BEST OF THE REST

Swan Lake

No excuses are acceptable for missing this, the most passionate, powerful and purely theatrical night out in London. Whether you love or hate ballet, Matthew Bourne's extraordinarily imaginative reworking of this classic is a thrilling feast for the senses. All that, and the legendary Lynn Seymour.

Piccadilly Theatre, London W1 (0171-369 1734)

Dealer's Choice

There are running gags and one-liners to die for in the striking theatrical debut by the disgracefully talented Patrick Marber, one of the brains behind TV's The Day Today and Knowing me, knowing you. Nicholas Day gives a magnificent performance as a restauranteur in a poker game with his feckless son and frisky staff.

Grand Opera House, York (01904 671818)

Death of a Salesman

Alongside The Crucible, this beautifully eloquent tragedy of a simple man is the finest hour from the grand old man of American theatre. This latest revival with Alun Armstrong (back from two tremendous performances at the Donmar as Einstein in Insignificance and Hamm in Endgame) is the seventh Miller play to be directed by David Thacker. In preview, opens Thursday, National Theatre (0171-928 2252)

The Cherry Orchard

Adrian Noble's highly praised production, designed with elegant simplicity by Richard Hudson. It stars Penelope Wilton, an actress of rare stillness and power, as Madame Ranyevskaya opposite Alec McCowen as Gaev in one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century.

RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford (01789 295623)

Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Neil Simon's latest comedy about a bunch of wisecracking comedy writers working on a satirical Fifties TV show has more gags than you have any right to expect. Ripe comic performances from Rolf Saxon, Regina Freedman and Stefan Bednarczyck and the gloriously loopy Gene Wilder on top form.

Queen's Theatre, London W1 (0171-494 5590)