THEATRE / Previews & First Nights

THE SWAN

Northern Stage presents Elizabeth Egloff's comic tale of a Nebraskan divorcee's relationship with a swan who crashes in through her window and turns into a man. Gulbenkian Studio, Newcastle (091-230 5151). Runs from Thursday.

HIS LORDSHIP'S FANCY

Paddy Cunneen brings music to Carlo Goldoni's comedy of lowly peasants, strutting aristos and arrivistes. Gate Theatre, W11 (071-229 0706). Previewing, opens Sat.

THE LODGER

Simon Burke won the Mobil Playwriting Award for his investigation of the dark side of provincial England. Hampstead

Theatre, NW3 (071-722 9301). Previewing, opens Fri.

THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD

Anthony Clark directs Synge's depiction of rural Ireland.

Birmingham Rep (021-236 4455). Previews from Fri, opens 31 May.

KING LEAR

Robert Stephens' much-lauded Lear (see TV review, p18) comes to London. RSC, Barbican Theatre (071-638 8891). Previews from

tomorrow, opens 31 May.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The Open Air Theatre's new season promises something a little different from the normal Regent's Park fare. Directed by Deborah Paige and designed by Geraldine Pilgrim. Open Air Theatre, NW1 (071-486 2431). Previews from Fri, opens 31 May.

MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL

Steven Pimlott modernises T S Eliot. With Michael Feast as Becket. RSC, The Pit (071-638 8891). Previewing, opens 1 June.

PYGMALION

Peter Bowles as Henry Higgins and Fiona Fullerton as Eliza Doolittle in Shaw's comedy.

Festival Theatre, Chichester (0243 781312). Opens tonight.