THEATRE / Previews and First Nights

CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF

Ken Hill (who brought the hugely successful The Invisible Man to the London stage) offers a new spine-chiller. It follows Dr Bancroft on an alarming visit to the German Professor Steiner to see his etremely unusual working methods. Theatre Royal Stratford East, London E15 (081-534 0310). Previewing; opens tomorrow.

THE CARETAKER

The National Theatre of Craiova from Romania makes a rare visit to Britain with its production of Pinter's contemporary classic. Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford (081-568 1176). Opens tonight.

A DOLL'S HOUSE

Kelly Hunter (who appeared in the RSC's Blue Angel) plays Nora in Steve Unwin's new production for English Touring Theatre. Directed by Stephen Unwin. Warwick University Arts Centre, Coventry (0203 524524). Opens tonight.

SACRED HEARTS

Communicado theatre company presents Sue Glover's new play about the Lyons prostitutes who, in 1975, barricaded themselves inside the city's cathedral to escape a serial killer. Dundee Rep (0382 23530). Previewing; opens Friday.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Adaptation of Harper Lee's stirring novel about racism. Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh (031- 229 9697). Previews tomorrow; opens Friday.

THE MADNESS OF ESME AND SHAZ

Welcome return of Sarah Daniel's wild comedy about Christian spinster Esme and her psychopathic lesbian niece Shaz. Royal Court Upstairs, London SW1 (071-730 1745 / 2554). Previews tomorrow, opens 15 Feb.

THE LIFE OF GALILEO

New version by David Hare of Brecht's masterpiece about ideals and integrity. Almeida, London N1 (071-359 4404). Previews from Friday; opens 16 Feb.

MAXWELL: THE MUSICAL REVIEW

A High Court injunction has been placed on this show until the Old Bailey has finished with Cap'n Bob's sons, Kevin and Ian. Criterion, London W1 (071-839 4488).

SONG OF AN HONORARY SOULMAN

Randhi McWilliams's new play about love and loyalty turning to obsession and overprotection. Shaw Theatre, London NW1 (071- 388 1394). Previews 14 Feb, opens 15 Feb.

THE NEW MENOZA

Sturm und Drang dramatist Jacob Lenz's comic exploration of 18th-century conventions of love. Revived by David Fielding. The Gate, London W11 (071-229 0706). Previews 14 Feb, opens 16 Feb.

WICKED, YAAR]

A new play by Gary Lyons from the National Theatre's Education department. Watermans Art Centre, Brentford (081-568 1176). Previews 15 Feb, opens 18 Feb.