BWW Previews: The London Stage, July 2015

It is one of the many perks of British summertime's beginnings, though this seems to slightly defy logic, that there seem to be more plays opening than closing. Though the West End will undoubtedly feel the loss of Whose Line is It Anyway? (5 July) David Suchet will sashay into the Vaudeville (1 July) to comfort us. If more heart-wrenching is required after The Seagull leaves Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (11 July), Constellations (9 July) or To Kill a Mockingbird (2-25 July) promise thought-provoking evenings.

Though it has not been on the British stage for long, Whose Line Is It Anyway? has enjoyed a hugely successful run. Hosted by Clive Anderson, this live version of the popular improvised television show is fantastically silly and demonstrates the infinite fun of live comedy - for those aged sixteen or over. Also age restricted, though only for those under twelve, Bad Jews will finish its run on 11 July. A dark comedy, Bad Jews transferred from the St James Theatre in order to extend its run and has received wide critical acclaim, though it is perhaps not for those who are easily offended. The RSC's excellent production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman will close on 18 July; Anthony Sher's performance is not to be missed. Finally, one of Chekhov's best-known plays, The Seagull, will end. While this piece is always interesting, Matthew Dunster's take on it is by all accounts rather different; perhaps this production could shed new light on Chekhov's drama about success, fame and love, even for more experienced audiences.

In happier news, The Gruffalo is back; he will be terrifying woodland creatures and delighting the Lyric Theatre' audiences from 1 July. This is a charming children's story, energetically adapted for the stage. Somewhat more controversially, David Suchet will be playing the infamous Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Ernest (24 July) . Whether you love this idea or think Wilde should not be so messed around, it is difficult to deny that Suchet is a wonderfully talented actor and that Wilde's script is hilarious. It's hard not to be curious. For relaxing entertainment and nostalgia, Sinatra at the London Palladium promises sweeping melodies, lyrics like they used to write 'em and beautiful dancing (10 July).

The second West End production of Constellations may be of particular interest to any who didn't catch its first outing three years ago. In short, this is a play by Nick Payne about relationships - one that received rave reviews for its last production. The Globe will house the National Theatre of China's production of Richard III (20-25 July). Performed in Mandarin, only a scene synopsis will be provided in English, surely here is an unusual and interesting way to view one of Shakespeare's classics. More originality will arrive in the form of the Greenday musical, American Idiot on 17 July. Though it toured in 2012 and was recently performed at the Bridewell Theatre by the London School of Musical Theatre, this will be the show's first long West End run. Racky Plews is choreographing and disappointing, X-Factor casting might not be as bad as I fear...

Finally, Harper Lee's still painfully relevant To Kill a Mockingbird will be brought to life once again in Timothy Sheader's production at the Barbican Theatre. Opening just a few day's before Lee's sequel will be published, this story is the stuff that makes art so important. Funny and very moving, here is my "must-see" for July.