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CURTAIN CALLS

David Benedict
Friday 01 August 1997 23:02 BST
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Another splendidly inventive staging by Ian Forrest in this magnificent outdoor setting for Lewis Carroll's deliciously surreal story of the incredible shrinking heroine who encounters cats, cards and caterpillars and discovers the dangers of unnamed liquids.

Williamson Park, Lancaster (01524-66645)

The Seagull

Fiery Cheryl Campbell stars in English Touring Theatre's London-bound production of Chekhov's passionate tale of love among the artists.

Ton't only, Theatre Royal Bath (01225 448844)

Chimps

Imagine a cross between Glengarry Glen Ross and The Birthday Party and you're close to Simon Block's uncomfortably funny play. After an implausible start, the noose tightens to a terrific finish and the cast are excellent, especially Nicholas Woodeson who makes you believe you're watching Death of a Salesman but with far more laughs.

Hampstead Theatre, London NW3 (0171-722 9301)

Waiting for Godot

At last, a production which plays the humour of Beckett's great play without the actors ingratiating themselves. Alan Howard and Ben Kingsley make a truly tragicomic pair, Denis Quilley and Greg Hicks are outstanding and the experience is truly moving.

In rep, The Old Vic, London SE1 (0171-928 7616)

The Wood Demon

Love, lust and laziness whipped up into high farce in Anthony Clark's marvellously acted production of this early Chekhov comedy. More like Woody Allen's A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy than Uncle Vanya, the play it later became. A completely charming evening.

The Playhouse, London WC2 (0171-839 4401)

The Weir

Conor McPherson's ghostly night in an Irish country pub is a triumph of interleaved stories, perfectly paced and quite beautifully acted with an outstanding performance from Brendan Coyle as the benign barman.

Royal Court at the Ambassadors (0171-565 5000)

David Benedict

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