Top 10 plays of the week Arts Theatre, London WC2 (020 7907 7092), until Jan 14 Sheffield goes in a different direction at this time of year - and with this revival of Stephen Sondheim's 1970 musical, starring Francesca Annis, Anna-Jane Casey and the Crucible's artistic director Daniel Evans, among others, the alternative seasonal show has its textbook definition. Sheffield Crucible (0114 249 6000), tonight, Mon-Fri This magical adaptation of Roald Dahl's story about a plucky schoolgirl with magical powers and a love of books arrives in the West End. The child actors are superb, Tim Minchin's music and lyrics a delight, while Bertie Carvel delivers a comic tour-de-force as the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Cambridge Theatre, London WC2 (0844 412 4652), until Feb Richard Bean's blissfully funny adaptation of Goldoni's 18th-century Italian comedy, now set in a louche Brighton in 1963, storms into the Adelphi. James Corden proves a wonderfully funny hero/narrator as the servant with two masters but there are great performances through the ranks. Adelphi Theatre, London WC2 (0844 412 4651), until Feb Jez Butterworth's great play, with its sensational star performance from Mark Rylance as a wild Romany who lives in the woods of Wiltshire, returns to the West End trailing clouds of glory. One show you simply must see. Apollo Theatre, London W1 (0844 412 4658), until Jan 14 Cracking traditional panto with Jenny Eclair as the Fairy Godmother, the delightful Gary Wilmot as a funny sympathetic Buttons and a terrific double act from Graham Hoadly and Paul Burnham as the sensationally vile Ugly Sisters, Beatrice and Eugenie. Richmond Theatre, Surrey (0844 871 7651), until Jan 15 The divinely decadent cabaret returns with a host of great acts including the hilarious Mario, Queen of the Circus and the amazing Skating Willers. Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London NW1 (0844 482 8008), until Jan 29 Marie Jones's hit play about the making of a Hollywood blockbuster in rural Ireland returns. The delightful twist is that all 15 roles from leading lady to humblest extra are played by just two (male) actors. Tricycle Theatre, Kilburn, London NW6 (020 7328 1000), until Feb 4 The classic Ealing comedy receives a blissfully funny theatrical makeover. Graham Linehan's script is packed with great new gags, Sean Foley's production is wildly inventive and the cast, led by Peter Capaldi's deeply disconcerting professor and the wonderful Marcia Warren as the sweet little old lady who sees off the thugs, are all superb. A real treat for the festive season. Gielgud Theatre, London W1 (0844 482 5130), until April 14 Buy tickets to a range of theatrical events at Telegraph Box Office