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Six theatre shows to see in London

Updated ‘Dear England’ brings new urgency to the football drama; ‘Playfight’ is a cracking story of three teenagers’ friendship; ‘Speed’ is a driving-class drama with twists and turns; Chinese history told through two notable women in ‘Shanghai Dolls’; ‘Manhunt’ is an uneasy study of male violence; ‘Jab’ is well acted but its anti-vax storyline only goes skin deep

© Marc Brenner

Dear England theatre review — updated state-of-the-nation drama feels more vital than ever
Gareth Southgate may be gone, but the revival of James Graham’s football-themed play at the National Theatre is timely
Playfight — a cracking depiction of what it means to be a young woman today
A hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the story of three teenagers’ friendship comes to London’s Soho Theatre
Speed is a funny, smartly original play that explores huge issues — review
At London’s Bush Theatre, a speed-awareness course uncovers moments of rage and recklessness
Shanghai Dolls theatre review — Chinese history told through the words of two notable women
Fascinating but frustrating drama at London’s Kiln Theatre explores the relationship between Sun Weishi and Jiang Qing — later Madame Mao
Manhunt theatre review — reality and fiction meet uneasily in Raoul Moat drama
Robert Icke’s study of male violence at the Royal Court is bursting with ideas — but the diffuse approach doesn’t always work
Jab, Park Theatre review — anti-vax drama only goes skin deep
A well-acted two-hander serves as a pithy reminder of the trials of lockdown