From a revival of “Guys and Dolls,” one of the best-loved musicals, to a new full-length work by the acclaimed playwright Caryl Churchill, January is a promising start to 2016 on the West End stage.Ralph Fiennes and David Tennant are also back in central London with separate shows. Both actors continue to enjoy classical-theater work alongside their film and TV careers.Here’s a guide to the must-see shows coming up this month.1. “Guys and Dolls”This revival of the Broadway musical has already received positive reviews when it was road tested at the Chichester Festival last year. The title number is just one of many familiar or catchy tunes which have led to it being brought back so often. “A Bushel and a Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady” – the hits keep on coming.While it will be the first version to be shown on the West-End stage itself for a decade, Jamie Parker stars as Sky this time – good news for anyone who remembers his role in “High Society” at the Old Vic. The Prohibition story is based on a book by Damon Runyon and has music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.GUYS AND DOLLS, at the Savoy Theatre until March 12 2016, previews until press night January 6. Information: http://www.savoytheatre.org/guys-and-dolls/ or http://www.guysanddollsthemusical.co.uk/2. “Escaped Alone”At 77, Caryl Churchill has hit a new prolific period. Whether it is a purple patch remains to be seen. She had two shows last year at the National Theatre, including the new playlet “Here We Go,” which divided the critics. Her career includes such classic works as the yuppie satire “Serious Money,” written in rhyming couplets.According to the advance billing, “Escaped Alone” is about four women – three old friends and a neighbor – sharing tea and sympathy while reminiscing about sundry catastrophes. James Macdonald directs Linda Bassett, Deborah Findlay, Kika Markham and June Watson.ESCAPED ALONE by Caryl Churchill is at the Royal Court Theatre, Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, with its opening on January 21, 2016. Information: http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/escapedalone3. “The Master Builder”While Ibsen’s work is often seen as challenging, with long discursive asides, this version has a lot to recommend it, not least an adaption by David Hare. Hare’s own work includes the sharp press satire “Pravda”; the history play about Iraq, “Stuff Happens”; “Amy’s View”; and “Plenty.” This is a significant Ibsen work with a relatively clear plot and of his best later dramas.Fiennes stars as the contractor, designer and architect. The man builds tall structures but is scared of heights. It seems this is the least of his problems as the plot unfolds.THE MASTER BUILDER by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by David Hare, is at the Old Vic Theatre with previews from January 23 2016 and opening on January 29. Information: http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2016/themasterbuilder/4. Richard II David Tennant is back as the monarch brought down by his own failings in the first of Shakespeare’s History plays. The star’s repertoire now stretches from “Doctor Who” to his recent Hamlet success, with his fan appeal meaning that all appearances sell out fast.(For those seeking a companion piece, “Richard III” is at the New Diorama in an unrelated production opening the following day after previews.)RICHARD II by William Shakespeare is at the Barbican Theatre. Opening on January 7. Information: http://www.rsc.org.uk/richard-ii/about-the-playRICHARD III runs through February 6 with opening on January 8 at New Diorama, 15 - 16 Triton Street, Regent's Place, London, NW1 3BF. Information: http://newdiorama.com/whats-on/richard-iii5. “Red Velvet”The story is true. Star actor Edmund Kean, who was playing the title of Othello at Theatre Royal Covent Garden, was taken ill in 1833. Black actor Ira Aldridge, 26, was asked to stand in for him.This is a star role for Ira, but it all goes wrong as he hits a wall of racism. Critics argue he should not play a black man; in later life he puts on a white face to play other major roles. The hypocrisy is more than a little silly. It is a star role too for Adrian Lester, the husband of playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, who plays the part well in a story that questions racism and our assumptions even today.RED VELVET by Lolita Chakrabarti; Imagined experiences based on the true story of Ira Aldridge. At Garrick Theatre, previews from January 23 with opening on February 1. Information: http://www.branaghtheatre.com/red-velvet/
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