Seven days on stage

We've been looking forward to The Wicked Lady at the New Vic in Newcastle-under-Lyme since director Bryony Lavery told us about her 'theatrical adventure'. This tale of an 18th-century aristocrat who becomes a highway woman impressed Lyn Gardner, who called it 'one hell of a sexy ride taken at a real gallop' Photograph: Andrew Billington

The Manchester international festival is in full swing, with Rufus Wainwright's opera, Jeremy Deller's Procession, Elbow's collaboration with the Hallé ... and Carlos Acosta. The Cuban dancer will be performing classic and modern pieces including A Suite of Dances, with choreography by Jerome Robbins Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Punchdrunk are the talk of the town with their show for Manchester international festival. It Felt Like a Kiss, a collaboration with Damon Albarn, Adam Curtis and the Kronos Quartet, was described by Lyn Gardner as 'unashamedly political' and better than David Hare; for Michael Billington, the show is 'a real dogs-dinner' Photograph: PR

In London, the Menier Chocolate Factory's Forbidden Broadway is a pastiche of hit musicals such as Wicked (hence the green face paint). Lyn Gardner gave it a couple of stars: 'This is all very much a theatrical in-joke, and there may well be enough out-of-work musical actors out there looking for a busman's holiday to make this pay ... [But] the whole things lacks wit' Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Meanwhile, the Menier announced that Victoria Wood will direct a new version of her play Talent – about a tawdry talent show – at the theatre in the autumn Photograph: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

The National Theatre's New Connections initiative presents plays by established writers and performed by young casts. Here's Reece Ahern in Anthony Horowitz's A Handbag, which follows the rehearsals for a production of The Importance of Being Earnest Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Meanwhile, the Regent's Park Open Air theatre presents ... The Importance of Being Earnest. Lucy Briggs-Owen is Cecily, Susan Wooldridge plays the indomitable Lady Bracknell and Jo Herbert is Gwendolen. All together now: 'A haaaaaaaaandbag???' Photograph: Tristram Kenton