THEATRE / Previews & First Nights

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A new adaptation of the classic Dickens story by Patrick Stewart in which he plays all 27 parts. See feature, above. Old Vic, London SE1 (071-928 7616). Opens tonight.

THE THIRD POLICEMAN

Ridiculusmus with an adaptation of Flann O'Brien's novel that was praised at the Edinburgh Festival this year. BAC, London SW11 (071-223 2223). Opens tonight.

STUPID CUPID

Gay Sweatshop with alternative seasonal fare: Phil Willmott's new Fifties musical, featuring well known songs of the period. BAC, London SW11 (071-223 2223). Opens tonight.

THE END OF THE FOOD CHAIN

New comedy by Tim Firth set during the night shift in a grocery redistribution depot. Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (0723 370541). Previewing; opens tomorrow.

AN ABSOLUTE TURKEY

Peter Hall directs this adaptation of Feydeau's farce Le Dindon. With Griff Rhys Jones and Felicity Kendal. Globe, London (071-494 5067). Previewing; opens 4 Jan.

THE EGG

Toby Mitchell translates and directs a play by Felicien Marceau which explores the limits to individual freedom. Camden Studio, London NW1 (071-916 4040). Previewing; opens 4 Jan.

STORM IN A TEACUP

Harley Loudon in a show described as 'bathroom drama with jazz'. With Steve Truman on double bass. Etcetera, London NW1 (071- 482 4857). Previews 4 Jan; opens 5 Jan.

TRUE WEST

Classic Sam Shepard, directed by Dee Cannon. New End Theatre, London NW1 (071-794 0022). Previews 4 Jan; opens 6 Jan.

SUICIDE AND MANIPULATION

The Finborough launches the New Year with a season of drama about damaged lives, starting with a play by Robert Young about a woman who can't deal with fame. Finborough, London SW10 (071-373 3842). Previews 4 Jan; opens 6 Jan.

VERONICA'S ROOM

Psychological drama by Ira Levin. A young lawyer visits a couple whose daughter has died, and finds herself forced into playing the role of the dead girl. Haymarket, Basingstoke (0256 465566). Opens 6 Jan.

THE CAVALCADERS

Robin Lefevre directs the latest play by Billy Roche, who had great success with his Wexford Trilogy at the Bush. The Cavalcaders focuses on a man who is haunted by a woman who once betrayed him. Royal Court, London SW1 (071-730 1745). Previews 6 Jan; opens 7 Jan.

KIT AND THE WIDOW'S JANUARY SALE

The musical satirists with an evening of topical songs. Vaudeville, London WC2 (071-836 9987). Opens 11 Jan.

EDR

Black Mime Theatre with a topical piece about prison and imprisonment. Part of the London International Mime Festival. Lilian Baylis, London EC1 (071-837 4104). Previews 10 Jan; opens 11 Jan.