ARTS & THEATRE

Man of La Mancha

26 APRIL-8 JUNE

It’s time to “dream the impossible dream” as musical, Man of La Mancha, hits the West End after 50 years. At the London Coliseum, this tale of legendary adventurer, Don Quixote stars Kelsey Grammer and Danielle de Niese - pictured right (courtesy of Decca).

William Shakespeare’s Richard III

13-31 MARCH

Medieval mischief comes to Alexandra Palace. Famed for murdering the princes in the Tower for his crown, the hunchback king is one of Shakespeare’s most dastardly figures (and there are a few). The £27 million theatre is newly restored after 80 years. Just don’t expect bright lights or gleaming metallic finishes. Instead, Ally Pally revels in its Victorian faded glory.

Romeo and Juliet

13-18 MAY

He turned swans male and Cinderella into a wartime siren, now innovative British choreographer, Matthew Bourne updates Romeo and Juliet. Leicester’s Curve Theatre hosts the star crossed lovers’ world premiere in May before a nationwide tour

GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPENS 18 MAY WITH ANEW PRODUCTION OF THE DAMNATION OF FAUST BY HECTOR BERLIOZ. ALONGSIDE THIS RARELY STAGED OPERA, THE SCHEDULE IS PACKED WITH FAVOURITES FROM ROSSINI’S BARBER OF SEVILLE TO MOZART’S MAGIC FLUTE.

new-adventures.net/romeo-juliet

GREGORY PORTER HEADLINES THIS YEAR’S CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL FROM 1-6 MAY. GRAB YOUR SPOT EARLY IN MONTPELLIER GARDENS FOR AVANT GARDE TRIO, THE BAD PLUS’S EVENT DEBUT. GET READY TO DANCE TO SERGIO MENDES’ BOSSA NOVA BEATS.CHELTENHAMFESTIVALS. COM/JAZZ