CURTAIN CALLS: THEATRE

David Benedict
Saturday 18 January 1997 00:02 GMT
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Showstopper

Dan Rebellato's laugh-aloud funny meditation on fame and fandom is illuminated by a shining performance from Jackie Clune who has drop-dead timing, a beautiful voice, mainlines pathos and is positively hilarious as a nun on the set of The Sound of Music. Arts Theatre, London WC2 (0171-836 2132) to 1 Feb

The White Devil

Poisonings, adultery, revenge and murder and no shortage of acting talent in Gale Edwards's RSC production of Webster's blood-curdling Jacobean tragedy. Starring Jane Gurnett, Stephen Boxerand Philip Voss.

In rep, The Pit, The Barbican London EC1 (0171-638 8891)

Guys and Dolls

Richard Eyre's maximum voltage production is three hours of dizzying, delirious theatrical joy. Music and lyrics by the great Frank Loesser, with a genuinely witty book derived from Damon Runyan.

National Theatre, London SE1 (0171-928 2252)

Lady Windermere's Fan

A top-notch cast including Simon Robson and the redoubtable Rosalind Knight waltz through Wilde's exquisite comedy with predictable flair, while Gabrielle Drake fans the flames of good and bad behaviour.

Royal Exchange Mobile Theatre, Manchester (0161-833 9833)

Think No Evil of Us - My Life With Kenneth Williams

David Benson's smash-hit solo show abandons the plodding biography of most tribute shows and moves far beyond mere impersonation with something far more surprising and satisfying.

Tonight, Birmingham Rep (0121-236 4455); Wed, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (01285 769505) Thur, York Arts Centre (01904 627129); Fri, Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston (01205 363108)

The Cherry Orchard

Last week in London for Adrian Noble's production of Chekhov's masterpiece. Alec McCowen is touching but the mercurial Penelope Wilton is simply astonishing as Madame Ranyevskaya, the woman at the play's emotional heart.

Albery Theatre, London WC2 (0171-369 1730)

Swan Lake

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you simply must see this, even if the idea of ballet makes you squirm. It closes at the end of the month. No excuses will be accepted should you be silly enough to miss this.

Piccadilly Theatre, London W1 (0171-369 1734)

David Benedict

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