audiences giving standing ovations.

This is quintessential theatre viewing that is led through the chaos by a world-class ensemble – Claira Prider

You can read our full review here.

Misery Loves Company – Sydney/Gadigal

KXT on Broadway’s Misery Loves Company offered a darkly comedic exploration of death and the human condition. Written by Isabella Reid and directed by Mathew Lee, the play followed a family brought together for an Irish funeral, with family breakdowns choosing the worst time to appear. With sharp writing and dynamic performances, it struck a balance between humour and pathos.

One part dark comedy, one part Irish folksong, ten parts larger-than-life characters, this debut play is feckin’ packed with heart and humour – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

Groundhog Day the Musical – Naarm/Melbourne

Performed at the Princess Theatre, Groundhog Day brought the classic film to life after its Broadway and Wes End runs, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the show follows weatherman Phil Connors, played by Tony Award Nominee Andy Karl, as he relives the same day repeatedly, ultimately finding redemption and love.

Tim Minchin’s latest is both timely and thoroughly enjoyable, reminding us to savour the most out of each day – lest we are doomed to repeat it again, and again, and again… – Caitlin A. Kearney

You can read our full review here.

Beauty and the Beast – Naarm/Melbourne

Her Majesty’s Theatre hosted Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a lavish production of the beloved Disney movie. Directed by Matt West, with Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Brendan Xavier as the Beast, this magical musical charmed audiences with its timeless story and dazzling visuals in Melbourne.

Be their guests in this spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast, where magic is on full display right before your eyes. This polished production will have you leaving the theatre humming these classic tunes well into the following morning – Matthaios Hortomaris

You can read our full review here.

My Brilliant Career – Naarm/Melbourne

Melbourne Theatre Company presented My Brilliant Career, adapted from Miles Franklin’s classic novel. Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, a book by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant, music by Mathew Frank and lyrics by Dean Bryant the play chronicled the struggles and aspirations of a young woman seeking independence in rural Australia. With a star making performance by Kala Gare, this new musical soared.

A star vehicle production led by Kala Gare, ‘My Brilliant Career’ is a classic in the making and a stunning addition to the Australian musical cannon – Justin Clarke

You can read our full review here.

A Streetcar Named Desire – Naarm/Melbourne

Tennessee Williams’ iconic drama A Streetcar Named Desire graced the stage at Melbourne Theatre Company. Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, the production featured a standout performance by Nikki Shiels as Blanche DuBois, bringing this tale of passion and tragedy to life.

This moving production demonstrates how a text that stands tall in the literary canon doesn’t always need to be forced through a modernity-shaped hole to retain value for a modern audience – Caitlin A. Kearney

You can read our full review here.

A Chorus Line – Naarm/Melbourne

Theatrical Inc’s vibrant production of A Chorus Line celebrated the lives and dreams of Broadway hopefuls. Performed at the National Theatre in Melbourne, the show was directed by Tahra Cannon, with standout performances by a talented ensemble cast, bringing energy and emotion to the iconic musical.

With jaw-droppingly refined choreography, and a cast full of talented triple-threats, this dazzling production will leave you wondering “how do they do it?!” – Paige Quinn

You can read our full review here.