Here’s five shows that we recommend seeing this November.

Number 1: Action Hero: Hoke’s Bluff at Shoreditch Town Hall

The end of the American Dream.

Award-winning performance company Action Hero’s present Hoke’s Bluff. It’s a contemporary theatre piece inspired by American teen sports movies, looking at how the clichés and conventions that we all know from these films can still pack a real emotional punch.

Hoke’s Bluff navigates the curious territory in which our emotional responses to American dreams outweigh our rational understanding of what America (and the Western world) really stands for.  By attempting a heartfelt and sincere rendition of schmaltzy, hackneyed sports movies it gently reveals both the ambient violence and the genuine beauty that hide within these seemingly innocuous cornball stories, creating a darkly poetic meditation on the suburban and cashed-strapped reality of life for most contemporary Americans.

Playing at Shoreditch Town Hall November 18^th – November 29th

Number 2: 2071 at The Royal Court

Science meets Theatre.

Writer Duncan Macmillan has been talking to one of the world’s most influential Climate Scientists, Chris Rapley. Working with internationally renowned director, Katie Mitchell, a new piece of theatre has been created where the science is centre stage.

Climate change is a matter of importance to everyone, but what to do about it is mired in controversy. What’s needed is a conversation. What do we owe future generations? How can we protect our children and grandchildren?

Chris Rapley CBE is the Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership and Professor of Climate Science at University College London.

Playing at The Royal Court 5 Nov – 15 Nov

Number 3: John at National Theatre

A spot of physical theatre.

This new piece of verbatim work by DV8 Physical Theatre follows the extraordinary life story of one man. John. After years of crime, drug use and struggling to survive, John’s desire for a new life leads him to a place unknown by most.

Based on frank interviews conducted by DV8’s Artistic Director, Lloyd Newson, JOHN combines spoken word with movement to create a touching and poignant theatrical experience.

DV8 return to the National Theatre following their internationally-acclaimed productions To Be Straight With You and Can We Talk About This?

Contains adult themes, strong language and nudity. Suitable for 16yrs+

John opens in November and plays into the New Year.

If you can’t make it the National Theatre, John will be broadcast at cinemas as part of National Theatre Live on 9 December at 8pm

Number 4: Andy Parsons: Work in Progress

Comedy to combat the cold.
Ahead of a major UK Tour Parsons will be running out his brand new show, so it’s a chance to see the show before it’s polished and packaged into a Christmas DVD.

As well as a series regular on the award-winning Mock The Week (BBC 2) and numerous spots on Live At The Apollo (BBC 1), Andy has also appeared on QI (BBC2), The Politics Show (BBC1), Newsnight (BBC2), World’s Most Dangerous Roads (BBC2), Saturday Live (ITV) and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala At The O2, Andy was also lead writer on ITV’s hugely influential Spitting Image.
“His delivery multiplies the humour. Big laughs unloading both barrels at British political and public life” The Guardian

Playing at Pleasance London: 1^st – 15^th Nov 2014

Number 5: Grand Guignol at Southwark Playhouse

Something French. Something funny. Something dark.

3. Paris, Montmartre and the Theatre du Grand Guignol opens its doors to an unsuspecting public. The plays, rife with madness and murder, are sold out every night to an awestruck public, avid for the horrors that are nightly set before them. But when a psychiatrist, obsessed with the gruesome dramas, ingratiates his way into the company and starts to unpick the author’s mind, the boundaries between theatre and truth begin to blur…

A black comedy, a demented, psychological thriller and an unrepentant splatter-fest, Carl Grose’s play, directed by Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Artistic Director, Simon Stokes; is a head-spinning, genre-bending phantasmagoria, guaranteed to keep you guessing – and wincing – to the very last horror show…

Playing at Southwark Playhouse until November 22^nd.

Have we missed something? Comment or get in touch to let us know.