FIVE BEST PLAYS

THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Adrian Noble's stunning version of Chekhov's masterpiece. With Penelope Wilton and Josie Lawrence. Stratford Swan (01789 295623) in rep to Jan. Sat 1.30 and 7.30.

THE PHOENICIAN WOMEN. Euripides emerges as a thoroughly modern tragedian in Katie Mitchell's powerfully spare production. Stratford Other Place (01789 295623), in rep to Jan. Tues, Thurs, Fri 7.30-9.30. M: Thurs 1.30- 3.30.

MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN. Towering performance from Diana Rigg in David Hare's superbly combative version of Brecht. Olivier, SE1 (0171 928 2252), in rep to Jan. Thurs-Sat 7.15-10. M: Sat 2.00.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE. West End transfer for Sam Mendes's production, with Zoe Wanamaker and the teriffic Claire Skinner. Comedy, SW1 (0171 369 1731), to 16 Mar. Thurs-Sat 7.30-10. M: Sat 3.00.

THREE TALL WOMEN. Maggie Smith is triumphant again in Edward Albee's comeback. Wyndham's, WC2 (0171 369 1736), to 16 Dec. Tues-Sat 8.00-10.00. M: Wed & Sat 3.00. Robert Butler