Top 5 theatre openings: 31 July – 6 August

5. North by Northwest

Theatre Royal Bath, until 12 August

One of Hitchcock's greatest thrillers, North by Northwest comes to Theatre Royal Bath for its UK premiere at Theatre Royal Bath after an initial outing in Melbourne. Adapted by Carolyn Burns, directed by Simon Phillips and starring Jonathan Watton as Roger O. Thornhill (the role played by Cary Grant in the original production), the show sees advertising executive Thornhill caught up in an intense tale of thuggery, murder and deception.

Find out more about North by Northwest.

4. A Little Night Music

The Watermill Theatre, until 16 September

A Little Night Music (based on Ingmar Bergman's Smiles of a Summer Night), is considered one of Sondheim's most accomplished musicals, filled with iconic songs including "Send in the Clowns" and "A Weekend in the Country". The romantic musical, directed by Paul Foster, will be performed by actor-musicians for the first time at The Watermill as part of their 50th anniversary season. Given the West End and Broadway success of The Watermill's adaptation of Sweeney Todd, another Sondheim pairing is something to be excited about.

3. Evita

Phoenix Theatre, until 14 October

Following a successful UK tour starring Emma Hatton, Bill Kenwright's version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical makes a strictly limited 12 week return to the West End, its first since 2014. The run also coincides with the 65th anniversary of the death of central protagonist Eva Perón. The story charts Perón's life, born to a humble background before emerging to become a spiritual leader of Argentina.

Take a look at a week in the life of Emma Hatton.

2. Apologia

Trafalgar Studios, until 18 November

Jamie Lloyd directs a revival of Alexi Kaye Campbell's 2009 play Apologia, its first return to the London stage since its debut. Stockard Channing, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, leads an ensemble packed with big names including Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael, former Doctor Who companion Freema Agyeman and Olivier Award-winner Desmond Barrit. The show revolves around Channing's Kristin Miller, a leading art historian interrogated for the opinions she has of her family life, particularly her two sons.

See the full casting announcement for Apologia.

1. Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh city, until 28 August

The biggest theatre festival of the calendar year, an annual pilgrimage for many, makes it return. All the more significant given that 2017 marks the Festival's 70th anniversary, the month kicks off with the International Festival's Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom. From there expect three and a half weeks of revelry, drama, comedy, flyering and, almost without fail, a healthy bout of Scottish rain.

Check out our handy guide to the Edinburgh Fringe.