THEATRE / Previews & First Nights

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

Haymarket Theatre, London SW1

Robert Lindsay stars as the poet and swordsman with the big nose and heart in John Wells's new version of Rostand's beloved classic. Now previewing; opens 14 Dec (071-930 8800).

TRELAWNEY OF THE 'WELLS'

Comedy Theatre, London SW1

Michael Hordern and Sarah Brightman lead a starry cast in Pinero's affectionate portrait of Victorian theatre life. Now previewing; opens 7 Dec (071-867 1045).

CAROUSEL

Lyttelton, National, London SE1

Nicholas Hytner directs the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Now previewing; opens 10 Dec (071-928 2252).

NEVILLE SOUTHALL'S WASHBAG

Finborough, London SW10

The talented Talking Tongues with a tragicomedy by David Farr. Opens tomorrow (071-373 3842).

THE GIFT OF THE GORGON

The Pit, Barbican, London EC2

Peter Hall directs Judi Dench and Michael Pennington in Peter Shaffer's new play about the volatile relationship between a writer and his wife. Previews from Friday; opens 16 Dec (071-638 8891).

THE TEMPEST

Barbican, London EC2

Four performances only of the spectacular Shakespeare production by the Japanese director Ninagawa, which was seen at the Edinburgh Festival in 1988. Opens tomorrow (071-638 8891).

WELDON RISING

Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court,

London SW1

Premiere of a brutal and funny play by Phyllis Nagy set in the New York meatpacking district and focusing on the stabbing of a young gay man and the reaction of his friends. Previews from tomorrow; opens 7 Dec (071-730 1745).

A PENNY FOR A SONG

Orange Tree, Richmond

Sam Walters directs John Whiting's charming comedy about English eccentrics. Previews from tomorrow; opens 7 Dec (081-940 3633).

GRACE

Hampstead Theatre, London NW3

New play by Doug Lucie about the politics of evangelism. With Anna Massey. Previews from tomorrow; opens 9 Dec (071-722 9301).

HAMLET and KING LEAR

Lilian Baylis, London EC1

Sheffield's Compass Theatre Company, known for invigorating productions. Opens 7 Dec (Hamlet); 10 Dec (King Lear) (071-837 4104).

RICHARD III

Riverside Studios, London W6

London showing for Barrie Rutter's production in Northern Voice, admired when it opened in Hull earlier this year. Previews 8 Dec; opens 9 Dec (081-748 3354).