The Etties are very much a bit of fun to celebrate those smaller shows that all too often will get overlooked in the bigger awards. We’ve put together our shortlists with the help of our reviewers and like all awards, it’s very subjective!
First up is Musicals. During 2024 we reviewed 66 musicals, although 13 were in the West End and another 8 were big touring productions, so we’ve excluded them. That still leaves 45 for consideration, but we’ve managed to reduce that down to our shortlist of six.
Our Head Judge for Musicals is Lily Middleton.
Oedipus Electronica @ Brixton House
This was one of my own personal highlights of the year, a startingly violent and graphic show that shock me to the core – both emotionally and physically, with a continuous live score of electronic music.
The Emu War @ New Wimbledon Studio
This is one of those reviews which make you wish you’d been there. New Wimbledon Studio hosts lots of new musicals, often with bizarre subject matter (cheese rolling springs to mind) and this is another success in the genre!
Children’s Inquiry @ Southwark Playhouse.
Our resident expert reviewer of theatre for young audiences raved about this show, and it’s quite the experience. Interrogating the care system from a child’s perspecitve, with a cast including children as young as 8. This is another I wish I’d made it to.
Open Call @ Courtyard Theatre
This sounds like a lot of fun. With a unique way of involving the audience and a brilliant repertoire of musical theatre fan-favourites, and plenty of room to grow with further development.
Frank’s Closet @ Wilton’s Music Hall
This show was so good Alan reviewed it twice, in one year! And it went from 4-5 stars in that time. It sounds like quite the spectacle, with real heart and storytelling. I’ll be looking out for it’s next run!
Here You Come Again @ Riverside Studios
The boost of seratonin we all need right now, at first I would be tempted to judge it as a Dolly jukebox musical but it is so much more. Even taking a risk on setting a musical during one of the Covid lockdowns seems to have paid off.
The winner will be announced on 3 March during our Runn Radio Show.
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