Top 5 openings of the week: 28 August – 1 September
5.Talk Radio
Old Red Lion Theatre, until 23 September
It's been 30 years since Eric Bogosian's play had its inaugural production at at the Public Theater in New York, yet the show's discussions about American prejudices and the impact of mass media feel as pertinent as ever. With art imitating life, Radio 1 DJ Cel Spellman joins the cast, including EIFF Best Actor nominee Matthew Jure.
See our full casting announcement here.
4. How the Other Half Loves
Theatre Royal Windsor, then tour until 2 December
Alan Ayckbourn's farcical collision of warring couples had a strong opening when it premiered on the West End, and the national tour will see the show visit Windsor, Salford, Glasgow, Malvern, Bath and Norwich over the next few months. The show stars Matthew Cottle, Charlie Brooks and Robert Daws.
You can read our review of the 2016 West End run of the show here.
3. Pippin
Hope Mill Theatre, until 23 September
Pippin makes its northern UK premiere this week at the Hope Mill Theatre, a venue previously responsible for hits including Yank!, Hair and Parade. Stephen Schwartz's classic score charts the life of the young Pippin, battling the tyranny of his father Charlemagne.
You can read our review of the Hope Mill's Yank! here.
© Helena Miscioscia
2. Lions and Tigers
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, until 16 September
Lions and Tigers is the world premiere of a new play by leading playwright Tanika Gupta, based on the true story of her great uncle and freedom fighter Dinesh Gupta. The show aims to challenge prejudices regarding colonial history, exposing some assumptions regarding the glorious British Empire, especially in the context of India.
See the full casting announcement here.
© RADA
1. Hamlet
Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre, until 23 September
If you haven't already got tickets for this very special version of Hamlet, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Tom Hiddleston in the lead role, then in all likelihood you won't see it. The special three week run of the show, raising money for RADA, has also caused a storm by not inviting critics to review.
