CURTAIN CALLS

WHAT YOU GET AND WHAT YOU EXPECT

From the chic set to the smart script about sex, love and competition, everything about this is, well, French. Thanks to a elegantly witty translation by Jeremy Sams, Jean Marie-Besset's intriguing conversation piece lifts itself effortlessly above mere well-dressed intellectual plate-spinning. It also boasts some excellent performances, especially from the superb Jessica Turner as a voracious, no-lapels-no-mercy power-dresser.

Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (0181-741 2311)

2.5 MINUTE RIDE

Lisa Kron's rollercoaster voyage around her Jewish father marries the exuberance of wittily observed stand-up with the elegant pathos of a Lorrie Moore short story. Superbly executed and strikingly touching. Closes tonight.

The Pit, Barbican, EC1

(0171-638 8891)

CLOSER THAN EVER

Exit the puffed-up pretensions of many a full-blown musical and enter Maltby and Shire's witty series of songs about the perils and pleasures of urban life and love. Beverley Klein and Mark McKerracher shine, but Matthew White's sharp-eyed production ensures that all four performers, plus piano and bass, present this urbane material with considerable panache. Small is beautiful.

Jermyn Street Theatre, W1 (0171-287 2875)

OKLAHOMA!

Normally it's the women who steal the notices in musicals, but the men in Trevor Nunn's terrific production are simply sensational, whether acting, singing, dancing, or, in Jimmy Johnston's case, all of the above plus lassoing. Yes, I know it is not the greatest musical of all time, but watching this makes you believe it just might be.

National Theatre, SE1 (0171-452 3000)

DR DOLITTLE

Director Steven Pimlott has spun straw into gold. How on earth did he make such a daft book and third-rate score (and dire movie) into such a fun night out? Phillip Schofield is bouncy, the glorious Muppet animals steal your heart away and Mark Thompson's sensational designs take your breath away. Kids (and rather a lot of their accompanying adults) will have a damn good time.

The surprise hit of the season.

Labatt's Apollo, Hammersmith, W6 (0171-416 6022)

THE LONDON CUCKOLDS

Hi-jinks, low morals and plenty of good old-fashioned filth in this ludicrously enjoyable, bawdy Restoration comedy. Caroline Quentin and a terrific cast have a rollicking good time, as will you.

National Theatre, SE1 (0171-452 3000)