Theatre; CURTAIN CALLS

Dear Santa,

Is there room on your sleigh for a little compact disc of "Cheese in the Moonlight"?

Lots of love,

A Theatre Critic

Now, if you're wondering what "Cheese in the Moonlight" might be then you haven't been to see Angela Carter Cinderella yet. And "yet" is the operative word if you are remotely interested in having a ludicrously enjoyable time. The Shockheaded Peter gang have teamed up with the illustrious Neil Bartlett to improvise nightly around Angela Carter's dark retelling of the panto classic, but every night you can glory in the musical lunacy of composer Chris Larner, who has not only provided a wonderful song about intervals but this quite ridiculously touching number for the adorable mice. Earlier this year, Larner turned Brecht into something tuneful in the rampantly successful Almeida/the right size production of the hitherto little-known Mr Puntila and His Man Matti (above). That proved such a storming success on tour that by the time it arrived in Islington, the run had all but sold out. But relief is at hand for those who were not quick enough off the mark. This glorious show returns for 21 performances only at the Albery from 22 Dec.

`Angela Carter Cinderella', Lyric Hammersmith, London W6 (0181-741 2311); `Mr Puntila and His Man Matti', The Albery, London WC2 (0171-369 1740)

David Benedict