From posh panto to burlesque, London is full of festive entertainment. Here are a dozen shows that should entice children — and adults — into the theatre.... more
Birthday Party was the best thing Richard Godwin has seen in ages — and doubly moving for the presence of the playwright himself in the audience.... more
The Globe may be every American tourist's wet dream but it is often overlooked for its artistic achievements. Liz Hoggard previews its ambitious summer season.... more
Shakespeare has never been more popular, but in the first of three major productions of the Danish tragedy, David Tennant has a fight on his hands.... more
From some classic Charles Dickens to Stephen Fry's racy Old Vic production, Fiona Mountford rounds up this year's bumper crop of festive family shows.... more
Although praise was heaped by most critics on Ian McKellen's King Lear at its Stratford premiere, Nicholas de Jongh remains unconvinced of its greatness and unmoved by its performance.... more
The Theatre Royal Haymarket is re-launching itself as a West End rival to Kevin Spacey's Old Vic, establishing an in-house company to produce full seasons.... more
Ian McKellen's performance as King Lear in Trevor Nunn's gaudy production keeps you on the edge of your seat but is rarely moving, says Nicholas de Jongh.... more
An ill-fitting Chekhovian languor hangs over the first half of director Lev Dodin's production of King Lear. For Dodin, and adaptor Dina Dodina, don't seem to trust Shakespeare all that much.... more
Half-play and half-concert, Elgar: Stirring The Spirit is both overdone and directionless. In fact its only redeeming factor is the accompanying music.... more
Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager is pleased the issue is now being addressed but says the authorities still have plenty of work to do
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