Top 5 theatre openings: 21 – 27 August
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
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
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
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
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