THE FIVE BEST PLAYS IN LONDON
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Copenhagen, Cottesloe
Michael Frayn takes the issue of nuclear physics in the Second World War and uses it as the basis for some dizzying questions about the ambiguities of motivation. Very demanding; very rewarding.
The Real Inspector Hound/Black Comedy, Comedy Theatre
Two one-acters from the 60s. Both play mischievous tricks with theatrical convention; both deploy a cast of Cluedo card stereotypes.
Oklahoma!, Olivier Theatre
Trevor Nunn's exhilaratingly staged and choreographed answer to Guys and Dolls. The corn is as high as an elephant's eye and so is the stack of critical superlatives gathered so far.
Major Barbara, Piccadilly Theatre
The opening of Peter Hall's accomplished production coincided with the arms to Sierra Leone brouhaha. Proof of the enduring topicality and dangerousness of Shaw's play.
The Old Neighbourhood, Royal Court Theatre Downstairs at the Duke of York's
Last chance tonight to see this tough-talking yet surprisingly poignant triptych of David Mamet plays. Patrick Marber directs.
... AND BEYOND
Bartholomew Fair, Swan, Stratford
The most entertaining breach of the peace the RSC has served up in a long time. Laurence Boswell's production lends a sleazy Notting Hill carnival-like atmosphere to Ben Jonson's panoramic comedy.
Roberto Zucco, The Other Place, Stratford
Based on the real-life story of a man who murdered his parents as a teenager, Bernard-Marie Koltes's play is given an outstanding production by James Macdonald.
Chimes at Midnight, Chichester Festival Theatre
Patrick Garland's production of Orson Welles's highly personal adaptation of Shakespeare's history plays. Opens Tuesday.
The Doctor's Dilemma, Malvern Theatres
Ian McDiarmid, an actor often called on to go operatically over the top, gives one of his most relaxed and natural performances as the surgeon Colenso Ridgeon in this fine Almeida production.
Phedre, Malvern Festival Theatre
Diana Rigg and director Jonathan Kent team up for this world premiere of Ted Hughes's new version of the great Racine tragedy. Opens in London in September.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments