In 1984, I saw 21 live theatrical productions, from lavish West End musicals to intimate plays and even a few pantomimes. Forty years later, in 2024, I set myself a challenge: to revisit as many of those performances as possible. Read more about the whole challenege here. On the same day I had seen them in 1984! Some shows were still so popular that they were running somewhere, some had been revived, whilst others I could only find film versions, amateur productions recorded and uploaded online or cast recordings.
This journey through time was not just about the performances themselves but about reliving the memories, reflecting on how theatre has evolved, and seeing how my own perspective had changed over the decades. From iconic productions like Starlight Express and Singin’ in the Rain to forgotten gems and nostalgic pantos, this was a year-long celebration of the magic of live (and sometimes recorded) performance.
Here’s how my theatrical time machine took me back through four decades of shows...
21 Live Performances Revisited
January:
2nd January 1984: I saw Dick Whittington at the Richmond Theatre
2nd January 2024: I saw Dick Whittington at the Richmond Theatre
Exactly 40 years to the day, I was back at the Richmond Theatre seing Dick Whittington agai. This was the first of my year-long plan to revisit films and shows I saw in 1984. What a start—same date, same theatre, same show. Headliner in 1984: Roy Hudd, headliner in 2024: Paul Merton.
I sat up in the upper circle in 2024. Cheap seats, yes, but you can see twice as many shows for the price! Ticket price: £13. Programme: £6.50. Honestly, £6.50 for a programme?
Now, I’d love to say this first show was a rip-roaring success—but, alas, it wasn’t. It wasn’t the same magic as the pantos I remember, with some awkward pacing and odd choices in casting. The comedy fell a bit flat, though I did get a few chuckles from the audience. I did sneak out before the end, as there were weather warnings and train delays, and I didn't want to be stranded en route. Onward and upward, as they say! Some shows are more about the memories than the performance.
27th January 1984: I saw Singin' in the Rain at the London Palladium
27th January 2024: I saw Singin' in the Rain at the Exeter Northcott Theatre
Having started with a triple win, show, theatre and date, I was unsure whether I'd be so lucky for second show of the year! Luckily I found one—Exeter Northcott's student production. Not quite the Palladium, but the enthusiasm was there. And you know what? It still had that iconic tap-tapping energy that makes you grin from ear to ear.
I remember the Palladium's Singin’ in the Rain being a true spectacle—those fountains, the dancers, and of course, the rain! The version I caught in 2024 didn’t have the glitzy backdrop, but the cast’s energy was infectious. The choreography had a roughness to it, but it almost added to the charm. Still, it's hard to match the grand production from 1984.
February:
22nd February 1984: I saw See How They Run at the Shaftesbury Theatre
22nd February 2024: I watched See How They Run (1984 TV movie) at the BFI Stephen Street viewing rooms
Thanks to the BFI archives, I was able to revisit the stage show through the 1984 TV film of the stage show. On 22 February 1984, I sat in the Shaftesbury Theatre, completely immersed in the comedy. How did I recreate this? Well, 40 years later I found myself in the BFI screening room for a 1984 TV version!
Peter Hepple from The Stage reviewed the live show and praised Maureen Lipman for stealing every scene—she did just the same in the TV movie!
The TV version, much like the stage show, was fast-paced and filled with slapstick humour. While I did miss the thrill of live performance, the TV film allowed me to relive the fun, and Lipman's comic timing was impeccable.
March:
10th March 1984: I saw Mr Cinders at the Fortune Theatre
10th March 2024: I watched Mr Cinders (1935 film) via DVD
10th March 1984: I saw School for Scandal at the Duke of Yorks
10th March 2024: I listened to School for Scandal, the Original Cast Album from the 1963 NY production starring John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson via YouTube and saw the 10mins that remain of the 5 reeler silent film of The School for Scandal (1923, Bertram Phillips) via YouTube
In 1984, I sat in the Fortune Theatre for Mr Cinders and also saw The School for Scandal at the Duke of York’s Theatre that same day. Sadly, no stage version of Mr Cinders to be found this year, so I settled in for the 1935 film instead.
The film had a certain charm, though I missed the lively atmosphere of a live performance. The jokes didn’t quite land the same way as they did on stage, and the pacing felt slow at times. But I couldn’t help but chuckle at the cheeky humour.
As for The School for Scandal, I cranked up the 1963 cast album with the legendary John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson. Those voices are still a thing of beauty. Listening to them was a reminder of the magic of classic theatre.
April:
14th April 1984: I saw Run For Your Wife at the Criterion Theatre
14th April 2024: I watched Run For Your Wife (2012 film) via DVD
Ah, Run For Your Wife—the classic Ray Cooney farce. At the Criterion Theatre in 1984, the comedy was all about mistaken identities and misunderstandings. Today, I had to settle for the 2012 film version. “... funny as leprosy,” said David Edwards of Daily Record, and well, I can’t argue with that!
The film didn’t live up to the stage version’s frantic pace, and I found myself cringing rather than laughing at some of the dated “gags.” There was a certain desperation to it. The pacing was off, and while the humour was there in the script, it just didn’t work land in these more enlightened times. It also gave me the opportunity to revist Mark Kermode's kermodean rant...
28th April 1984: I saw Hi-De-Hi! at the Victoria Palace
28th April 2024: I watched Hi-De-Hi! (2017 amateur production) via YouTube
No Hi-De-Hi! on stage right now, so I watch the Bacup Royal Court Theatre Group’s 2017 version on YouTube. The 1984 show at Victoria Palace starred the beloved cast of the BBC comedy series, which ran from 1980 to 1988. A little nostalgia trip for me. As much as I loved TV & stage show at the time, I must admit I found the amateur production quite charming in its own way. There was a certain warmth in the performances, and while it didn’t have the glitz of the original, it captured the spirit of the show, although the sound wasn’t great.
May:
7th May 1984: I saw Gerry Cottle's Circus at Highbury Fields
7th May 2024: I watched World Within a Ring (1976), The Lowdown: Ringside (1992), Timeshift: When the Circus Comes to Town (2011), Gerry Cottle's Big Top (2012)
No circus action live today, so I turned to some documentaries about circus in general and Gerry Cottle’s Circus in particular. The documentaries were fascinating, providing a deep dive into the history, and the interviews with the performers were a great way to understand the real heart of the circus.
14th May 1984: I saw Pygmalion at Shaftesbury Theatre, starring Peter O'Toole and Jackie Smith-Wood, with John Thaw as Alfred Doolittle!
14th May 2024: I watched Pygmalion (1983 TV movie) via YouTube, and Pygmalion (1938) via DVD
I was in the Shaftesbury Theatre back in 1984 for Pygmalion with Peter O'Toole, which was a highlight. But today, no stage production in sight, so I revisited the 1938 film with Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller. I also found the 1983 TV version starring O'Toole and Margot Kidder on YouTube. Turns out, the charm of this show is still timeless. And O'Toole really can ham it up!
The 1938 film had a certain elegance to it, and Leslie Howard’s portrayal of Higgins was so smooth, yet layered. As for O'Toole’s TV version, his chemistry with the cast was undeniable, and it brought back fond memories of watching it live.
June:
2nd June 1984: I saw Blondel at Aldwych Theatre
2nd June 2024: I watched Blondel (University of Richmond's 1990 production) via YouTube
Tim Rice’s Blondel at Aldwych Theatre, now there's a show I miss. Sadly, no live production today, but I made do with the original vinyl LP. And just for good measure, I threw on the University of Richmond’s 1990 version from YouTube. It’s not quite the same as sitting in the theatre, but it certainly brought back some memories.
I also made a pilgrimage and said hello to the outside of the Aldwych Theatre (home to the Tina Turner Musical now), before popping around the corner to see another musical with Tim Rice’s fingerprints, The Lion King.
23rd June 1984: I saw Singin' in the Rain at the London Palladium
23rd June 2024: I saw Singin' in the Rain at Kilworth House Theatre
A second visit to see Singin’ in the Rain in 1984, meant I had to find a second production in 2024. Hence, making a trip to the Midlands to see I at the amazing outdoor theatre in the woods of Kilworth House Theatre. There’s something about that show—every time it rains, I can’t help but smile. It’s like stepping into a time machine.
July:
No live performances in 1984
No theatre performances for me in July 1984, but 2024 was a different story! The Pet Shop Boys at the Royal Opera House was an absolute blast. Watching them celebrate their 40th anniversary—well, it was a proper celebration! The crowd was electric, and the iconic hits made the evening unforgettable. I’ve been a fan since their breakthrough his, West End Girls, in 1984.
August:
No live performances in 1984
September:
1st September 1984: I saw Starlight Express at the Apollo Victoria
1st September 2024: I saw Starlight Express at the Wembley Troubadour
Starlight Express in 1984 was a standout. I remember being awestruck by the roller-skating acrobatics and dazzling sets. Seeing the original London production a couple more times over the years. Fast forward 40 years, and I’m revisiting it at the Wembley Troubadour, a new purpose-built theatre for this 40th anniversary re-vamp. Having been listening the original cast album on repeat these past 40 years I had to make myself ‘let go’ of that one, and enjoy this new production. It was great to see how the essence of the show remains timeless. The roller-skating was as impressive as ever and the cast's enthusiasm and the vibrant costumes helped bring the show to life.
The magic of Starlight Express has aged well, and I’m still humming the tunes.
20th September 1984: I saw Northern Ballet’s Les Sylphides and Alice in Wonderland at Sadler’s Wells Theatre
20th September 2024: I saw a recording of American Ballet Theatre's Les Sylphides via YouTube and ZooNation's Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre.
A double bill of Northern Ballet’s Les Sylphides and Alice in Wonderland at Sadler’s Wells, would have been triggered by my interest in all things Alice. Recreating it 40years later saw me heading up to London to ZooNation's Mad Hatter's Tea Party, en route watching a recorded performance by the American Ballet Theatre’s Les Sylphides from 1984.
Led by Mikhail Baryshnikov ABT’s Les Sylphides was beautifully executed. The dancers glided effortlessly across the stage, and the choreography was graceful. As for ZooNation’s Mad Hatter's Tea Party, the modern twist on Alice in Wonderland was pure joy. Their hip-hop choreography infused with storytelling made for a truly unique experience.
40 years apart, but both performances—though vastly different—held that same magical charm that keeps me coming back for more live dance and fresh takes on Alice.
October:
20th October 1984: I saw HMS Pinafore at the Barbican Centre
20th October 2024: I watched a recording of HMS Pinafore (1982) on DVD.
Back in 1984, I saw HMS Pinafore at the Barbican Centre. While I can’t find solid details about the production, I have a sneaky suspicion it was a semi-staged concert version, supported by the London Symphony Orchestra. It’s certainly a show I’d love to revisit live one day!
Fast-forward 40 years, and I watched the 1982 filmed version by D'Oyly Carte, which features the LSO. The joy of watching HMS Pinafore still holds up, particularly the iconic number “When I Was a Lad.” The cheeky humour and energetic performances especially Frankie Howerd, reminded me just how fun the Gilbert and Sullivan operas can be. The orchestrations were stunning, and the 1982 film preserved the essence of that stage performance.
31st October 1984: I saw 42nd Street at the Drury Lane Theatre
31st October 2024: I watched the 1933 film of 42nd Street
42nd Street in 1984 was a massive production at Drury Lane, filled with glitz and glamour. I’ll never forget the spectacle of it all. The musical numbers, the tap dancing, the showbiz pizzazz! In 2024, I didn’t quite get the same grandeur, but I still had fun watching the 1933 film.
Busby Berkeley’s choreography, which was so ahead of its time, still holds up beautifully. The kaleidoscopic dance numbers in the film were just as dazzling as I remembered them, and watching them felt like a direct connection to those grand theatrical moments I saw at Drury Lane.
The energy of the original stage production is impossible to replicate, but the film’s legacy in musical cinema remains ever strong.
November:
1st November 1984: I saw Evita at the Prince Edward Theatre
1st November 2024: I watched the 1996 Evita film starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, along with the 2018 documentary Evita: The Making of a Superstar
Evita was a powerhouse when I saw it in 1984, with Jacquey Chappell in the lead role. 40 years later, I revisited with the 1996 film with Madonna and Antonio Banderas, which captured the same passion and intensity. Madonna’s Evita was controversial at the time, but I’ve always felt she brought something fresh to the role. The music, of course, remains timeless—“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” still gives me chills. And Jimmy Nail is such a scene-stealer.
I also watched the 2018 documentary Evita: The Making of a Superstar, made to coincide with the original production's 40th anniversary. It offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production’s rise to fame. Watching the documentary reminded me how much of a cultural touchstone Evita was in the 80s, both on stage and in film.
7th November 1984: I saw West Side Story at Her Majesty’s Theatre
7th November 2024: I watched the documentary Leonard Bernstein conducts West Side Story (1985)
With no live productions of West Side Story on, and having see the two films relatively recently I spent the day listening to different recordings of this classic musical, and in the evening I watched a documentary featuring Leonard Bernstein conducting West Side Story in 1984. The power of that score, conducted by Bernstein himself, was a true testament to the show’s brilliance. The documentary provided insight into how the orchestra and singers brought Bernstein’s genius to life.
10th November 1984: I saw The Boyfriend at the Albery Theatre
10th November 2024: I watched The Boy Friend (Ken Russell’s 1971 film)
In 1984, I caught a traditional revival of The Boyfriend at the Albery Theatre. It was the first London revival since the 1953 debut. Since there was no live performance to revisit this year, I watched Ken Russell’s 1971 film adaptation, starring Twiggy.
The film captured the whimsy and charm of the stage version, as the show being performed by a small provincial theatre company. It’s a marvellous meta or even anti-musical. I also revisited the cast album, especially "It’s Nicer in Nice" from the revival.
December:
1st December 1984: I saw On Your Toes at the Palace Theatre
1st December 2024: I watched the 1939 On Your Toes film and listened to the 1983 Broadway revival cast recording
On Your Toes at the Palace Theatre in 1984 was unforgettable. Natalia Makarova's performance was jaw-dropping. Today, I revisited the 1939 film version, which was quite different from what I remembered. While the film has cut the musical numbers, I still appreciated the choreography of the ballet sequences.
To balance it out, I also listened to the 1983 Broadway revival cast recording, which had a freshness to it that made me fall in love with the show all over again.
8th December 1984: I saw Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Piccadilly Theatre
8th December 2024: I watched the original 1983 Toronto cast recording of Pump Boys and Dinettes via YouTube
No live performance of Pump Boys and Dinettes in 2024, so I settled in with the 1983 Toronto cast recording. I loved the down-to-earth vibe of the show and the music really stood out. It brought me back to that 1984 performance in the Piccadilly Theatre, where the performers were so relaxed and engaging. The Toronto recording was a great replacement, though I did miss the warmth of the live show. But, as a bonus, the day before (7th December 2024) I had been back in the Upper Circle of the Piccadilly Theatre seeing a live show, the magnificently bombastic Moulin Rouge.
27th December 1984: I saw Dick Whittington at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford
27th December 2024: I saw Dick Whittington at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
To cap off my year-long project, I saw Dick Whittington once more—this time at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth, where I worked between 2015-2019. It was the perfect way to conclude this theatre journey. The show at Kings Theatre was as lively as any of the pantos I’d seen over the years, and it felt fitting to revisit it here.
The cast was fantastic, and the atmosphere was electric. There was a sense of full-circle nostalgia as I sat in a theatre I once worked at.
The 2024 pantomime was a wonderful end to my year of revisiting shows.
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