Top 5 theatre shows to see this week (September 3-9)

Dance Nation – Almeida Theatre, London

Bijan Sheibani follows The Brothers Size with the UK premiere of Clare Barron’s new play Dance Nation, about a competitive dance team made up of middle-school girls. The cast includes Manjinder Virk, Irfan Shamji, Karla Crome, Brendan Cowell and Kayla Meikle. It opens on September 4.

Actor and writer Brendan Cowell: ‘I fell to pieces every night playing Galileo. It was terrifying’

Sweet Charity – Nottingham Playhouse

Following a recent revival at the Watermill, Rebecca Trehearn takes the lead role of Charity Hope Valentine in Bill Buckhurst’s production at Nottingham Playhouse. It opens on September 5.

Sweet Charity rehearsals. Photos: Darren Bell

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The Humans – Hampstead Theatre, London

Reed Birney and Jayne Houdyshell will reprise their Tony-winning performances in the UK premiere of Stephen Karam’s acclaimed play, opening at Hampstead Theatre on September 6.

The Humans on Braodway. Photos: Joan Marcus

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Gastronomic – Norwich Theatre Royal

Curious Directive’s new show describes itself as an “augmented reality dining experience; set on-board a long-haul flight, the show presents an audience with a five-course tasting menu”. The company is always exploring the interplay between technology and theatre, and the show takes off on September 7.

Unexpected Joy – Southwark Playhouse, London

Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment presents the European premiere of Bill Russell and Janet Hood’s new chamber musical. Boasting an all-female cast, including Melanie Marshall and Janet Fullerlove, it opens on September 7.

Unexpected Joy rehearsals. Photos: Pamela Raith

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