There are more theatre openings in London this week than decent sunny spells, many of them featuring some familiar (read: off telly) faces...

Under the Blue Sky, a story of three intertwined love stories with Catherine Tate, a couple of girls you'll recognise from Cranford, and him from the IT Crowd starts previews at the Duke of York today.

Over at the Vaudeville, more Cranfordians tread the boards in The Female of the Species from Wednesday. It's a farce on feminism with Germain Greer connections, apparently. Costume drama aficionados will no doubt recognise the brilliant Eileen Atkins and Anna Maxwell Martin too.

Street Scene brings the musical melting pot of working class New York to the Young Vic from Thursday. This show, based over a long hot summer's day and night features show tunes, operatic arias, jazz, the blues, and spirituals. Plus a cast of 15, a chorus of 50, an orchestra of 30 and a dog. Don't miss out: we've heard the first night is already sold out.

Finally, a piano-playing prodigy reinvents himself as a writer following the death of his sister in the one-man play, Nocturne at the Almeida from tomorrow.

If you're more the outdoors type and get itchy at the thought of sitting in an airless auditorium in the middle of summer, check out this weekend's offerings. Saturday brings BonkersFest! a one-day arts and music festival illuminating and celebrating madness, creativity, individuality and eccentricity to Camberwell Green. Sunday's festivals include Colombianamente in Bernie Spain Gardens, and the Clerkenwell Green Village Fete. Plus, be among the first to see Frank Gehry's Pavilion: it opens at the Serpentine on Sunday.

Last Chance!

You've got til Saturday to enjoy any more of London's expansive Festival of Architecture. Similarly, Saturday is your last chance to bag a seat for David McVicar's hugely popular production of Le Nozze di Figaro at the Royal Opera House.

Celebs in Theatreland

We're using the term "celeb" with some reservations this week. Rachel, the Irish one from I'd Do Anything (apparently; this Londonista didn't watch it, sorry) proves she really will do anything as she takes on the role of Meat in We Will Rock You from 22 September.

Then George Sampson, child dancer/winner of Britain's Got Talent (again, missed this one) is taking his groovy moves to the West End stage in Zoonation's urban fairytale, Into The Hoods from 4 August.

Booking Ahead

Kids Week tickets go on sale today. If you're trying to amuse someone aged 5-16 between 15 and 29 August this year, take them along to a show for free! (Provided you're there, paying full price.) It's a brilliant opportunity to get little 'uns into theatre.

Their website has some wise words for everyone: "Tickets for the really popular shows do go fast, so it's best not to make any promises until you have booked." You've been warned.