Danny Boyle, director of hit films like Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting, and Artistic Director of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games loved the show on 31 December.

He was so impressed, he’s thinking of using a similar firework display for the Opening Ceremony.

“The fireworks at New Year’s Eve were amazing, weren’t they? There was this big debate, should there be fireworks [at the opening ceremony] or not because they’re not very green. I’m sure they will after New Year.” 

If you’re a fan of Boyle’s work, don’t miss his new film, 127 Hours which opens this week in London, or check out his first play for the National Theatre, Frankenstein from February.

With the incredible variety of theatre shows available each and every year in London, it’s pretty near impossible to select just five to get excited about for 2011! So I’ve gone for five big shows with big star names for this year’s recommendations.

Autograph books ready: London’s stages are going to be even more star-studded than usual in the coming year!

• The Children’s Hour, from 22 Jan
  Keira Knightley returns to the West End alongside Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men (making her West End debut) in a stunning 1930s drama about the power of lies.
• Frankenstein, from 5 Feb
  The National Theatre welcomes BOTH Benedict Cumberbatch AND Jonny Lee Miller (swoon!), directed by Danny Boyle in a trio of big-name talent. This has to be my pick of the spring plays in London…
• Blithe Spirit, from 2 Mar
  With Alison Steadman, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathhurst and Ruthie Henshall, this Noel Coward comedy at the Apollo is dripping with stars.
• Richard III, from 29 Jun
  Artistic director Kevin Spacey takes to the Old Vic stage this summer as Shakespeare’s nastiest villain, Richard III. It’s part of the Bridge Project for 2011, and is directed by acclaimed American Beauty director Sam Mendes. And we can’t wait
• Hamlet, winter 2011
  With no more details than that, Michael Sheen fans are going to have keep their ears to the ground around the Young Vic for more news of when this fantastic actor is going to take on Shakespeare’s finest role, with top director Jez Butterworth at the helm. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about this show…

Which theatre shows are you looking forward to in 2011? Let us know in the comments below.

Smash-hit show Oliver! may only have a couple of months left in the West End (it closes on 8 January), but that hasn’t stopped a couple of familiar faces making a return to the show. Griff Rhys Jones will return to play Fagin this December for a five-week run, while Jodie Prenger will play Nancy for one last time on 13 November. Jodie will stand in for current Nancy, Kerry Ellis, when Kerry takes to the Royal Albert Hall stage for the Festival Of Remembrance concert. When Oliver!’s gone from Theatre Royal Drury Lane, it’s all about green monsters as Shrek arrives in May.

More exciting casting news about this week: Benedict Cumberbatch (that’s Sherlock to you and me) and sexy Jonny Lee Miller have been announced as Dr Frankenstein and the monster he creates in the National Theatre’s upcoming production. “Which is which?!” I hear you cry. Turns out they’re going to be alternating parts each night! Sounds like I’m going to have to book to see more than one show when it comes to Danny Boyle’s National Theatre debut. Excited? I can’t wait.

If you’re a fan of new musicals, then Waterloo East Theatre is the place for you this Christmas. The new venue is producing two musical premiers this festive season. Choose between:

• Striking 12: a musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Little Match Girl with a score that fuses jazz, rock and show tunes. It’s composed by the American “theatrical power trio” GrooveLily
• Pinkalicious The Musical: aimed at children aged nine and younger, it’s the story of Pinkalicious, a girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, despite warnings from her parents

Finally, for this week, a heads-up for Rat Pack fans. Christmas With The Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas comes to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for just two performances this Christmas; a matinee and an evening show on 19 December. Book now!