Autumn and winter 2007 look like a great time for theatre breaks. In London theatres there are some really fantastic shows that will make choosing just one a real challenge. I'm going to suggest a mix of old and new that I think are the most interesting choices for each of the main categories.
Comedy

  • Spamalot - sort of based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, wildly comic with a very sureal edge. (Palace Theatre on now)
  • The Importance of Being Earnest - Wilde's timeless classic, has to be worth seeing especially with Penelope Keith as Lady Bracknell. How will we resist joining in with the handbag line? ( Vaudeville Theatre from January)
Drama
  • Glengarry, Glen Ross - Jonathan Price should be great in this 25th aniversary revival of Mamet's '80s take on greed and the verbally violent world of sales. (The Apollo, from Sept 27th)
  • Macbeth - the Scottish play transferred from the Chichester Festival to the West End with rave reviews. This is not an anodyne schools version but high octane, full on Shakespere. ( Geilgud Theatre, Sept 21st - Nov 27th)
  • King Lear - after sell out shows in Stratford, McKellen's Lear comes to the West End. Trevor Nunn directs, and if that isn't enough to tempt you Sylvester McCoy plays the Fool! ( New London Theatre, Novemeber 12th - January 12th)
Musicals
  • Desperately Seeking Susan - Based on the 80s film comedy that introduced Madonna, with a period musical score provided by Blodie's greatest hits and one totally new song written by Debbie Harry for the show. This should be a real feel-good evening of 80s nostalgia. (The Aldwych, from October 12th)
  • Rent, the musical-  despite being a revival this promises to be a 're-mixed', up to the minute production with some popular names, including Denise Van Outen.  (The Duke of York Theatre, from October 2nd)
  • Mary Poppins - last chance to see this timeless classic before the run ends. A wonderful show to take the kids to or just enjoy reliving your own childhood! ( Prince Edward Theatre - till January 12th)
So, that's my round up of some of the more interesting things to see during theatre breaks in London to cheer up the next few months.