Theatre: Curtain Calls

Closer

The latest from the disgracefully talented Patrick Marber who switched from TV comedy and burst upon the theatrical scene with Dealer's Choice.

In preview, opens Thur, National Theatre (0171-928 2252)

Cloud Nine

The funniest and most thought-provoking night out in town, Caryl Churchill's tremendous comedy has a cracking cast including Tim McInnerny (and his stiff upper lip) and a deeply touching Janine Duvitski.

Ton't and Tue only, Old Vic, London SE1 (0171-928 7616)

Dona Rosita - the Spinster

Celia Imrie is a magnificent squally housekeeper holding everything together in Lorca's play about a woman holding on to hope. Kathryn Hunter is hysterical as a ravenous aunt and Phyllida Lloyd's exquisitely designed production spans a huge range of styles.

Almeida Theatre, London N1 (0171-359 4404)

Titus Andronicus

Silviu Purcarete's outstanding production, a feast of visual and dramatic power, has won more awards than any other in Romanian theatre history. Don't worry, there are surtitles.

Ton't, Lyric Hammersmith (0181-741 2311); from Tue, Nottingham Playhouse (0115-941 9419)

The Homecoming

Your last chance to catch Roger Michell's engrossing production of this extraordinary Pinter play with its almost unbearable tension and sexual menace and manipulation flooding the stage and grabbing you by the throat. Repellent but magnetically watchable.

National Theatre, London SE1 (0171-928 2252)

The Herbal Bed

From love story to knife-edge courtroom drama in Peter Whelan's RSC hit based on the 17th-century sex scandal involving Shakespeare's daughter. Stephen Boxer is outstanding as a cleric with a dangerous lust for truth.

Duchess Theatre, London WC2 (0171-494 5075)

The Cherry Orchard

Chekhov's play about the decline of the old order and the rise of the new is one of the unquestionable masterpieces of the 20th century. Janet Suzman directs in a co-production with the Market Theatre Johannesburg.

From Tue, Birmingham Rep (0121-236 4455)