Theatre reviews

NEVER LAND

Fate and fierce passions flood through Phyllis Nagy's tour-de-force, an astonishing love story located in the confused heart of a French family that yearns to be English. Steven Pimlott directs a powerful cast.

Royal Court at the Ambassadors, WC2 (0171-565 5000)

DO YOU COME HERE OFTEN?

Not since Morecambe and Wise has a double act engendered such hilarious happiness. The night I saw this joyously inspired, supremely silly show based on the entirely barmy premise of two men trapped in a bathroom, the entire audience gave The Right Size a roaring standing ovation. I insist you go.

Vaudeville Theatre, W1 (0171-836 9987)

THE CHAIRS

Richard Briers and Geraldine McEwan win double act of the year for their virtuoso comic turns as the wildly inventive 94- and 95-year-olds in Ionesco's absurdist comedy, triumphantly revived by Simon McBurney. Bouquets all round.

Duke of York's, WC2 (0171-565 5000)

THE FRONT PAGE

Hecht and MacArthur's zinger of a farce about newspaper hounds is a real cracker. The terrific ensemble company is stuffed with talent, and Alun Armstrong is commanding and fabulously funny as the editor who will stop at nothing to bag the scoop of the decade.

Donmar Warehouse, WC2 (0171-369 1732)

MORE GRIMM TALES

Whether you have children in tow or not, it's worth queuing round the block for returns for this riotously imaginative theatrical feast. More invention, wit and sheer exuberance than anything for miles around.

Young Vic, SE1 (0171-928 6363)

THE MAGISTRATE

Ian Richardson gives a masterly comic performance as the pompous father in Pinero's Victorian farce. John Padden gives him a run for his money as his boisterous stepson, who leads him astray in an evening of gathering hilarity.

Savoy Theatre, W1 (0171-836 8888)

PETER PAN

Ian McKellen's Captain Hook looks like Charles II in a particularly nasty mood, sounds like a cross between George Sanders and Sir John Gielgud, and gloriously steals the show. The design is gorgeous if over-literal, but the flying against the Olivier's vast night sky steals your heart away. Day seats and returns only.

National Theatre, SE1 (0171-928 2252)