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Top 5 theatre openings this week: 30 May – 5 June

LIFT returns and Jesse Eisenberg transfers his award-winning play

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31 May 2016

5. Before I Leave – Sherman Theatre

The cast of Before I Leave — The cast of *Before I Leave*
© Farrows Creative/National Theatre Wale

New music from Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers along with covers of artists ranging from Tom Jones to the Sex Pistols feature in this new production which receives its world premiere at the Cardiff venue.

Based in Merthyr, Before I Leave centres around a group of people in a choir for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's.

31 May – 11 June, Sherman Theatre. More information and tickets here.

4. LIFT – Various venues

A scene from Minefield by Lola Arias — A scene from *Minefield* by Lola Arias
© Tristram Kenton

Founded in 1981, LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre) returns to London to showcase work from across the world, throughout the month of June.

As well as well known venues like the Royal Court and Hackney Empire, this year's LIFT includes events in quirky spaces like Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Bruce Castle Park in Tottenham.

Highlights include Lola Arias' Minefield which merges theatre and film to explore the memories of British and Argentinian veterans of the Falklands War, and Stella (read our review here) a new play by Neil Bartlett inspired by the true story of Ernest Boulton – one half of the infamous Victorian cross-dressing duo Fanny and Stella.

1 June – 2 July, various venues. More information and tickets here.

3. The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk – Bristol Old Vic

Written by Daniel Jamieson and directed by Emma Rice, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk draws on the early life of artist Marc Chagall and his partner Bella as they get caught up in the confusion and brutality of world wars, revolution, ethnic persecution and the murder and exile of millions.

The show features movement and original Yiddish, Klezmer music from Ian Ross and James Gow, inspired from Russian Jewish folk tradition.

2 – 11 June 2016, Bristol Old Vic. More information and tickets here.

2. Sunset at the Villa Thalia – National Theatre

Elizabeth McGovern and Ben Miles
© Manuel Harlan

A new play by Alexi Kaye Campbell? Yes please.

Sunset at the Villa Thalia stars Elizabeth McGovern (Downton Abbey), Ben Miles (Wolf Hall, Bring up the Bodies) and Eve Polycarpou (In the Heights) and explores the impact of foreign influence on a nation and its people.

Directed by Simon Godwin with designs by Hildegard Bechtler.

1 June – 4 August, National Theatre. More information and tickets here.

1. The Spoils – Trafalgar Studios

Katie Brayben, Jesse Eisenberg & Alfie Allen in rehearsals for *The Spoils*
© Oliver Rosser

Best known for playing Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, Jesse Eisenberg stars in his own play – a satirical comedy which questions American privilege and the nature of family and relationships – which received rave reviews when it played off-Broadway last year.

The cast includes familiar British faces including Katie Brayben (Beautiful) and Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones) alongside original cast members Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory) and Annapurna Sriram (Billions).

2 June – 13 August, Trafalgar Studios. More information and tickets here.