Timon of Athens

Shakespeare’s under-loved late play is given a gender-switching re-invention courtesy of rising director Simon Godwin. Kathryn Hunter – acclaimed for her shape shifting, insinuating abilities( she was the first British actress to play King Lear, in 1997) – incarnates the profligate social-climber who turns scathing misanthrope when the money runs out.

Dominic Cavendish

RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon (01789 331111), Thurs-Feb 22