Features

Top 5 theatre openings: 21 – 27 August

Late Company transfers and Alan Bennett’s ”Lady” parks her van in Bath

The company of Windows in rehearsals
The company of Windows in rehearsals
© Scott Rylander

5. Windows

Finborough Theatre, until 9 September

Geoffrey Beevers directs the first UK production of John Galsworthy's comedy in 85 years. A writer seeks support for his beliefs from a philosophical window cleaner, until his son falls in love with the window cleaner's daughter. Set in 1922, Windows explores the ideals and values fought for in the First World War.

Read more about the Finborough's current season


Late Company
Late Company
© Charlie Round-Turner

4. Late Company

Trafalgar Studios, until 16 September

After its sold-out European premiere at Finborough Theatre earlier this year, Jordan Tannahill's play about a middle-class couple who invite their son's bully over for a dinner party, transfers to the Trafalgar Studios. In her four-star review for WhatsOnStage, Holly Williams said the piece was "a dinner-party from hell, but a show that serves up plenty of food for thought."

Read our review of Late Company


Sara Kestleman as Mary Shepherd
Sara Kestleman as Mary Shepherd
© Nobby Clark

3. The Lady in the Van

Theatre Royal Bath, until 2 September

As part of his inaugural summer season as artistic director, Jonathan Church directs Alan Bennett's bio-play about a lady who moved her van onto Bennett's front lawn and stayed there for 15 years. Olivier Award-winner Sara Kestelman plays Miss Mary Shepherd, a role made famous by Maggie Smith in the 2015 screen adaptation directed by Nick Hytner.

Read our casting announcement for The Lady in the Van


© Darren Bell

2. Loot

Park Theatre, until 24 September

Joe Orton's play, about a pair who stash money from a bank robbery in an unoccupied coffin, has a cast including Calvin Demba (Routes, Royal Court), Sam Frenchum (Holby City) and Sinéad Matthews (Hedda Gabler, NT). It also features material never seen before which has been reintroduced to the play following its exclusion by the censors in the sixties.

Read our casting announcement for Loot


Judith Roddy, Matt Ryan and Christian Cooke
Judith Roddy, Matt Ryan and Christian Cooke

1. Knives in Hens

Donmar Warehouse, until 7 October

Brilliant South African director Yael Farber makes her Donmar Warehouse debut with this revival of David Harrower's first play. The haunting piece takes place in a rural setting and explores a relationship triangle between a ploughman, his wife and a local miller, played by Christian Cooke, Judith Roddy and Matt Ryan.

Read more about the Donmar's new season