Features

What to watch: best shows to see this week

In our weekly round-up we have a look at some of the major shows opening across London and further afield

Ben Hewis
London
What are you seeing this week?
What are you seeing this week?
© James Bullimore, Johan Persson, Manuel Harlan

We're feeling fresh this week as our top openings range from a new comedy from Laura Wade, a new musical about Joan Littlewood and a brand spanking new theatre in the centre of York. Just missing the cut because it's not new but still equally exciting is the transfer of the Young Vic's The Jungle, which has completely transformed the Playhouse Theatre into an Afghan restaurant.

Sara Gregory and Katherine Parkinson in Home, I'm Darling
Sara Gregory and Katherine Parkinson in Home, I'm Darling
© Manuel Harlan

5. Home, I'm Darling

Theatr Clwyd until 14 July then National Theatre from 24 July

Laura Wade's new comedy is about one woman's quest to become the perfect 1950s housewife. Katherine Parkinson plays Judy in the piece, which is directed by Clwyd artistic director Tamara Harvey and runs in Wales before transferring to the National Theatre.

Check out our first look gallery

The company of Miss Littlewood
The company of Miss Littlewood
© Topher McGrillis

4. Miss Littlewood

Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 4 August

The RSC's new musical is based on the life of iconic director Joan Littlewood, born into poverty before emerging as one of the greatest directors of the twentieth century. Erica Whyman directs a company which includes Clare Burt and Sophia Nomvete.

Check out our first look gallery

Amy Lennox (Menteith), Jordan Peters (Ross) and Gareth Aled (Lennox)
Amy Lennox (Menteith), Jordan Peters (Ross) and Gareth Aled (Lennox)
© Robling Photography

3. Shakespeare's Rose Theatre pop-up

York, until 2 September

If you walk through the centre of York this summer you'll likely stumble across something magnificent. No, we're not talking about the city's gothic cathedral, but a new pop up replica of the Elizabethan Rose Theatre which was home to the original runs of Shakespeare's plays. The outdoor theatre will be home to productions of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet and Richard III, with an ensemble of 34 actors including Amy Lennox and Alexander Vlahos.

Read our interview with Alexander Vlahos

Chris Walley (Davey), Aidan Turner (Padraic) and Denis Conway (Donny) in Lieutenant of Inishmore
Chris Walley (Davey), Aidan Turner (Padraic) and Denis Conway (Donny) in Lieutenant of Inishmore
© Johan Persson

2. The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Noël Coward Theatre, until 8 September

Whereas if you take a stroll through the West End this summer, you'll no doubt hear the screams from hordes of Poldark fans gathered at the Noël Coward stage door. Aidan Turner stars in Martin McDonagh's black comedy about a terrorist who heads home after something happens to his cat. Miaow.

Read our interview with Aidan Turner

Ken Watanabe and Kelli O'Hara in rehearsals for The King and I
Ken Watanabe and Kelli O'Hara in rehearsals for The King and I
© James Bullimore

1. The King and I

London Palladium, until 29 September

Meanwhile, over at the Palladium we're whistling a happy tune because Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical The King and I is back in town. Directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Tony Award-winner Kelli O'Hara alongside Ken Watanabe, the Lincoln Centre production is a must see this summer.

Watch our video interview with Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe

Last chance to see: Beirut (Park Theatre), Finishing the Picture (Finborough Theatre), It's Only Life (Union Theatre)