The Last of the Haussmans (National Theatre) - Funny, moving and brilliantly acted with a script that lacked a touch of originality. Helen McCrory was on top form and gave the best performance I believe she has ever given. ****
Timon of Athens (National Theatre) - A Shakespeare I was completely unfamiliar with. Although Hytner's production was fairly safe, the relocating to modern day did help lift the play's themes of money and hypocrisy to the surface. Great central performances and set in the second half. ****Richard III (Globe) - Mark Rylance gave a highly original and comedic take on one of Shakespeare's greatest villains. An assured production, which rarely disappointed. ****
Twelfth Night (Globe) - A comedic tour de force, this production was one of my highlights of last year's theatre offerings. Paul Chahidi gave the best performance of Maria I have ever seen, and Stephen Fry's Malvolio perfectly blended humour with tragedy. *****The River (Royal Court) - Haunting, mesmerising, subtle, beautiful. The battle to get tickets was certainly worth it. *****
Julius Caesar (Donmar Warehouse) - In a year of great all-male Shakespearean productions, it was refreshing to see an all-female production of Shakespeare's bloodiest play. The concept wasn't the strongest and lost its way half way through. However, the set, lighting, sound and performances redeemed it and helped produce a production that will most definitely be remembered in year to come. ****
Written On Skin (Royal Opera House) - A stunning production directed by Katie Mitchell of a stunning score and libretto. An opera truly for now. A triumph in every sense. *****
