Looking at the stats, it’s clear that Limelight readers continue to be as interested in the boutique tier of musical theatre as they are in the blockbusters. They’re also keen to read of what’s new and the strong reader response to reviews of shows such as Phar Lap: the Electro Swing Musical demonstrate that Australian stories, told with humour and heart, will always draw the curious.

Les Misérables – The Arena Tour. Photo supplied

1. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular (Cameron Mackintosh & Live Nation)

The biggest draw by some margin was the arena-scale revival of Les Misérables staged in the 8,000-capacity ICC Theatre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, and created to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary, it featured an international cast including Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean and Michael Ball as Inspector Javert.

Limelight editor Jo Litson’s review noted some of its shortcomings but added that:  “A brilliant cast bounces everything off the back wall – and that’s a very long way.”