THEATRE / Previews & First Nights

THE ASH FIRE

Gavin Kostick's new play about the only Jewish family living north of the Liffey in Dublin. Tricycle, Kilburn High Road, London NW6 (071-328 1000). Opens tonight

LA MUSICA

In Marguerite Duras' play, Harriet Walter and Larry Lamb meet in a hotel the night their divorce has been formalised. But all passion has not been spent. Hampstead Theatre, London NW3 (071-722 9301). Previews from 28 Jan; opens 2 Feb

THE CARETAKER

Harold Pinter's brilliant three-hander gets Steve Shill's cinematic treatment. Nottingham Playhouse (0602 419419). 29 Jan-13 Feb.

WORLDS APART

Award-winning radio playwright Paul Sirett follows a day in the Immigration Section of a major airport. Theatre Royal Stratford East, London E15 (081- 534 0310). Previews from 28 Jan

THE DYBBUK

Julia Pascal has transformed Anski's classic into an urgent play for today. Our critic called it a 'genuinely creative work that boasts a final sequence as spine-tingling as anything you'll see in the theatre'. Lilian Baylis Theatre, London EC1 (071-837 4104). From 1 Feb

ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT WINGS

Burt Caesar's rediscovery of Eugene O'Neill's drama of forbidden love, set in New York's jazz age, has a musical backdrop of 100 a capella voices from Leeds community choirs, led by Caribbean music expert Geraldine Connor. West Yorkshire Playhouse (0532 442111). From 29 Jan; opens 2 Feb

THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV

Dostoevsky's novel - part murder mystery, part black comedy, part psychological thriller - has been adapted for stage by Gerard McLarnon. Royal Exchange, Manchester (061-833 9333). Preview 3 Feb; opens 4 Feb

THE EUROPEANS

Premiere of Howard Barker's 'study in sexuality and resistance, love and the state. Its theme is personal identity and the right to pain in a society obsessed with reconciliation and forgiveness'. Staged by Barker specialists The Wrestling School. Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow (041-227 5511). 2-6 Feb.

ROBIN, PRINCE OF SHERWOOD

The musical. Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1 (071-867 1118). Previews 27 Jan; opens 3 Feb.