Omnibus Theatre, Clapham
1. Father Figurine
Dates: 4-5 January, 7.30pm
Tickets: From £11 > www.omnibus-clapham.org
Exploring the complex bond between father and son, this combination of spoken word poetry and hip hop dance turns the spotlight on the masculine vulnerability in men and young boys. Includes a Q&A session.
2. Hearing Things
Dates: 8-27 January, 7.30pm (4pm, Sundays)
Tickets: From £13 > www.omnibus-clapham.org
Writer’s Guild award winner Philip Osment’s moving and provocative drama follows the journey of six characters’ struggles with mental health. Nicholas, a psychiatrist battling with the demands of his work tries to keep his marriage alive. His father is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s and is finding it increasingly hard to cope. When an “SUI” (serious untoward incident) occurs to one of Nicholas’ patients his life is turned upside down.
Created after 5 years of ground-breaking research and development at some of the UK’s leading mental health care facilities, Hearing Things, directed by Jim Pope, explores the relationships between psychiatry and medication, doctor and patient.
3. The Orchestra
Dates: 29 Jan – 17 Feb, Tue-Sat 7.30pm
Tickets: From £13 > www.omnibus-clapham.org
A third-rate orchestra in a French spa town plays time-worn musical arrangements to an indifferent audience. In between the musical interludes, idle chit-chat reveals the power struggles that lurk behind the ensemble’s shiny veneer.
As the overture descends into an intoxicating symphony of piercing jealousy, bizarre gossip and thwarted emotions, the musicians reach an unexpected climax – but the music goes jauntily on…
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
1. The Wind in the Willows
Dates: Until 17th February, various times
Tickets: From £13.50 > www.polkatheatre.com
Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad are back in Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of friendship and bravery. Under direction from Roman Stefanski, the play is brought to life with music, songs and the usual Polka magic.
2. Winter Wood
Dates: Until 17th February, various times
Tickets: From £13.50 > www.polkatheatre.com
Come and meet these special characters, GOAT, who is trying to find a new place to live so he can be happy away from humans. PIG, who is a bit cantankerous and doesn't always see the best in people. GOOSE, who is a bit of a gossip, but very helpful; HARE, who is very enthusiastic and a great storyteller and COCKEREL, who is very caring and there to make sure that the animals all have enough rest so that they can finish their cabin in the winter wood. He crows to mark the hours of work, rest and play.
Victoria Theatre, Woking
Rain Man
Dates: 21-26 January, various times
Tickets: From £13 > www.atgtickets.com
The New Victoria Theatre in Woking is kicking off the New Year in style. Its first major drama is Rain Man starring Paul Nicholls (EastEnders, Ackerley Bridge) and Chris Fountain (Hollyoaks, Coronation Street). Based on the 1988 Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman film, the story follows two brothers as they take on the casinos of Las Vegas uncovering a lot of self-truths and brotherly love along the way. It’s been on the road since October and the reviews have been very good (you can read ours here). Nicholls and Fountain take over from original leads Matthew Horne and Ed Speelers, but hopes must be high as they are scheduled to play another 14 theatres.
2. Anton & Erin - Dance Those Magical Musicals
Dates: 27 January, 3.00 pm
Tickets: From £13 > www.atgtickets.com
Saturday night TV is another thing that takes a hit this month as the glitter and glam of Strictly is stashed away until September. However, the show’s favourite son Anton du Beke and his partner Erin Boag are bringing the sparkles back for Anton & Erin – Dance Those Magical Musical Moments on Jan 27. You can read our interview with Erin exclusively online here.
3. Shen Yun
Dates: 8-10 January, 7.30 pm
Tickets: From £13 > www.atgtickets.com
This outstanding production will immerse you in many stories that will transport you into the distant past. Expect to explore realms that stretch beyond our visible world. The production will feature one of the world's oldest art forms - classical Chinese dance.
Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
1. The Mousetrap
Dates: 31 Jan - 1 Feb
Tickets: From £23 > www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Over in Guildford, the Yvonne Arnaud leads its drama charge with arguably the most famous theatrical whodunit of all time, The Mousetrap. Only Fools and Horses’ favourite Gwyneth Strong is the famous name here.
2. Falling Through the Cracks
Dates: 31 January - 1 February, 8.00pm
Tickets: £15 > www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
At the theatre’s other space the Mill Studio, the season starts with the hard-hitting drama: Falling Through the Cracks by Nicholas Durrant. This was tipped as one to watch following its London run, with its powerful message denoting how we can all be one step away from losing everything.
3. Sex is Another Language
Dates: 25 January, 8.00pm
Tickets: £15 > www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Love, loyalty, betrayal, tragedy, hatred and adulation. Elizabeth Taylor knew them all. Sex is Another Language, a new play by Tony Earnshaw, brings the late Elizabeth Taylor vividly to life Claire Malcolmson gives a bravura performance in a powerful theatre… don’t miss it.
