THE BEST COMEDY IN LONDON

Jez Butterworth's smash hit new play Jerusalem arrives in at the West End's Apollo Theatre, straight from its sellout run at the Royal Court Theatre. A comic, contemporary vision of life in our green and pleasant land, starring Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook. 'Unarguably one of the best dramas of the 21st century' The Guardian.

Hot from Broadway comes a new comedy, The Little Dog Laughed at the Garrick Theatre starring Tamsin Greig and Rupert Friend. Gossip and entanglements snare a rising Hollywood star and his agent in this satiric look at celebrity.

Damian Lewis leads an outstanding ensemble with Tara Fitzgerald, Keira Knightley and Dominic Rowan in Martin Crimp's blistering version of Moliere's greatest comedy, The Misanthrope at the Comedy Theatre.

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Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley are to star in a new production of La Bête, which will premiere in the West End before transferring to Broadway. Matthew Warchus will direct the revival of David Hirson’s 1991 comedy, which will preview from June 26 at the Comedy Theatre and run until August 28.

Felicity Kendal, legend though she is, is not the only reason to be excited about Mrs Warren's Profession transferring to the West End for a run at Comedy Theatre. Mrs Warren's Profession is a witty and provocative look at Victorian high society and the hypocrisy of its morals. Mrs Warren's Profession opens at London’s Comedy Theatre on 16 March and runs until 19 June.

Following a sell-out 62-date national tour in 2009 Jenny Eclair, Susie Blake, Wendi Peters return to the West End for a second helping of grumbling at the Novello Theatre this spring. Grumpy Women Live 2 - Chin Up Britain will have a limited run at the Novello Theatre from 14 April 2010, initially booking to 5 June 2010.

Noel Coward's dazzling comic masterpiece Private Lives provides a riotous show down between two of the screens most magnetic stars, Kim Cattrall and Matthew Macfadyen, opening at the Vaudeville Theatre in February.

LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATIONS

The 2010 Laurence Olivier Award nominations have officially been announced. The Laurence Olivier Awards, set to take place on 21 March are awarded to recognise excellence in professional theatre. Find out who is up for which award in this year's ceremony.

The 2009 Tony Nominations are dominated by Royal Court Theatre shows in the play category. Enron and Jerusalem go head to head with six nominations each. A View From The Bridge (four nominations) and The Misanthrope (three nominations) are also among the leading contenders.

In the musical categories Spring Awakening leads the way with six nominations, followed by A Little Night Music (five), Sister Act (four) and Hello, Dolly! (four).

Nica Burns, President of the Society of London Theatre commented on the nominations:
"In an outstanding year for drama, a whole new generation of playwrights step into the spotlight. Eight wonderful new plays – challenging, stimulating and inspiring – include two women in their twenties. Mirroring this, the voting for the best acting awards was so close that the nominations had to be increased, with some of the most exciting young acting talent around taking their place alongside some our most acclaimed screen stars. What a memorable year!"

MUSICALS