Peter Bankole

Chekhov's iconic characters are relocated to Nigeria in this bold new adaptation in the Lyttelton at the National Theatre from 3 December. Owerri, 1967, on the brink of the Biafran Civil War. Lolo, Nne Chukwu and Udo are grieving the loss of their father. Months before, two ruthless military coups plunged the country into chaos. Fuelled by foreign intervention, the conflict encroaches on their provincial village and the sisters long to return to their former home, Lagos.

Following two sell-out runs at the National Theatre in 2017 which saw Barber Shop Chronicles receive widespread critical acclaim, four new cast members have been announced for 2018's international dates in New Zealand and Australia. For generations, African men have gathered in barber shops. Sometimes they have haircuts, sometimes they listen, more often than not they talk. This heart-warming, hilarious and insightful new play, set in Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, Accra and London, explores the role of barber shops as confession boxes, political platforms, preacher-pulpits and football pitches... places to go for unofficial advice, and to keep in touch with the world.

BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES, a new play by Inua Ellams, just finished a run at the National Theatre through 8 July 2017, in a co-production with Fuel and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a classic musical and acclaimed Shakespeare to buzzy history plays, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews…

BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES, a new play by Inua Ellams, begins previews at the National Theatre from 30 May, with press night 7 June, in repertoire until 8 July 2017, in a co-production with Fuel and West Yorkshire Playhouse. Directed by Bijan Sheibani.