Lettice and Lovage, Menier Chocolate Factory

A trio of theatre bigwigs take over at London's compact and popular off-West End theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory. Lettice and Lovage is a spirited satire set in a stately home. Uninspired by the dull history of a stately home, an imaginative tour guide embellishes and invents something more enthralling – to inevitably comedic, chaotic effect.

The late Peter Shaffer (Amadeus, Equus) originally wrote the 1987 comedy for Maggie Smith, whose award-winning performance as eccentric tour guide Lettice Douffet made Lettice and Lovage a West End and Broadway hit. Smith's was one of those powerful, memorable performances which have made it a near-impossible act to follow.

But with prolific director Sir Trevor Nunn (Royal National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company) at the helm and comedy royalty Felicity Kendal and Maureen Lipman on stage, we expect the Menier revival of Lettice and Lovage to at least rival the original. Book promptly – this small theatre has a habit of selling out fast.