Some notable openings come to the London stage this month, after a start to 2016 that has already seen “Motown the Musical,” “War of the Worlds,” “Guys and Dolls” – and of course acclaimed works by Caryl Churchill and more.The title of Neil Labute’s UK premiere says it all, “Reasons to Be Happy.” The play is coming to Hampstead Theatre in a new-cast U.K. premiere with Michael Attenborough directing. The characters found their voice four years before with “Reasons to Be Pretty” which Attenborough also directed in London.“All That Fall” is at Wilton’s Music Hall, one of the architectural gems in London’s theater world. It might seem perverse to come here to see a play and have to wear a blindfold. This is what is required for Max Stafford Clark’s Out of Joint company, though it may be less perverse given that this is a radio play by Samuel Beckett and one of the characters is blind. While it’s not a good option for those scared of the dark, it is play full of sounds – distant birdsong and Schubert, a train and more.“The Painkiller” has Kenneth Branagh back at the Garrick Theatre, playing opposite the comedian Rob Brydon. The Verber farce shows how things don’t necessarily go to plan. One man is a killer and the other wants death.“If You Kiss Me, Kiss Me” sounds a riot. Jane Horrocks is known for playing roles such as Nicola in “Life Is Sweet,” Bubble in “Absolutely Fabulous” and the main part in “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.” Now imagine her taking on the spirit of Northern soul, punk and electronic pop that she grew up with, in a production that has no speech, just song.“NotMoses” is the first play by filmmaker Gary Sinyor, known for “Leon the Pig Farmer” (1992). Set in Ancient Egypt, “NotMoses” is the story of a crying baby who is plucked from his basket by a Princess only to be dumped back in the Nile when she sees a nicer baby, Moses. At the Arts Theatre.“The Solid Life of Sugar Water” is at the National Theatre. Jack Thorne has written a heartbreaking, brave work about a couple’s tragic loss. It isn’t an easy evening but most definitely worth your time.
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