Our 2025 Theatre Wrapped: The Top 20 Shows We Saw Across Wales

2025 has been a phenomenal year for theatre in Wales. From large-scale touring West End productions at the Wales Millennium Centre to bold, boundary-pushing indie theatre across Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys, Welsh stages have been alive with creativity, ambition and heart.

As arts and culture writers, we’ve spent the year reviewing theatre shows across Wales — musicals, plays, dance, cabaret and experimental work — and narrowing it down to our Top 20 productions of 2025 was no easy task. This list is in no particular order; each show earned its place for very different reasons, but all left a lasting impression.

Here’s our 2025 theatre wrapped.

Mary Poppins – Wales Millennium Centre

This production ticked every box of what musical theatre should be. Spectacular songs, stunning costumes, clever staging, theatrical magic and a generous dose of nostalgia. A perfect example of why large-scale West End tours in Wales continue to draw audiences of all ages.

Six – Wales Millennium Centre

Now this is a musical where the hype is fully justified. Every song is a standout, the performances are relentless, and the energy never dips. From the opening beat to the final note, Six is pure pop-musical brilliance and one of the most electrifying shows to tour Wales this year.

Pluviophiles (I Love the Rain) – Shed Theatre

Proof that a big budget doesn’t equal big impact. This indie Welsh theatre production stayed with us long after we left the venue. Inventive, intimate and emotionally resonant, it stands as a testament to the power of small-scale theatre in Wales.

Slava’s Snow Show – New Theatre, Cardiff

Unlike anything we’ve seen before. Silent storytelling, beautiful music, clowning and — of course — snow. Yes, actual snow falling into the audience. We even found ourselves caught in a full-blown blizzard. Magical, surreal and unforgettable.

& Juliet – Wales Millennium Centre

Jukebox musicals can be hit or miss, but & Juliet proves that when done right, they can be triumphant. The songs feel organic, the storytelling is sharp, and the result is a joyous celebration of pop music and modern musical theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof – New Theatre, Cardiff

The staging alone was breathtaking. A cornfield transforming as the fiddler rises above the world below created a powerful visual metaphor. Traditional yet still fresh, this production held our attention throughout its longer runtime and reaffirmed its place as a theatrical classic.

Ghost Stories – Wales Millennium Centre

For lovers of horror theatre, this was a masterclass in tension. A series of chilling short stories that kept the hair on the back of our necks standing all evening. Atmospheric, unsettling and genuinely frightening.

The Book of Mormon – Wales Millennium Centre

Yes, the humour is risky and won’t be for everyone. But there’s a reason this musical has become a bucket-list show. Catchy tunes, slapstick comedy and an undeniable feel-good energy that leaves audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.

Choo Choo – The Riverfront, Newport

Another standout indie theatre production in Wales with a powerful message. It explores difference, identity and acceptance with warmth and honesty, showing how finding people who accept us can lift the weight of isolation away.

Murder on the Orient Express – New Theatre, Cardiff

Who doesn’t love a murder mystery? Clever staging made this feel immersive from the outset — as if you were standing on the platform watching the train depart. Stylish, suspenseful and thoroughly entertaining.

Dear Evan Hansen – Wales Millennium Centre

This was our first time seeing the show, and it exceeded expectations. The music alone made us want to return, but the story — about loneliness, belonging and the cost of fitting in — felt both contemporary and painfully familiar.

All I Want for Christmas Is Cabaret! – Cabaret Cardiff

Looking for a festive favourite? This had it all: drag, burlesque, Christmas classics and fearless performance (including walking on broken glass). A true cabaret variety show and a highlight of Cardiff’s alternative arts scene.

Myra’s Story – New Theatre, Cardiff

One woman. One bench. That’s all this play needed. A deeply moving portrayal of homelessness and how one wrong turn can unravel a life. Thought-provoking, compassionate and theatrical gold.

An Inspector Calls – Wales Millennium Centre

A familiar GCSE staple, yes — but the staging transformed it entirely. A doll’s house set opening up to reveal layers of deceit made us view the story with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Wales Millennium Centre

Pure nostalgia. One of the most visually beautiful productions we’ve seen in years, it transported us straight back to childhood and reminded us of theatre’s power to spark wonder.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake – Wales Millennium Centre

A bold, beautiful reimagining of a classic. Bourne’s vision breathes new life into Swan Lake, showcasing his choreographic brilliance. Essential viewing for dance lovers and theatre audiences alike.

Still Here – Blackwood Miners’ Institute

This Welsh indie production captured real Welsh life with authenticity and care. It never felt condescending or forced — just honest, local and deeply researched. Its universal acclaim is well deserved.

Martha – Taking Flight Theatre

One of the most unique productions we saw all year. Set in a dystopian world where sign language is forbidden, the show interrogates assimilation, disability and control. Emotional, challenging and exactly what theatre should be.

Bad Boy Disco – Porters, Cardiff

Can we separate the art from the artist? This production didn’t offer easy answers — instead, it sparked debate. It kept us talking late into the night and fuelled countless conversations over drinks. Provocative theatre at its best.

Nye – Wales Millennium Centre

A modern Welsh theatre staple and an absolute must-see. This production left us genuinely excited for the future of Welsh National Theatre and eager to see what 2026 will bring.

Final Thoughts

From touring West End shows in Wales to fearless indie theatre and distinctly Welsh stories, 2025 proved that the theatre scene in Wales is thriving. These productions reminded us why we keep returning to auditoriums, studio spaces and fringe venues — for connection, challenge, joy and conversation.

If this year is anything to go by, the future of Welsh theatre looks incredibly bright.

Here’s to more unforgettable nights at the theatre. 🎭

If you’d like a chance for your production to feature I our 2026 Wrapped contact us to to review your production here!