Some big names will be treading the boards this winter, and the theatre lovers among you should get booking fast - these new shows have "sell-out" written all over them...
1. Strangers On A Train
Laurence Fox and Jack Huston (nephew of Anjelica) battle it out in this film noir extravaganza, based on the novel by 1950s American writer Patricia Highsmith and the subsequent Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson (of James Bond fame) are involved in the production, so you know you're onto a winner. This fast-paced psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2 November 2013 to 22 February 2014
Gielgud Theatre, London; strangersonatrainlondon.com
2. American Psycho
Doctor Who star Matt Smith takes on the lead role in this new musical production of Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel, which follows serial killer Patrick Bateman, a rich, 1980s Wall Street banker whose horrific crimes get all the more violent as his story progresses. Prepare for lots of guts and gore.
3 December 2013 to 25 January 2014
Almeida Theatre, London; almeida.co.uk
3. Stephen Ward
Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical extravaganza charts the rise and fall of the man at the centre of the Profumo Affair that shook London society in 1963. It rocked the Establishment, changed the course of British politics, and wrecked several lives, so prepare for some serious scandal and one hell of soundtrack.
From 20 December 2013 (previews until 18 December 2013) Aldwych Theatre, London; stephenwardthemusical.com
4. The Duchess of Malfi
Gemma Arterton takes the lead in this new production of John Webster's Jacobean tragedy. It's the story of a widowed duchess's fight to marry her lover against her brothers' wishes, who then seeks revenge for her defiance. The costumes should be fabulous, and the play will be the first to ever be performed in the new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Previews from January 9 2014. Runs until 16 February 2014
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London; shakespearesglobe.com
5. Henry V
Jude Law stars in this new production of Shakespeare's most famous history play. It follows the King of England, as he leads his country to victory against the French, despite the odds being stacked against him. Law and director Michael Grandage are hoping to recreate some of the magic of their 2009 Hamlet collaboration, so prepare for something special.
23 November 2013 to 15 February 2014
Noel Coward Theatre; noel-coward.london-theatre-guide.org.uk
Image by Johan Persson