Besides bringing you reviews of all the big shows each month, we also want you to know about the best fringe fare out there: those smaller shows and plays with brief runs which deserve a look. If you see one, please tell us what you thought of it in the comments below.
Mozart's Die Entführung (The Abduction) performed by Pop Up Opera — touring (3 March-25 April)
The talented Pop-Up Opera company is touring Mozart's opera about two young men trying to save their loved ones from an Ottoman harem. Performances will be in London at these venues: the Bull in Highgate, Black Swan Yard in Bermondsey Street, Dalston Department Store, Peckham's Asylum and Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe. Tickets start from £20, online prebooking suggested
Banksters @ White Bear Theatre (3-8 March)
As the markets slip into meltdown, a city trader called Jason finds out a secret that could bring the gods of the market to their knees. A timely look at the culture of bonuses and bullshit. Tickets £14/£10, call 0844 8700 887.
The Revenger's Tragedy @ Jack Studio Theatre (3-21 March)
Thomas Middleton's blood-soaked play about intrigue, deception and disguise comes to Brockley. Expect novel, twisted murders and lots of them. Tickets £14/£11, online prebooking suggested
Push @ New Diorama (3-14 March)
Precious has had a tough life: pregnant at 12 with her own father's baby, her prospects don't look great — but then she gets a new opportunity and is determined to make the best of it. Tickets £15/£12, online prebooking suggested
Time of My Life @ Tabard Theatre (3-28 March)
When Gerry Stratton plans a family dinner to celebrate his wife Laura's 54th birthday, he has no idea of what's in store for him later on that evening. Written by award-winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn. £17/£15, online prebooking suggested
Milked @ Soho Theatre (3-8 March)
A black comedy about friendship, unemployment and a cow called Sandy. This comic tale about unemployment in the country is brought to the stage by playwright Simon Longman. £15/£12.50, online prebooking suggested
Benefit @ Pleasance Theatre (3-8 March)
Forum Theatre company invites the audience to debate, disagree and even change the outcome of this play, which features three interwoven life stories about broken bank balances and self obsession. £12/£8, online prebooking suggested
Changing Stages @ Chickenshed's Rayne Theatre (5-8 March)
This is just one of Chickenshed's shows this month. It's a good one if you don't know much about the deservedly feted inclusive troupe as it offers a colourful medley of different performances aiming to showcase the diversity on offer. £10/£8, online prebooking suggested
The Flood @ Drapers Hall (5-21 March on set days)
'Immersive' is a bit of an overused adjective but it seems apt here. Audience members get up close to an intense drama about WW1 and an improbable love story. £12/£9, online prebooking suggested
The Heart of Things @ Jermyn Street Theatre (10 March-4 April)
Set in a small village near the Norfolk coast during the 2010 election, this play explores themes of family, ambition, love and loyalty — seems appropriate for the times we're living in. £22/£18, online prebooking suggested
Shrapnel: 34 Fragments Of A Massacre @ Arcola Theatre (11 March-2 April)
This hard-hitting investigation into the Roboski Massacre on the Turkish-Iraqi border in 2011 asks questions about what a massacre is and how we are all connected. £19/£15 concessions (with further discounts available), online prebooking suggested
Antigone @ Westminster Reference Library (13 March)
Sophocles's epic story of one woman's fight against the intransigence of the state is performed in a library with a newly discovered text. £8.50/£6.50, online prebooking suggested
Black @ The Albany (17-18 March)
A provocative play about racial tensions in the UK today written by award-winning scribe Keith Saha and starring Abby Melia. £12/£10, online prebooking suggested
Hiraeth @ Soho Theatre (18-21 March)
This play premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe last year to a roaring success. It tells the story of Buddug, the heir of a Welsh farm family and her struggle between accepting her origins and wanting to escape them. £15/£12.50, online prebooking suggested
Macbeth @ ArtsDepot (20-21 March)
Tara Arts reimagines Macbeth by soaking the story of kings and killers with Indian culture. The three witches are represented as outrageous drag-queens while Macbeth becomes an Indian prince trying to fight his urges. £16/£14, online prebooking suggested
Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby @ The Puppet Theatre Barge (21 March-17 May)
Head to Little Venice and enjoy this puppet show in an unusual location with your little ones. The beautifully-carved marionettes will be brought to life thanks to music and story-telling by TV star Rudolf Walker. £12/£8.50, prebook online suggested
Resolution @ Etcetera Theatre (25-27 March)
A naturalistic, bittersweet comedy-drama that intimately explores a doomed relationship. This is the debut play of playwright Scott Barnet. £8.50, prebook online suggested
Also Try...
Children's Theatre:
I Believe in Unicorns @ Polka Theatre (14-15 March)
Theatre Alibi brings to the stage a story by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo. Little Tomas doesn't like school and books at all, until one day he meets Lady Unicorn and his life is changed by her irresistible magic tales. Recommended for ages 6-12. £13.50/£10, online prebooking suggested
Handa's Surprise @ Stratford Circus (26-28 March)
Follow Handa as she travels to Kenya to track her best friend Akeyo. This show is a mix of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song. Recommended for ages 3-6. £8/£6, online prebooking suggested
Theatre Festivals:
The VAULT Festival @ Waterloo Tunnels, Leake Street (28 January-8 March)
There's still a week left for this wild and whirling fiesta. The venue may resemble a brothel for slightly-defective androids and smell a bit like damp tea towels, but don’t let that put you off. This annual orgy of all things weird and wonderful has more shows than we can count. Take a look at our full preview and weekly highlights here, then go explore.
Sprint Festival @ Camden People's Theatre (5-29 March)
Now in its 18th season, Sprint has been a springboard for many new and emerging theatre companies over the years. So what can we expect from this year's lot? Have a look at our preview. Tickets are £12/£8 for each event, online prebooking suggested
Tricycle Takeover @ Tricycle Theatre (22-29 March)
Young people will get the run of Kilburn's playhouse with an unpredictable mix of of programming that is set to include: theatre, film, discussion, music and poetry. There'll be new plays, invited veterans and a variety of special events taking place all over the building — and many will be free. More details here.
Page to Stage @ Hampstead Theatre (27-29 March)
This three-days festival focuses on the creation and production of plays, right from the generation of the first idea to the stage experience and beyond. It features a stellar line-up including Meera Syal, Sylvia Young, Lynda La Plante, David Walliams and more. Tickets are £12/£10 for each event, online prebooking suggested
Find more about what else is on by visiting Londonist’s Theatre & On Stage page where you'll find reviews, previews and more. We also have special offers on tickets at tickets.londonist.com/
