What to watch: best shows to see this week
© Johan Persson/Mark Douet
There's something for everyone in this week's top openings from a Lloyd Webber revival to an open air Shakespeare, Matt Lucas' return to the stage to a star-studded three-hander at the National. What will you be going to see this week? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
© Pamela Raith
5. Aspects of Love
Hope Mill Theatre until 9 August
The Hope Mill Theatre is fast becoming the northern hub of musical theatre, with several recent hit productions making their way down to the capital. Next up is Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart's musical (famous for the song "Love Changes Everything") about passion and love across three generations of a family in 1940s France and Italy. Cast includes Jerome Pradon and Kelly Price.
Get a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsals.
4. Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret
Barbican until 29 July
Best known for playing Dame Edna Everage, entertainment legend reunites with cabaret star Meow Meow to present this tribute to the jazz-infused music of the Weimar Republic. The pair evoke 1920s and '30s Berlin and resurrect songs by oft-forgotten composers of the time who were condemned as 'degenerate' by the Nazis.
© Jane Hobson
3. As You Like It
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 28 July
Carry on soaking up the rays in the Forest of Arden as Max Webster directs Shakespeare's comedy about sibling rivalry and mistaken identity. Featuring new music from Noah and the Whale frontman Charlie Fink, and a cast including Olivia Vinall and Maureen Beattie.
Flick through our gallery from the rehearsal room
© Johan Persson
2. Me and My Girl
Chichester Festival Theatre until 25 August
Daniel Evans directs a new staging of L Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber's comedy musical, about a cockney barrow boy who learns he is the heir to a country estate.
The show – which stars Matt Lucas, Caroline Quentin, Clive Rowe and Alex Young – features songs including "The Sun Has Got His Hat On", "Lambeth Walk" and "Me and My Girl".
Find out what Clive Rowe picked for his Top 5 Showtunes.
© Mark Douet
1. The Lehman Trilogy
National Theatre until
After picking up an Olivier Award this year for The Ferryman, director Sam Mendes moves on to Stefano Massini three-hander, adapted by Ben Power. Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles star in this piece about the spectacular collapse of global financial firm Lehman Brothers.
