This week's theatre

Monkey: Journey to the West
A guaranteed spectacle is heading for Covent Garden's Royal Opera House.

First performed in the UK at the Manchester International Festival 2007, Monkey: Journey to the West is a new opera for the 21st century directed by world-renowned Chen Shi-Zheng with music composed by Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn. Expect nearly 40 circus acrobats, martial artists and singers from China. What a thrill.
23-26 July, Royal Opera House, Bow Street WC2E; http://www.roh.org.uk
Photos: Marie-Noelle Robert www.arenapal.com

The Chalk Garden
Yes, it's sold out but you can still get day tickets for critcially-acclaimed The Chalk Garden.The story revolves around 16-year-old Laurel, raised in a manor house by the sea. As her eccentric grandmother tends to the garden, Laurel’s need for love forces her into a world of fantasy. But things change with the appointment of a governess who brings a mysterious new presence to the house.10 Day Seats are available from 10.30am at the Box Office on the day of the performance (max 2 per persons). Up to 20 standing spaces are also available once the Day Seats are sold.
Until 2 August, Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street WC2H; http://www.donmarwarehouse.com
Photo: M.Harlan

Into The Hoods
Ooh, here's some excitement. Everyone's favourite Britain's Got Talent winner, George Sampson, takes to the stage from 4-30 August, in the already popular urban musical Into The Hoods. A hip-hop street dance/theatre version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods, ZooNation puts an urban spin on the story with a soundtrack of music by artists including Gorillaz, Basement Jaxx, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and The Chemical Brothers.
Until 30 August, Novello Theatre, Aldwych WC2B; http://www.intothehoods.com
Photos: Bill Cooper