Top 5 theatre openings: 3 – 9 April
5. The Who's Tommy
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 4 to 15 April and then touring to 1 July
Ramps on the Moon, a company which puts Deaf and disabled artists at the centre of its work, is staging a new revival of The Who's cult classic Tommy. The show – based around the iconic 1969 rock album – was made into a musical in 1992 about pinball wizard Tommy. Peter Straker, who starred in the original West End production, returns to the show to play Acid Queen and Kerry Michael is directing. Not only that but The Who's very own Pete Townshend is penning brand new material for the production.
© Nobby Clark
4. Abigail's Party
Oxford Playhouse 6 to 8 April and then touring to 29 April
The very excellent Amanda Abbington stars as Beverly in this touring revival of Mike Leigh's classic, which was made into the unforgettable '80s film starring Alison Steadman. The show has been around the UK a fair amount already, but it officially opens in Oxford this week, before heading to Cambridge, Malvern and Richmond. The play, with its garish '70s chic, is a total hoot and we're expecting Abbington will have a lot of fun with the role.
Check out our first look gallery here
© Sarah Lee
3. Consent
National Theatre, 4 April to 17 May
It's been a little while since we've seen a new play from Tribes playwright Nina Raine and this one promises to be both juicy and knotty. The plot follows two friends who are opposing each other in court room – working on the same rape case. The show stars Anna Maxwell Martin and Apple Tree Yard's Ben Chaplin. Plus, according to the pictures, there promises to be a real baby. Chaos!
© Johan Persson
2. The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?
Theatre Royal Haymarket, 5 April to 24 June
Edward Albee's play is about a man who falls in love with a goat. We kid you not. Starring in the piece's return to London is Damian Lewis alongside Sophie Okonedo and excellent director Ian Rickson is helming proceedings. It's likely this will be one not to miss.
Check out our first look gallery here
© Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
1. 42nd Street
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 4 April to 22 July
Michael Stewart, Al Dubin and Mark Bramble's musical returns to Theatre Royal Drury Lane this week after opening at the same venue 33 years ago. Last time the original cast starred a young Catherine Zeta Jones, an appearance which kick started her career. This time round the production is directed by Mark Bramble and promises to be a whole lot of hoofing fun.
