Red Bus Londinium Life

2024 had many wonderful theatre, book and cultural highlights. It was very hard to make choices of which were the most stellar but I have tried! Below are the shows, books and other treats which for me opened my mind and expanded my horizons in 2024.

My 2024 Most Powerful Show: Between the Lines at the New Diorama Theatre. Impassioned, thoughtful and impressively telling a little-known story using an at-risk cast and vivid music.

My 2024 Best Musical of the Year: The Big Life at Stratford East – bright, bold, full of verve and telling an important story..

Most visceral play from 2024: For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy –Ryan Calais Cameron‘s words and characters travel with you long after you leave the theatre.

My 2024 Best adaption from film: My Neighbour Totoro – extraordinary set, choreography, puppetry and casting means you feel totally transported into the land of Ghibli.

2024 Book club favourite: What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama – charming, life-affirming and plenty to discuss.

2024 Best New Book to use in school: Our Story starts in Africa by Patrice Lawrence – historically accurate, affirming, colourful and full of family love.

2024 Swim organisation I recommend: Bluetits (inclusive, welcoming, free). Find a group near you.

2024 Museum top tip: Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology – small but crammed full of treasures; free and not crowded. (if you want Egyptology, you’ll have a much calmer time here than the British Museum).