THEATRE: THE FIVE BEST PLAYS IN LONDON

1

The Weir, Royal Court, Duke of York's

Ghost stories recounted in a rural Irish bar give way to genuine horror in Conor McPherson's humane masterpiece, beautifully directed by Ian Rickson.

2

Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Cottesloe

Tim Supple's joyously inventive staging of Salman Rushdie's fatwa- influenced fable. See Reviews, left.

3

Phedre, Albery

Diana Rigg and Jonathon Kent continue their formidable partnership in this powerful new Ted Hughes version of Racine's incomparable tragedy.

4

Mr Puntila and his Man, Matti, Almeida

Comedy duo The Right Size are perfect casting in this very funny revival of Brecht's play about a schizophrenic landowner and his chauffeur. See Curtain Calls, page 50

5

Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick, Lyttelton

Terry Johnson's highly entertaining play gives you a sharper deconstruction of Carry On culture than any media studies course.