MADEUP’s Best of 2019
It's the end of the year, so here's a little list of my favourite shows of 2019.
1. Sweeney Todd, Liverpool Everyman (April)
Nick Bagnall's modernised production of Sondheim's demon barber was one where everything just clicked; inventive and engrossing with a superlative ensemble, Liam Tobin's Sweeney and Kacey Ainsworth's Mrs Lovett proved to be perfect partners in crime in a perfect Everyman show.
2. Tao of Glass, Manchester Royal Exchange (July)
There's always been too much happening on the doorstep to ever really get to grips with things on the other side of the M62 - but Tao of Glass warrants an honorable mention as much as it was an honour to experience; a dream-like exploration of the music of Philip Glass through the memories of Improbable's Phelim McDermott, this truly unique and wonderful piece was an unforgetable gem. This stunning 360 film gives you a small taste (let's see theatre make more use of this tech in future - what a way to immerse yourself in a performance):
3. Romeo & Juliet, Imaginarium (Merseyside tour, July)
Prescot-based community arts organisation MATE Productions became Imaginarium this year - a taste of exciting things to come for the company as work on the Shakespeare North Playhouse gets underway. This summer's outdoor production of Romeo & Juliet was a joy.
4. Les Misérables, Liverpool Empire (October)
The acclaimed touring production took its time to make its way round to us, but proved worth the wait, bringing The Glums back to the city for the first time in 20 years.
5. Truth to Power Cafe, Edge Hill Arts Centre/ Unity Theatre (November)
A small show with a big heart for troubled times. Real stories, real connections and real important theatre.
This year, I also had a chance to take and in-depth look at the city's theatre scene as part of Liverpool Long Reads (check it out here). Unbelievably, 2020 will mark ten years of MADEUP - so here's looking forward to what comes next.
