ARTS: CHOICE

RECOMMENDED

SPEND, SPEND, SPEND

Piccadilly, W1 (0171 369 1734) to 29 Jan

Gutsy and funny musical based on Viv Nicholson's life, with strong performances from Barbara Dickson and Rachel Leskovac as the pools winner's older and younger selves.

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS

Comedy, SW1 (0171 369 1731) to April 2000

It does exactly what it says on the poster: Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt provide the hands, Steinway and

Sons provide the two grand pianos in this witty musical entertainment.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Pit, EC2 (0171 638 8891) to 20 Nov; Swan, Stratford (01789 403403) 2 Dec to 15 Jan; and touring to 20 May 2000

Lindsay Posner's fresh production, brought to life as an Internet webcast, with Stuart McQuarrie and Monica Dolan.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Cottesloe, SE1 (0171 452 3000) to Jan 2000

Trevor Nunn's production boasts Henry Goodman as a magnificent Shylock.

OPENING THIS WEEK

MACBETH

Swan, Stratford (01789 403403) now previewing, opens Tuesday to 18 March 2000

More stellar casting at the RSC as Antony Sher and Harriet Walter team up as the hosts from hell.

HEDDA GABLER

Theatre Royal, Plymouth (01752 267222) previews from Thurs, opens 23 Nov to 27 Nov, and touring to Richmond and Brighton

Annie Castledine directs Francesca Annis, Peter Bowles and Robert Bathurst in a new version of this Ibsen by Frank McGuinness.

OUR FATHER

Almeida, N1 (0171 359 4404) now previewing, opens Wed, to 18 Dec

New play by Edna O'Brien set in rural Ireland in the 1970s turns a family reunion into a family conflict.

ROBERT BUTLER AND MAEVE WALSH