This was the first time, in two years, that theatre emerged blinking from a seemingly endless cycle of closures, delays and cancellations. Perhaps that’s why 2022 felt quite muted, with lots of very good shows but not quite so many knockout ones. But in a year when we needed to hear fresh ideas and have lots of fun, it was new writing and musical theatre that often won the day. Our pick of the year’s 15 best theatre shows, ranging from audacious plays to ebullient musicals, reminded us that being in an audience, watching something brilliant with lots of other people, is always a great place to be.
15. Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Leeds Playhouse and Home, Manchester
