2018 has been a year of diversity for shows of theatre and music in Newport.
While big name music shows have played the city venues such as The Riverfront, there have also been memorable theatre presentations produced by local societies such as Newport Playgoers, and Centrestage Cymru.
Here are 10 of our favourite shows reviewed by Entertainment South Wales in Newport during 2018.

Table 5, Solman Theatre Studio, March, 2018
THEATRE:
Table 5
Dolman Theatre Studio, March, 2018
“Fans of character-driven comedy drama mixed with well-conceived dialogue will love Table 5.”
Read the review for Table 5 here

Top Hat (Centrestage Cymru), Dolman Theatre, April, 2018
THEATRE:
Top Hat (Centrestage Cymru)
Dolman Theatre. April, 2018
“There were many cast members, be they leads, support, singers or dancers that made the hairs on my back stand on end with admiration and nostalgia.
Read the review for Centrestage Cymru’s Top Hat here

Big Girls, Don’t Cry, Newport Riverfront, May, 2018
MUSIC:
Big Girls Don’t Cry
Newport Riverfront, May 2018
“The audience were well and truly out of their seats for the encore which included Stay (A Little Longer) – a song that was designed for an encore…”
Read the review for Big Girls Don’t Cry here

Lee Mead – 10th Anniversary Tour, The Riverfront, Newport, May, 2018
MUSIC:
Lee Mead – 10th Anniversary Tour
The Riverfront, Newport, May 2018
“Personal, intimate and a lot of fun, Lee Mead live on stage certainly won over his Newport audience!”
Read our review for Lee Mead’s 10th Anniversary Tour here

In the Heights (Phoenix Productions), Dolman Theatre, May 2018
THEATRE:
In The Heights (Phoenix Productions)
Dolman Theatre, May 2018
“In The Heights is as fresh as it is modern and is a fabulously entertaining show with a positive air delivered by a talented young cast.”
Read our review for Phoenix Productions’ In The Heights here.

Rhondda Rips it Up (Welsh National Opera), Newport Riverfront, June 2018
THEATRE:
Rhondda Rips it Up (Welsh National Opera)
The Riverfront,, Newport, June 2018
A”Rhondda Rips it Up gets my vote as one of the most exciting theatre productions of 2018”.
Read our review of Rhondda Rips It Up here

Forbidden Broadway (Glass Ceiling Theatre), Dolman Theatre, September, 2018
THEATRE:
Forbidden Broadway (Glass Ceiling Theatre)
Dolman Theatre, September, 2018
“Each performer gave genuine belly laughs to the audience…”
Read our review of Forbidden Broadway here

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (Newport Playgoers), Dolman Theatre, October, 2018
THEATRE:
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (Newport Playgoers)
Dolman Theatre, October, 2018
“Switching between the mild mannered and seemingly caring Dr Jekyll and the reckless and lustful Mr Hyde, Jes Hynes brings the dual lead role to life on stage…”
Read our review for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde here

Evita (Centrestage Cymru), Dolman Theatre, October 2018
THEATRE:
Evita (Centrestage Cymru)
Dolman Theatre, October 2018
“Centrestage Cymru’s Evita is a feelgood perfection in sound, performance and presentation, certainly rivalling any professional production currently on tour and a magnificent celebration of the show on its 40th anniversary.”
Read our review of Centrestage Cymru’s Evita here

Sleeping Beauty, The Riverfront, December 2018 Photo: Kirsten McTernan
THEATRE:
Sleeping Beauty
The Riverfront, December 2018 – January 2019
“A great introduction to the theatre for children…”