THE FIVE BEST PLAYS

Don Carlos

(Gielgud Theatre, London)

Transfer from Sheffield of Friedrich Schiller's epic, maze-like romantic tragedy, with Derek Jacobi relishing his role as Philip II of Spain. (0870 890 1105) to 30 Apr

The Producers (Drury Lane Theatre Royal, London)

Mel Brooks' glorious stage musical zaps along mit der bang, mit der boom, mit der bing-bang, bing-bang boom. (0870 890 1109) to 25 Oct

Festen

(Lyric Theatre, London)

Splendid production, by Rufus Norris, of the Dogme drama about an ill-fated family celebration. Paul Nicholls stars. (0870 890 1107) to 9 Apr

ZGoing Dutch

(Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe)

John Godber's new play, which examines the disintegration of a marriage, is a smasher. (01274 277733) to 5 Feb

Relative Values (Salisbury Playhouse)

Rare revival of Noel Coward's comedy about an upper-class heir apparent getting engaged to a Hollywood starlet. (01722 320333) to 26 Feb

AND ONE TO AVOID...

Saturday Night Fever (Apollo Victoria, London)

Stage adaptation of the musical, with routines that are more Saturday- night TV than fever. It's a tragedy.