GOING OUT : THE FIVE BEST PLAYS

THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Adrian Noble's stunning version of Chekhov's masterpiece. With Penelope Wilton and Josie Lawrence. Stratford Swan (01789 295623) in rep to Jan. Mon & Sat 7.30-10.10. M: Sat 1.30.

THE PHOENICIAN WOMEN. Euripides emerges as a thoroughly modern tragedian in Katie Mitchell's powerfully spare production. Stratford Other Place (01789 295623) in rep to Jan. Fri 7.30-9.30.

RAT IN THE SKULL. Stephen Daldry directs a superb cast in this compelling piece on the Northern Irish mind. Duke of York's, WC2 (0171 836 5122). LAST WEEK (ends Sat). Mon-Sat 7.30-9.15. M: Thurs & Sat 3.00.

THREE SISTERS. Provincial dreams and frustrations sharply depicted in Max Stafford-Clark's engrossing Chekhov production. Worthing Connaught Theatre (01903 235333) to Sat; then touring. Tues-Fri 7.30-10.20. M: Wed & Sat 2.30.

THREE TALL WOMEN. Maggie Smith is triumphant again in Edward Albee's comeback. Wyndham's, WC2 (0171 369 1736) to 16 Dec. Tues-Sat 8.00-10.00. M: Wed & Sat 3.00. Irving Wardle and Robert Butler