Choice: The critics: THEATRE

Peter Pan John Padden gets to don the harness and fly in a new production by wunderkind Matthew Warchus of the enduring, endearing classic. David Bamber buckles his swashes and waves his hook as the baddie. Guaranteed to be better than the Spielberg fiasco. West Yorks Playhouse

Return to the Forbidden Planet (right) Great balls of fire, it's back! The little fun show that grew big, stayed fun and won the Olivier for Best Musical. The Tempest meets science-fiction meets feel-good rock. This unabashed, unashamed romp is back in the West End until 13 Jan only. Shaftesbury Theatre, West End

Animal Crackers Inspired casting: Ben Keaton plays Groucho playing Captain Spaulding, Toby Sedgwick plays Harpo and Britta Smith gets to play the long-suffering Margaret Dumont in this Marx Brothers classic full of sublime silliness. Royal Exchange, Manchester