Welcome to the Etties 2025: the awards that care about the shows everyone else misses. We’ve worked with our reviewers to curate a list of gems that prove size isn’t everything. This isn’t a popularity contest; it’s a celebration of the art.
Who says you need a massive orchestra and a West End budget to make magic happen?
Today, we’re turning up the volume on the Best Musicals category. Whether it’s a high-concept song cycle, a dark electronic retelling of a classic, or a feel-good jukebox hit, these six shows proved that fringe theatre has a voice that can fill any room, no matter how many seats it has.
We reviewed a staggering number of musicals this year, and while the big productions are great, we’ve whittled it down to the grassroots gems that truly sang to our hearts. As with most of our other categories, we’ve restricted entries to those in what we feel are the true fringe venues, with all our nominated shows having been in venues of less than 100 seats.
You can read more about The Etties here. Details of how the winners are to be announced will be shared soon.
Our nominations for Best Musical are:
Rosie’s Brain @ The Hope Theatre
Kicking off our Best Musical nominations is a show that is as heartwarming as it is insightful.
Rosie’s Brain at The Hope Theatre is a joyous, one-woman musical powerhouse from the brilliant Evelyn Rose. Navigating the complexities of a neurodivergent brain with a ukulele in hand and a pink armchair for a stage, Rose captures the shift into adulthood with incredible truth and flawless comic timing.
It’s a masterclass in how intimate fringe spaces can tackle big, personal themes with rhythm, soul, and a whole lot of heart.
Mary and the Hyenas @ Wilton’s Music Hall
Our second nominee proves that the life of an 18th-century philosopher deserves a soundtrack with a serious edge.
Mary and the Hyenas at the iconic Wilton’s Music Hall brings the story of trailblazing feminist Mary Wollstonecraft to life, not with traditional musical theatre tropes, but with a raw, “hardcore” energy. Featuring a brilliant score by Tor Maries (aka Billy NoMates), this production from Pilot Theatre and Hull Truck is a bold, wonderful celebration of a woman who fought the status quo.
With a powerhouse performance from Laura Elsworthy and her pack of “hyenas,” it’s the kind of musical that wins over even the biggest musical-theatre skeptics.
Death on The Throne @ Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Buckle up, because our third nominee is officially “Top of the Poops!”
Death on the Throne – The Loosical at Upstairs at the Gatehouse is an extravagant, anarchic, and downright silly musical that takes “toilet humour” to divine heights. Following four souls in Purgatory competing for a second chance at life, judged by everyone from Gandhi to Elvis, this show is a riot of physical gags, catchy tunes, and showstopping puppetry.
Created by Mark Underwood and Tobias Künzel, it’s a brilliant example of fringe theatre at its most creative, goofy, and unashamedly fun.
The Glamification of Loki @ Southwark Playhouse
Norse mythology met high-street beauty in this dazzling, high-energy production from British Youth Music Theatre. The Glamification of Loki reimagined the God of Mischief as an apple-hunting meddler infiltrating the “Tree of Life” beauty corporate, resulting in a fizzy collision of ancient gods and modern vanity.
With a snappy, melodic score by Eden Tredwell and slick direction from Grace Taylor, the show was a riotous romp through chaos and self-discovery. The massive ensemble delivered uniformly strong performances, from acrobatic janitors to flamboyant photographers, showcasing an incredible wealth of emerging musical theatre talent. inventive, fun, and visually sparkling, it proved that myths don’t always need to be dark to be divine.
Black Power Desk @ Brixton House
Bold, brilliant, and unmissable, Black Power Desk delivered a searing and soulful portrait of Black British history in the 1970s. Premiering at Brixton House, this production blended historical truth with innovative musical storytelling to expose the systemic toxicity of the era’s “Black Power Desk.”
With a book, lyrics, and composition by Urielle Klein-Mekongo and striking “rapperturgy” by Gerel Falconer, the show moved effortlessly through reggae, ska, gospel, soul, and grime. The central relationship between sisters Celia and Dina provided a powerful emotional anchor, supported by a vibrant live band and a multi-levelled set that traversed everything from family homes to prison cells. Directed with sensitivity and courage by Gbolahan Obisesan, it was a fast-paced, high-energy triumph that left audiences on their feet.
Fresh Knickers (and a Gin & Tonic) @ Drayton Arms Theatre
Rounding out our shortlist is a fresh, original musical comedy that tackles a rarely discussed subject with infectious energy and wit. Fresh Knickers (and a Gin & Tonic) at the Drayton Arms Theatre turned the often-bleak realities of the menopause into an upbeat, riotous production filled with clever sketches and standout songs.
Written and directed by Heather Davis, the show used a fairytale-inspired arc to follow Cheryl’s journey through brain fog and hot flushes. With a charming score by Georgina St George that blended pop, traditional musical theatre, and even a bit of rap (personified by the unforgettable “Fuzzy B”), the production was a masterclass in physical comedy. While light and frothy on the surface, it managed to land some serious points about the need for better education and support, all while ensuring the audience had a fantastic time.
