Features

Macbeth, The Great Wave, and Cillian Murphy in Complicité's new piece make our top openings of the week

We round up our top shows opening this week

Arinze Kené in Misty
Arinze Kené in Misty
© Helen Murray

5. Misty

Bush Theatre, until 21 April

Arinzé Kene stole hearts with his understatedly superb turn in the five-star Girl From the North Country, which opened at the Old Vic before transferring into the West End. He is now going for something radically different with the premiere of new show Misty at the Bush – a blend of gig theatre, spoken word, live art and direct address. Telling the story of a man's journey across London, Kene's piece uses a number of musicians performing live and accompanying his tale. The show is directed by Omar Elerian, responsible for the Fringe First-winning show Nassim.

See Misty in rehearsals


Samuel Barnett in Kiss of the Spider Woman
Samuel Barnett in Kiss of the Spider Woman
© Nobby Clark

4. Kiss of the Spider Woman

Menier Chocolate Factory, until 5 May

Jesus Christ Superstar's Declan Bennett and History Boy Sam Barnett (who seems to have lost his, well, barnet in the production) lead this new production of José Rivera ( The Motorcycle Diaries) and Allan Baker's adaptation of Manuel Puig's novel of the same name. A lot of acting talent on one stage, all overseen by Laurie Sansom (Beyond The Horizon). Given the Menier's track record with cutting edge drama and revivals of classic plays, this looks like a solid night at the theatre.

Have a first look at Kiss of the Spider Woman


Cillian Murphy in Grief is the Thing with Feathers
Cillian Murphy in Grief is the Thing with Feathers
© Colm Hogan

3. Grief is the Thing with Feathers

Black Box Theatre, Galway, until 24 March, then O'Reilly Theatre Dublin until 7 April

Cillian Murphy and Enda Walsh reunite for this new adaptation of Max Porter's novel of the same name, with Walsh penning the script. Complicité , the company responsible for the likes of The Encounter, Beware of Pity and A Disappearing Number, are overseeing the production, which looks set to be one of the theatrical events of the year. Those on this side of the Irish Sea may have to wait a while before they see the show, but since it's a co-production with Barbican, Cork Opera House, Edinburgh International Festival, Oxford Playhouse, St Ann’s Warehouse and Warwick Arts Centre, it looks like it has a long life ahead.

Have a first look at the production


2. The Great Wave

National Theatre, until 14 April

Francis Turnly's new play The Great Wave is nothing if not ambitious – 32 scenes spread over a number of decades, with characters based in both Japan and North Korea. Originally commissioned for the Tricycle Theatre, director Indhu Rubasingham, recognising the show's scale, approached the National to see if a co-production was possible. Now the show opens at the Dorfman – telling the story of two girls separated by a storm in the 1970s.

See the full casting for The Great Wave


Niamh Cusack and Christopher Eccleston rehearse Macbeth
Niamh Cusack and Christopher Eccleston rehearse Macbeth
Sophie Teasdale © RSC

1. Macbeth

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, until 18 September

The National Theatre's version of the Scottish play may not have been the most warmly received production on the Olivier stage, but it's now time for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to present their own version of the tragedy. Directed by Polly Findlay, who recently oversaw the five-star hit Beginning at the National and in the West End. Leading the charge in the show is Christopher Eccleston as the titular ambitious thane, with Niamh Cusack as Lady Macbeth. For those not wanting to trek up to Stratford, the show will be transferring to the Barbican later this year.

Read our interview with Niamh Cusack


Last chance to see: Network (National Theatre), Pippin (Southwark Playhouse) Beginning (Ambassadors Theatre), Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre)