The month ahead: January 2016

Noma Dumezweni's career is currently soaring from strength to strength. This week she is giving her final performances as the title character in Linda at the Royal Court, a role she took over from Kim Cattrall two weeks before opening night. She is also preparing to make her directorial debut, helming I See You by Mongiwekhaya which begins performances at the Royal Court in February. Later this year she will take on the role of a lifetime, starring as Hermione in J.K. Rowling's play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Dumezweni is certainly one to watch!

Later this week (7th Jan) the European première of Grey Gardens opens to press at the Southwark Playhouse. Thom Southerland's production stars Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell, both of whom are Olivier Award winning actresses. In 2007 Hancock won Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for playing Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret whilst Russell won Best Actress in a Musical in 2006 for playing Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. There's already talk in theatreland about both stars giving performances to remember; Grey Gardens plays until 6th February 2016.

Lyn Paul takes over as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers at Peterborough Broadway Theatre.

The Girls opens at Lowry Salford for second out-of-town tryout.

Last chance to see Derren Brown: Miracle at the Palace Theatre.

Original Sunny Afternoon cast reunite for concert at the Richmond Theatre.

Ramin Karimloo returns to London for solo concerts.

Joe McElderry takes over title in Joseph UK tour at Peterborough Broadway Theatre.

Tell Me On A Sunday tour starring Jodie Prenger begins in Newbury.

Broadway revival of The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo releases cast album.

The Book of Mormon cast change.

John Owen-Jones gives final performance in The Phantom of the Opera.