CHOICE THE CRITICS: THEATRE

The Hothouse Harold Pinter delivers a knockout comic performance which exists somewhere between John Cleese and Arthur Lowe in this splendid revival of his early play. Great support from Celia Imrie (with Pinter, right) and Tony Haygarth. Comedy Theatre, London

Jude the Obscure Mike Alfreds dramatises and directs Thomas Hardy's last novel for Method and Madness Company. Expect real theatre, not just flat adaptation. Poole Arts Centre

Top Girls Jane Austen is not the only one to write about matters of pride and prejudice. Millstream Theatre Company revives Caryl Churchill's magnificent play, one of the finest works of the 1980s. Connaught Theatre, Worthing