Seven days on stage

Popular books and films continue to provide fodder for the West End stage. Stephen King's novella The Shawshank Redemption was turned into one of the best-loved movies of all time. But Michael Billington wasn't dazzled by this theatrical adaptation – it's just 'a straightforward tale of heroes and villains' Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Meanwhile, another popular book and film, Ben Hur, hits the O2 arena in an epic production that's been 15 years in the making. Take a look behind the scenes Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Following sold-out performances in the north, the West End finally gets to see Lenny Henry's Othello. Lenny Henry and Jessica Harris (pictured, as Desdemona) are at Trafalgar Studios. If you can't get a ticket, here's what to say about it Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Also at Trafalgar Studios, Kurt Cobain and Sid Vicious have been resurrected for the play Kurt and Sid, which imagines an encounter shared by the rock icons. Lyn Gardner was unimpressed: 'The real fatality of Roy Smiles's play is any dramatic tension' Photograph: Tristram Kenton

The Mysteries at the Garrick in London, a seven-language, South African version of the Chester mystery cycle, impressed Michael Billington as 'an expression of communal joy' Photograph: Tristram Kenton

In Singapore, Australian Claudia Dean, 16, won the gold medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition held by the Royal Academy of Dance Photograph: Wong Maye-E/AP

And there were also celebrations on Broadway, where The Phantom of the Opera racked up its 9,000th performance. Director Harold Prince, actor John Cudia, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, choreographer Gillian Lynne and actor Ryan Silverman admire the birthday cake at the Majestic theatre Photograph: John Lamparski/WireImage.com