Our guide to the top shows opening in London this week, plus a reminder about those on their way out…
THEATRE:
Tonight, George Bernard Shaw’s play The Doctor's Dilemma opens at the National Theatre. A fascinating premise, it’s about a doctor with the power to save lives, who must, therefore choose his patients carefully. Wickedly funny and thought-provoking to boot, some tickets are just £14, so well worth going to see. (Check out the video teaser below.) Also opening tonight is Monty Python's Spamalot at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Starring none other than John Culshaw, Marcus Brigstocke, Bonnie Langford and Todd Carty. Who knew Panto season stretched from July these days?
Also opening tonight is an adaptation of Dickens’ David Copperfield at the Bridewell Theatre, running until Saturday; and The Awesome Show, a pre-Edinburgh experiment by Wish Experience, at Tristan Bates Theatre, with the same run, Tuesday to Saturday.
Thursday is the first night for Run, Brer Rabbit, Run at the Chickenshed Theatre, a tale suitable for children under 7, featuring a mash-up of the traditional Brer Rabbit stories and the modern-day Olympics.
Two shows opening at the Criterion Theatre on Monday take the Olympic Games by the scruff of the neck and give them a good theatrical shaking. Under the larger umbrella of shows called Playing The Games are: After The Party a world premiere of Serge Cartwrights play about two 30-something Londoners with a chance to realise their dreams. Taking Part is another world premier: Adam Brace’s comedy is about a Congolese security guard taking part in the 2012 Olympics. One problem: he’s terrible at swimming.
If this weather continues, you might want to check out Much Ado About Nothing by Grassroots Shakespeare at the Victoria Embankment's open air stage from Monday until 12 August. It’s free!
DANCE:
This week’s dance highlight is a real treat for fans of alternative comedy mixed with hyperbolic characters, second-hand costumes and highly professional dance. Truth by Slow Clap is at the Soho Theatre Upstairs for three nights from Thursday. Tickets cost just £10: if you’re free and fancy a giggle, do yourself a favour and book.
LAST CHANCE:
Saturday is your last chance to see Parallax at the Almeida Theatre; Democracy at the Old Vic; The Sunshine Boys at the Savoy; and What The Butler Saw at the Vaudeville Theatre.
On Sunday, The Boy Who Fell Into A Book closes at the Soho Theatre.
