Words Helen Brown

Unmissable Theatre for December

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

5-11 December

Almeida Theatre

Between light and shadow, science and superstition is a dimension of imagination. An area known as the Twilight Zone. Adapted by Anne Washburn and directed by Olivier award-winning Richard Jones, this world premier of the acclaimed CBS series marries stage magic and fantasy as the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Almeida Street, N1; almeida.co.uk

BELLEVILLE

From 7 December

Donmar Warehouse

High-flying doctor, Zack and his new actress-come-yoga-teaching spouse, Abby are leading the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris. Bit it’s all a little too perfect. James Norton and Imogen Poots star in this story of a romantic dream gone sour, written by Amy Herzog who was recently praised as ’one of the brightest new talents in the theatre.’

41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

CELL MATES

From 30 November

Hampstead Theatre

“Spies betray people. That’s what we do. It becomes a habit. Difficult to break – even when it’s not strictly necessary.” Simon Gray’s deftly funny play explores how personal freedom is an illusion and even friendship must have carefully circumscribed limits, especially in the world of a 1961 London prison where deception is a reflex response.

Eton Avenue, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com

TITUS ANDRONICUS

From 7 December

Barbican Centre

The decay of Rome reaches vicious depths in Shakespeare’s most brutal and bloody play, as Titus, exhausted by war and loss, relinquishes power leaving Rome in disorder. Rape, cannibalism and severed body parts fill the moral void at the heart of this tale which poses questions about the nature of sexuality, family, class and society.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

PINOCCHIO

From 1 December

Lyttelton Theatre

On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket on an electrifying adventure that takes them from alpine forests to the bottom of the ocean. From the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this well-loved tale is brought to life with unforgettable music from the classic Walt Disney film.

Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk