THEATRE / Previews & First Nights

A MESSAGE FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED

The age-old story of a painful love triangle by the controversial Gregory Motton. BAC, SW11 (071-223 2223). Opens tonight.

MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL

T S Eliot finally makes it to the stage in Stratford with his verse drama. Swan, Stratford- upon-Avon (0789 295 623). Opens 13 May.

KING LEAR

Robert Stephens is Lear. Stratford-upon-Avon details above. Previewing; opens 18 May.

OUR BOYS

Ex-Army Jonathan Lewis's insider's view of Britain's fighting youth. Cockpit, NW8 (071- 402 5081). Opens 13 May.

NICE DOROTHY

Dorothy is a sweet, ordinary middle-aged woman, but then falls in love with a man half her age. Orange Tree, Richmond (081- 940 3633). Previews 13 May; opens 18 May.

THE SHOWMAN

Alan Bates plays an actor / director in this dark comedy set in Austria. Almeida, N1 (071- 359 4404). Previewing; opens 17 May.

ON A LEVEL

The Bibi Crew examines being black and British. Theatre Royal, E15 (081-534 7374). Previews 13 May; opens 19 May.

THATCHER'S CHILDREN

Trevor Griffiths' new play on the Thatchering of Britain. Old Vic, Bristol ((0272 250250). Opens 19 May.

CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD

About a deaf woman who falls in love with her speech therapist. Playhouse, Derby (0332- 363275). Opens 14 May.

NO REMISSION

Midnight Theatre Co production of Rod Williams' powerful psychological thriller. On tour 14 May until 27 June. Arts Centre, Coventry, 17-19 May. Details (0203 524524).

POISON PEN

Ronald Harwood's new play set in 1930s London is about a music critic at odds with a talented composer over charges of plagiarism. With Tom Courtenay. Royal Exchange, Manchester (061-833 9333). Opens 13 May.

THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE

A strange but true medieval French story of Martin who disappears from his home and returns nine years later. DOC Theatre Club, NW5 (071-485 43030). Opens tonight.

SALOME

Steven Berkoff's production of Oscar Wilde's decadent story of desire and obsession. Garden Centre, Brighton 18-22 May, then tours around the country until 10 July. For further information call 0273 674692.

THE IMPROTHON '93

The Who's Line Is It Anyway? posse stages a gala in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Palladium, W1 (071-494 5057). 16 May only.

LAUREL AND HARDY

A celebration of the cinema's best-loved double act. Watermans (081-874 5651). Previewing; opens 13 May.

JUNO AND PAYCOCK

The renowned Gate Theatre production of O'Casey's masterpiece. Albery, WC2N (071- 867 1115). Previews 17 May; opens 19 May.

THE FIFTY MINUTE FAUSTUS

King's Head, N1 (071-226 1916). Opens tonight.