Theatre News

Top 5 theatre openings this week: 19 – 25 September

Shakespeare’s on trial, John Malkovich turns to directing and Sir Ian and Sir Patrick return to the West End in this weeks picks

Will Longman

| London | London's West End | Off-West End |

19 September 2016

5. Imogen – Shakespeare's Globe

Maddy Hill as Imogen in rehearsals for Imogen at Shakespeare's Globe — Maddy Hill as Imogen in rehearsals for *Imogen* at Shakespeare's Globe
© Tristram Kenton

This re-imagining of Shakespeare's Cymbeline tells the story from the point of view of Imogen, who will be played by EastEnders' Maddy Hill. Directed by Matthew Dunster (Hangmen, Royal Court), the play is set in present day London where the title character seeks out her man who has been kicked out of town.

23 Sep to 16 Oct, Shakespeare's Globe. For tickets and more information, click here.

4. Dedication – Nuffield Theatre

Tom Rhys Harries (Earl of Southampton) and Tom McKay (William Shakespeare) in Nick Dear's Dedication — Tom Rhys Harries (Earl of Southampton) and Tom McKay (William Shakespeare) in Nick Dear's *Dedication*
© Luke MacGregor

Shakespeare is on trial for his alleged relationship with the Earl of Southampton in Nick Dear's new play. In 1593, Shakespeare dedicated the poem Venus and Adonis to Southampton, and it has sparked debate about a relationship between the two ever since. In the play, Dear puts the pair on trial to give the audience several different takes on their possible relationship, and lets them make up their mind for themselves.

20 Sep to 8 October, Nuffield Theatre. For tickets and more information, click here.

3. The Tempest – King's Cross Theatre

Leah Harvey (Poins, Miranda) in The Tempest rehearsals — Leah Harvey (Poins, Miranda) in *The Tempest* rehearsals
© Helen Maybanks

The first production in the Donmar's all-female Shakespeare trilogy is The Tempest, which will be followed by Julius Caesar and Henry IV. The cast includes Jade Anouka, Sheila Atim and Jackie Clune, and all three plays will be directed by Phyllida Lloyd. They will show at a temporary 420-seat in-the-round space at the King's Cross Theatre.

23 Sep to 17 Dec, King's Cross Theatre. For tickets and more information, click here.

2. Good Canary – Rose Theatre

Director John Malkovich in rehearsals for Good Canary — Director John Malkovich in rehearsals for *Good Canary*
© Mark Douet

John Malkovich's directional debut is the UK premiere of Zach Helm's Good Canary, a play about Jack (Game of Thrones' Harry Lloyd), an author on the verge of his first multi-million dollar deal with a publisher. It's already played in Mexico City and Paris, where Malkovich won a French Moliere Awards award for Best Director.

21 Sep to 8 Oct, Rose Theatre Kingston. For more information and tickets, click here.

1. No Man's Land – Wyndham's Theatre

McKellen and Stewart in No Man's Land — McKellen and Stewart in *No Man's Land*
© KevinBerne.com

The Knights of the West End are back. Master thespians Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart star in Harold Pinter's 1974 play No Man's Land. They play alcoholic Hirst who invites failed poet Spooner to his home to be his guest for the night. The pair appeared in the play on Broadway in 2013, and the production has already toured to Sheffield, Newcastle, Brighton and Cardiff.

20 Sep to 17 Dec, Wyndham's Theatre. For tickets and more information, click here.