Opening: Richard II, Ladykillers, Pippin & Haunted Child

Amongst the major London openings, in the West End and further afield, this week are:

Richard II
6 DECEMBER 2011
(PREVIEWS FROM 1 DECEMBER)

Eddie Redmayne plays the title role in Richard II at the Donmar Warehouse, Michael Grandage’s final production as artistic director. Until 4 February.

Nutcracker!

Matthew Bourne’s hit production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet returns to Sadler’s Wells to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a seven-week run.

Beasts and Beauties

(PREVIEWS FROM 1 DECEMBER)

Melly Still‘s reimagining of Carol Ann Duffy‘s family fables returns for another festive season at Hampstead Theatre. Until 7 January.

The Ladykillers

7 DECEMBER 2011
(PREVIEWS FROM 26 NOVEMBER)

The Ladykillers, adapted from the classic Ealing comedy by Graham Linehan, opens at the Gielgud Theatre starring Peter Capaldi, James Fleet, Ben Miller, Marcia Warren, Stephen Wight and Clive Rowe.

Pippin

7 DECEMBER 2011

(PREVIEWS FROM 22 NOVEMBER)

Harry Hepple, Ian Kelsey, Matt Rawle and Frances Ruffelle star in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s revival of Stephen Schwartz’s 1972 musical. Directed by Mitch Sebastian, it continues until 25 February.

Herding Cats

(PREVIEWS FROM 6 DECEMBER)

Lucinda Coxon’s Herding Cats, centring on three young people struggling with intimacy, opens in the Hampstead Theatre’s Michael Frayn Space, where it continues to 7 January.

Fascinating Aida – The Cheap Flights Tour

(PREVIEWS FROM 5 DECEMBER)

The comedy cabaret trio’s latest show lands at Charing Cross Theatre for a five-week season, to 7 January.

Haunted Child
8 DECEMBER 2011
(PREVIEWS FROM 2 DECEMBER)

Joe Penhall returns to the Royal Court with his latest play, which premieres in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs starring Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels.

You Me Bum Bum Train
(PREVIEWS FROM 2 DECEMBER)

The award-winning interactive show returns for a limited, and already sold-out season in Holborn.

A Christmas Carol

Simon Callow brings his one-man rendering of Dickens’ much-loved festive fable to the Arts Theatre, where it runs until 14 January.

Audience
9 DECEMBER 2011
(PREVIEWS FROM 6 DECEMBER)


Ontroerend Goed’s Edinburgh Fringe hit, which puts theatregoers centre stage, comes to Soho Theatre for a month-long run.

Beowulf

Charles Court Opera’s fifth annual ’boutique panto’ opens at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, where it continues to 8 January.

ON SUNDAY

Peter Polycarpou – The Songs of My Life

11 DECEMBER 2011

West End veteran Peter Polycarpou sings a selection of his favourite songs at the Garrick Theatre, for one night only.