Cinderella

More a play than a panto, this version suggests that Cinderella’s stepsisters are more stupid than bad

Dr Marigold & Mr Chops

Simon Callow's perfect pacing reminds us that the aural tradition has an impact that, even now, can be overwhelming

West End translates for foreign theatre goers

The culture clashed are inevitable, but a clever handheld gadget could bring a whole new audience to the theatre

Aladdin

If you had your own magic lamp, who would you cast as the genie in Aladdin? Here a rota of celebs take on the role

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play

From the books by Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola are brought delightfully to life in this Watershed Production

The Forest

Although the purpose of the show is to introduce children to nature’s wonders, the eco message is unexpectedly subtle

Traditional panto's modern makeover

It's beyond you ... oh no it isn't: Serious writers are lining up to create panto, while keeping the appeal for kids

Hansel & Gretel

Tale for tough times, Mike Shepherd’s production is deceptively ramshackle, insisting nothing tastes as good as home feels

The Enchanted Pig

Although the pace slows at times, Jonathan Dove’s exciting score and Alasdair Middleton’s witty libretto make this pig fly

Keira cuts it on stage as the cruel flirt

Keira Knightley’s West End debut in Molière's The Misanthrope is a convincing portrait of an icy little girl lost

Family-friendly theatre

Get the kids away from the TV and show them the delights of the stage instead

Panto with a parachuted Pamela Anderson

Two Aladdins and two very different genies ... be careful what you wish for

Did Plastic People topple communism?

The playwright talks to the band, who influenced his play Rock’n’Roll, about music, politics and a rare London date

The Misanthrope

Keira Knightley catches the waywardness, but not the authority to explain how she dominates; partly because she’s so wispy

Peter Pan

This version of the J. M. Barrie classic, by Paul Miller, David Taylor and Julian Ronnie, is a sickly sugar plum of a show

The National Theatre's acting orchestra

At the National Theatre in London, being a musician means more than playing your instrument, finds Jasper Rees

London theatreland catches Broadway fever

The debut of the actress Keira Knightley shows that the need for big names has taken root this side of the pond as well