Top 5 theatre openings: 22 – 28 May
© Mathew Foster
5. Jam
Finborough, 25 May to 17 June
Harry Melling, Dudley in the Harry Potter film franchise, plays a pupil who ruins the life of his teacher – played by Jasmine Hyde. Ten years later, the teacher and pupil are reunited and forced to confront their prejudices and the shared history that has bound them together. A great opportunity to see Matt Parvin's debut full length play.
4. Twelfth Night
Shakespeare's Globe, 24 May to 5 August
It seems like everywhere we turn at the moment there's another production of Twelfth Night, not least the National's splendid take starring Tamsin Greig. But we'll make room in our schedule for one more, especially as this production, directed by outgoing Globe boss Emma Rice, stars La Gateau Chocolat as Feste. The fab cast also features the wonderful Carly Bawden as Maria, and again, there's five quid tickets.
Get up to date on Emma Rice's final season at the Globe
3. Julius Caesar
Sheffield Crucible, 23 May to 10 June
Another of Bill Shakespeare's plays that is getting a run for its money this year – with other productions at Bristol Old Vic, the RSC and the new Bridge Theatre – is the tale of Roman emperor Julius and the naughty Brutus, played in this production by Jonathan Hyde and Samuel West. There's also marked interest in this production as it is the first Robert Hastie is directing as new artistic director of the Sheffield venue.
Read our full casting announcement
© Manuel Harlan
2. Woyzeck
Old Vic, 23 May to 24 June
We're not sure how often the Star Wars and Georg Buchner fandoms cross over, but if there's any of you out there with a penchant for sci-fi and 20th century German theatre, then this will be right up your street. In all seriousness, this is an exciting one; the script – famously unfinished by Buchner when he died – has been adapted by Harry Potter writer Jack Thorne, and the cast includes John Boyega in his first major stage role since hitting the big time, as well as Nancy Carroll and Steffan Rhodri! Yep, the force is strong with this one.
Watch our interview with John Boyega
© Johan Persson
1. On the Town
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, 25 May to 1 July
Will nothing stop the theatrical juggernaut that is Drew McOnie? The Olivier Award-winning director and choreographer has just announced his Broadway debut helming a brand new production of King Kong. But before he jets off he's made time to return to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, following his superlative work on Jesus Christ Superstar, with this revival of Leonard Bernstein's musical. Strictly star Danny Mac takes the lead in a fab cast that also includes Lizzy Connolly and Maggie Steed.
