CURTAIN CALLS

The Illusion

Last chance to catch this cross between high drama and big laughs as Tony "Angels in America" Kushner attaches jump leads to Corneille's magical comedy. Julia Sawalha, Helen Schlesinger and Ian Bartholomew head the cracking cast. Closes tonight.

Mobile Theatre, Manchester (0161-833 9833)

The Wood Demon

Love, lust and laziness whipped up into high farce in Anthony Clark's marvellously acted production of this early Chekhov comedy. More like Woody Allen's A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy than Uncle Vanya, which Chekhov later turned it into. A completely charming evening, in the best sense.

The Playhouse, London WC2 (0171-839 4401)

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Simon McBurney plays the gloriously corrupt judge and directs this beautifully flowing Theatre de Complicite/National Theatre co-production of Brecht's classic journey. Magical moments and marvellous musical direction by Gerard McBurney.

Cambridge Corn Exchange (01223 357851) tonight; Plymouth Pavilion (01752 229922) 8, 9, 10 Jul

Amy's View

Does theatre matter? Is love enough? David Hare's play is flooded with ideas but is slightly less than the sum of its heartfelt parts. All the textual problems fall away in the incandescent light of Judi Dench's heartbreaking, astonishingly sincere performance as the actress mother. You must not miss it.

In rep, National Theatre, London SE1 (0171-928 2252)

Shopping and Fucking

The return of Mark Ravenhill's runaway success, a dangerous, disturbing urban fairytale about the chemical generation. Max Stafford-Clark's production has been recast for this run which, along with Ben Elton's vibrant Popcorn playing next door, proves there's life in the West End yet.

Gielgud Theatre, London W1 (0171-494 5065)

The Seven Sacraments of Nicolas Poussin

Last three performances (including Sunday) of Neil Bartlett's solo based on Poussin's paintings documenting the body from birth to death.

Royal London Hospital, London E1 (0181-741 2311)

David Benedict