The Week’s guide to what’s worth seeing and reading

Showing now

King Lear at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratfordupon-avon (01789-403493). Antony Sher is a “mightily impressive” Lear in Gregory Doran’s insightful production (Daily Telegraph). Until 15 October; then 10 November-23 December at Barbican, London EC2 (020-7638 8891). In cinemas from 12 October (www.rsc.org.uk).

Picasso Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, London WC2 (020-7306 0055). Drawn from all periods of Picasso’s career – with many works not seen before in this country – this exhibition focuses on portraits of his family, friends and lovers. Ends 5 February.

Book now

National Theatre of Scotland’s revival of Cora Bissett’s “inspiring and charming” musical, Glasgow Girls is coming to the end of its tour. It tells the true story of seven schoolgirls trying to stop a friend being deported (Sunday Times). 12-15 October, Dundee Rep (01382-223530).

Ruth Wilson plays the troubled Hedda Gabler in Patrick Marber’s contemporary interpretation of Ibsen’s classic tale. Ivo van Hove directs. 5 December-11 February, the National Theatre, London SE1 (020-7452 3000).

Just out in paperback

Golden Hill by Francis Spufford (Faber £8.99). Spufford’s “cunningly crafted” debut novel centres on a curious stranger who arrives in New York from England in 1746. Filled with mystery, every page is “alive with tantalising twists and turns” (Sunday Times).