Happy New Year - and welcome to the first TW:Weekly bulletin of 2026. We'll be landing in your inboxes each Tuesday throughout the year, recommending great shows happening in London, chatting to our favourite performers and creators, and covering key developments and debates in the culture business. 

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News Briefing: CAA v Reginald D Hunter case
Just before Christmas, a UK judge quashed a court summons previously issued against comedian Reginald D Hunter as part of a private prosecution being pursued by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.

In this TW News Briefing, we review the dispute between Hunter and the CAA, explain the legalities of the CAA's private prosecution, and summarise Judge Snow's judgement.

Shows to see in London this week - including performances from people we first discovered at the Edinburgh Festival.

FUNNY STUFF

Dressing Gown | Union Theatre | 7-23 Jan
Now, I know some of you will be sad that Christmas is over, but let me assure you that: a) the final day of Christmas observance is Candlemas, so keep being Christmassy until February if you want to; and b) there's lots of things to distract you from any feelings of post festive-blues, like these funny shows you can see over the next few days. Our first tip is for this acclaimed, funny play by Andrew Cartmel, which you will love. More here.

Joan Collins Blocked Me On Twitter | Waterloo East Theatre | 10 Jan
"When self-proclaimed national treasure Theodore Emory Jones arrives in Hollywood hell-bent on landing a starring role in the 'Dynasty' reboot, only one thing stands in his way – Dame Joan Collins". Billy Walker's acclaimed one man comedy, which has a successful Edinburgh run behind it, and is described as "fast-moving" and "high-camp". Head to this page here to get your tickets booked.

Adele, Adele, Adele… Cliff It Isn't the Consequences of My Own Actions | The Book Club | 12 Jan (pictured)
Another Edinburgh success for you now: Adele Cliff is a comedian who has won much acclaim at a significant number of festival fringes gone by, as well as, of course, in other parts of the country. This is her latest show, which again won fans at the Scottish arts extravaganza last year, and will be performed as a special live recording twice at The Book Club on 12 Jan. Find out more and book tickets here.

SHORT STOPS

Acetone | The Libra Theatre Cafe | 9-11 Jan
A couple of short stops and one that's not that short, but I didn't know where else to put it. First up, a dark comedy about love and identity in which two friends, Alex and Ellie, at different stages of heartbreak – one fresh from a break-up, the other still chasing a long departed ex – confront the question of whether you can love someone and still be yourself. Find out more about the show right about here.

The Ballad Of Buckingham Nicks | Tabard Theatre | 7-20 Jan (pictured)
Well, this called out to me, not least because I love Fleetwood Mac and this features their brilliant music. And, as you will be able to tell from the title, it's about the relationship between two of the band's members. But also, it's got actor/Steeleye Span musician Julian Littman in it, plus stage and screen star Wendy Morgan, who completely stole my heart when I watched her in 'Pictures' aged about ten. Anyone know how I can watch that again? Anyway, click here.

Monkeyface | Riverside Studios | 8-10 Jan
"Trapped within the four walls of a university bedroom, our title character navigates the euphoric highs and crushing lows of Freshers Week, toxic friendships, club culture and the aching need for connection". Oof, that brings back memories. A promising debut play from writer-performer Rafael Phillips that tackles themes of racism, mental health and loneliness. Head to the venue website here for info and to book.

LONGER RUNS

Already Perfect | King's Head Theatre | 9 Jan-15 Feb
Okay, final section for this week and we are starting off with a "searing and uplifting" new musical from Tony Award winner Levi Kreis. "On the eve of his Broadway show being filmed for the archives, Levi finds himself alone in his dressing room, unravelling and on the brink of ending it all". What follows is a personal journey that looks at what it takes to make peace with your own story. Details here.

Mother. Dad | Omnibus Theatre | 13-31 Jan
"A woman stands in a pub doorway, checking IDs, waiting for a call. A man sits at the kitchen table with his children, waiting for a call. Their lives couldn't be more different. But if they could see each other…" A look at love, class and parenthood written by the acclaimed Doug Deans and produced by one of our favourite theatre companies, Chronic Insanity. See this page here to get your tickets booked.

Resolution Festival | The Place | 9 Jan-25 Feb (pictured)
I normally pick out the odd show from the Resolution Festival, but this year I thought I would just tell you about the whole thing and let you pick out your own. Because there are so many good ones and it can be really hard to pick which ones to highlight, especially given how each event features multiple artists. Anyway, it's a brilliant festival of new choreography and I'd recommend any of the shows in it, just have a look at listings here and see which dates work for you.

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