Seven of theatre's top names reveal the next shows they plan to see. Rosemary Squire, of the Ambassador Theatre Group, chose Mary Stuart, at the Apollo Theatre.

Director Steven Pimlott plans to catch Pirandello's "beautiful play" As You Desire Me, with Kristin Scott Thomas, at the Playhouse Theatre.

New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley is looking forward to seeing actor Gabriel Byrne in Eugene O'Neill's A Touch of the Poet, which opens on Broadway next month.

Critic Michael Billington chose the return of Sir Ian McKellen in Aladdin: "A chance to see a great actor letting his hair down and indulging his appetite for music hall".

Artistic director Samuel West nominated the Young Genius season, presenting early plays written by great playwrights, at the Barbican in London and selected regional theatres.

West End producer Sonia Friedmann picked the London comedy Ducktastic: "I think it's a fantastically exciting idea - and just what the West End should be doing more of."

Actress Francesca Annis still hasn't seen Billy Elliot - The Musical, but hopes to make a Christmas visit because "everyone comes out of the theatre smiling".