Theatre
1 Dreamgirls
It’s been a long time getting here. Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen’s musical about a 60s girl band, clearly inspired by the Supremes, was first seen on Broadway in 1981. It’s not subtle, but it has a gaudy gaiety and is full of panache as it follows the fortunes of the group, including their rise, fall and rise again. The cast give it their all with powerhouse vocals, and Amber Riley (of Glee fame) is electrifying as Effie, the singer ousted from the band, and the manager’s bed, who is not going to take it lying down.
Savoy Theatre, WC2, to Saturday 21 Oct
2 Smashed
The opening show in this year’s 40th London international mime festival is a return visit from the miraculous Gandini Juggling, with a special edition of their cult show Smashed. It’s a Pina Bausch-inspired piece featuring a large amount of crockery, some apples and 17 male and female jugglers: if you don’t think that juggling is art, this is the show to change your mind.
Peacock Theatre, WC2, Monday 9 Jan and Tuesday 10 Jan
3 Wish List
Later this year, the Royal Court is reviving Road, Jim Cartwright’s 1986 theatrical cry of despair about young people with no hope for the future except in low-paid, unfulfilling jobs. Here’s its 2017 equivalent: Katherine Soper’s debut play looking at the lives of Dean and Tamsin, a brother and sister struggling to survive in a world of zero-hours contracts and benefits bureaucracy. She’s 19, he’s 17 and housebound by his OCD, which follows them as they reach breaking point. Devastating.
Jerwood Theatres at the Royal Court, SW1, Tuesday 10 Jan to Saturday 11 Feb
4 The Snow Queen
There are two great Snow Queens on offer this January. Vivienne Franzmann’s version (Bristol Old Vic, to Monday 16 Jan) is dark, with an icy witch who gorges on children’s tantrums. Things are a little warmer at the New Vic, where Theresa Heskins draws on the fashionable Danish idea of hygge to tell a story of friendship, self-sacrifice and adventure. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, this exquisitely atmospheric staging is a real winter-warmer.
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to Saturday 28 Jan
5 The Little Match Girl And Other Happier Tales
Emma Rice departs the Globe in 2018, and this retelling of four tales by Hans Christian Andersen is evidence of what a terrific director she is. There are cheeky references to Rice’s dispute with the venue over lighting, but they never get in the way of an evening stuffed with theatrical invention and wonder. Utterly enchanting.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, SE1, to Sunday 22 Jan
Dance
1 Fall Out
The committed Highly Sprung Performance Company tackles issues of teenage alienation and despair, exploring the dynamics of tension and self-doubt within a small friendship group.
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Friday 13 Jan and Saturday 14 Jan
2 Giselle
In the smartest of repertory choices, the English National Ballet follows Akram Khan’s magnificently poetic update of the Romantic classic with the delicately traditional version staged by Mary Skeaping.
London Coliseum, WC2, Wednesday 11 Jan to Sunday 22 Jan
3 Resolution 2017
Now in its 28th year, this all-embracing platform for new dance artists covers a boggling range of flamenco, hip-hop, zouk and contemporary styles.
The Place, WC1, Thursday 12 Jan to Saturday 25 Feb
