Opening: Chekhov Hell, Horse You Rode, Vanya

Amongst the major London openings, in the West End and further afield, over this shortened bank holiday week are:
OPENING TONIGHT, Tuesday 26 April 2011 (previews from 20 April), Dan Rebellato’s Chekhov in Hell receives its London premiere at the Soho Theatre following its run at the Drum Theatre, Plymouth. Pitching the great Russian playwright into the 21st century, it promises a “whirlwind tour of modern day Britain”, and continues until 14 May 2011.

OPENING THURSDAY, 28 April 2011 (previews from 26 April), Glenn Chandler follows up his spoof scout drama Scouts in Bondage with Cleveland Street The Musical, a comedic musical look at the Cleveland Street sex scandal of 1885, wherein Queen Victoria’s grandson escaped censure for illegally visiting a male brothel. It premieres at Above the Stag in Victoria until 29 May.

ALSO ON THURSDAY (previews from 27 April), Told By an Idiot’s And The Horse You Rode In On, examining extreme acts of violence and the lengths people will go to for their beliefs, arrives at the Barbican for a run to 14 May 2011, as part of a national tour.

ALSO ON THURSDAY (previews from 27 April), Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya is given a fresh perspective in a new production by Helena Kaut-Howson at the recently relocated Arcola Theatre, where it runs until 4 June 2011.