Top 5 theatre openings: 5 – 11 September
Two Man Show – Soho Theatre
Theatre company RashDash's latest production looks to expose the problems of patriarchy, limitations of language, and discuss the relationships between genders and the way men and women want to be. It was part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe showing at Summerhall last month, and will open at Soho Theatre. In her review for WhatsOnStage, Sarah Crompton said "a lot of energy and thought has gone into structuring this show".
6 September to 1 October, Soho Theatre. For more information, click here.
Hightide Festival
The programme for this year's Hightide Festival in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, includes the world premiere of Theresa Ikoko's Girls, which tells the story of three girls kidnapped by Boko Haram. The line-up also features Anders Lustgarten's The Sugar-Coated Bullets of the Bourgeoisie, and Rob Drummond's In Fidelity, which got four stars from WhatsOnStage during its run at the Fringe.
8 to 18 September, Aldeburgh. For more information, click here.
Vanities: The Musical – Trafalgar Studios
Racky Plews directs and choreographs Lauren Samuels, Ashleigh Gray and Lizzy Connoly in this musical about three cheerleader best friends going through high school, college and their careers. Set in '60s Texas, they learn what it means to be a "good woman". The show had one of the longest off-Broadway runs on record, and opens at Trafalgar Studios.
6 September to 1 October, Trafalgar Studios. For more information, click here.
Diary of a Madman – Gate Theatre
(© Iona Firouzabadi)
Following a run at the Traverse as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Al Smith's adaptation of Gogol's short story follows Pop Sheeran. He is following the family tradition of painting the Fourth Bridge, but is diagnosed with a mental illness. In her four star review for WhatsOnStage, Sarah Crompton described the performances as "exemplary", adding: "Smith holds together the genuine humour of the piece with its tilt into tragedy."
5 to 24 September, Gate Theatre. For more information, click here.
The Emperor – Young Vic
(© Simon Annand)
Adapted by Colin Teevan, the world premiere based on the book by journalist Ryszard Kapuściński's is brought to life by Kathryn Hunter, who creates a cast of characters who are all servants to a autocratic ruler on the brink of downfall. With live music from Temesgen Zeleke, The Emperor tells a story of corruption, avarice and the collapse of absolute power.
8 to 24 September, the Young Vic. For more information, click here.
