Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask what is the best theatre show you have seen?

293 replies

IVantToBeAlonee · 27/03/2026 11:48

It’s National Theatre Day today.

For me, I think Nye, staring Michael Sheen is the best I’ve seen, thus far. Though, my answer is subject to change since I have a few shows coming up soon.

What is the best theatre show you’ve ever seen?

OP posts:
oviraptor21 · 27/03/2026 12:07

Theatre - Les Liasons Dangereuses with Alan Rickman many years ago
Musicals - Les Mis with Geronimo Rauch

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 27/03/2026 12:06

The Tempest, with Simon Russell Beale as Ariel. I couldn’t see how a slightly portly middle-aged man could possibly portray an ‘airy spirit’. Only, he did. Brilliantly.

Scripturient · 27/03/2026 12:05

Catcatcatcatcat · 27/03/2026 12:01

In the 90s I saw an RSC production of Midsummer Nights Dream with Finbar (Barry ) Lynch as Puck.

It was easily the best play I have ever seen. I actually went twice!

Second to that would be Abigail’s Party. You just don’t want it to end!

Oh, I bet he was good! I saw him as Christy in The Playboy about a million years ago, and was sitting next to him at the RSC when Niamh Cusack was playing Lady Macbeth opposite Christopher Eccleston (who was disappointing). It was funny that, long before I recognised him, I was aware of his body language suggesting he was an actor or dancer.

TorturedParentsDepartment · 27/03/2026 12:04

Daffodilsinthespring · 27/03/2026 12:02

Six without a doubt

I've seen Six a few times and always come out with a smile on my face just as it being sheer good tunes.

Hamilton the first time I saw that live was incredible as well. Phantom - I don't especially like the show (to be honest, the operatic bits hurt my ears) - but the visuals with the chandelier and the theatre coming back to life after the opening auction were spectacular and something I'm glad I've seen - but I don't think I'd rush for a repeat of it.

Dooodaaaaadooo · 27/03/2026 12:04

NovemberMorn · 27/03/2026 12:01

Les Mis....I have seen it three times, every production has been absolutely riveting.

Absolutely agree, really love The Lion King as well but obviously a very different type of show.

HarryVanderspeigle · 27/03/2026 12:04

One flew over the cuckoo's nest for a play.

Pricilla queen of the desert for musical.

Les Miserables (admittedly still a musical) for the thing I could never get tired of. Would happily go every day if I had the funds. I don't of course.

TorturedParentsDepartment · 27/03/2026 12:02

I'm a musical nut... probably Hadestown which was just breathtaking when I saw it - there were audible gasps (from people who clearly didn't know the myth) at the ending.

Daffodilsinthespring · 27/03/2026 12:02

Six without a doubt

Scripturient · 27/03/2026 12:02

The Michael Boyd RSC Histories cycle when they did it at the Roundhouse in 2008. It was an astonishing experience from beginning to end.

NovemberMorn · 27/03/2026 12:01

Les Mis....I have seen it three times, every production has been absolutely riveting.

Catcatcatcatcat · 27/03/2026 12:01

In the 90s I saw an RSC production of Midsummer Nights Dream with Finbar (Barry ) Lynch as Puck.

It was easily the best play I have ever seen. I actually went twice!

Second to that would be Abigail’s Party. You just don’t want it to end!

MadisonAvenue · 27/03/2026 12:00

American Idiot, on Broadway when Billie Joe Armstrong was appearing in it.

AnyQuestions101 · 27/03/2026 11:59

The Picture of Dorian Gray starring (only) Sarah Snook a couple of years ago, continues to blow my mind. Completely wonderful

Janey90 · 27/03/2026 11:58

Moulin Rouge - the energy coming off that stage was remarkable!

Original poster
IVantToBeAlonee · 27/03/2026 11:57

GetOffTheCounter · 27/03/2026 11:52

Well.

I have to preface my response by saying I have only recently seen one.

Saw Fawlty Towers at the Mayflower. I absolutely loved it, and that was unexpected. I'm having a stressful life and it took me right out of myself and I laughed alot. It also motivated me to put a little bit of money away for a 'theatre-going fund' as i wish to attend more often.

Amazing! You won’t regret it! ❤️

OP posts:
Original poster
IVantToBeAlonee · 27/03/2026 11:56

REDB99 · 27/03/2026 11:52

I unexpectedly loved To Kill a Mockingbird, I was very sceptical about how it would translate to stage but it was excellent.

Micheal Sheen playing Hamlet at the Young Vic was an amazing theatre experience.

I loved the stage versions of Upstart Crow and Wolf Hall.

I’d love to see To Kill a Mockingbird on stage. I’ve read the book and seen the film already.

What I would give to see Michael Sheen revive his role as Hamlet. I’m am extremely jealous!

OP posts:
REDB99 · 27/03/2026 11:52

I unexpectedly loved To Kill a Mockingbird, I was very sceptical about how it would translate to stage but it was excellent.

Micheal Sheen playing Hamlet at the Young Vic was an amazing theatre experience.

I loved the stage versions of Upstart Crow and Wolf Hall.

GetOffTheCounter · 27/03/2026 11:52

Well.

I have to preface my response by saying I have only recently seen one.

Saw Fawlty Towers at the Mayflower. I absolutely loved it, and that was unexpected. I'm having a stressful life and it took me right out of myself and I laughed alot. It also motivated me to put a little bit of money away for a 'theatre-going fund' as i wish to attend more often.

Swipe left for the next trending thread