Treading the boards this week - classic Shakespeare, the hottest show in town, a dance, film and musical ensemble and a historical look at family and motherhood.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, The Hawth, Crawley, April 6.

Shakespeare's surreal romance is given lavish treatment with elaborate staging and musical accompaniment from the City of London Sinfonia and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The performance of Mendelssohn's Complete Incidental Music creates a dream-like environment in keeping with the magic on stage.

Starts 7.30pm, tickets £23.50. Call 01293 553636.

THE BLUE ROOM, Theatre Royal, Brighton, April 7-12.

Tracy Shaw swaps life on The Street for life on the stage in this raunchy production.

Receiving rave reviews on its national tour, The Blue Room makes its way from Eastbourne to Brighton.

The two-person cast Shaw and Jason Connery) portrays five different couples and explores taboo issues.

Starts 7.45pm, plus 2.30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets £13 to £22. Call 01273 328488.

PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE, Gardner Arts Centre, Falmer, April 8.

The Phoenix Dance Group presents three performances that combine dance, film and music from film scorer and musician Jocelyn Pook (Eyes Wide Shut).

Following the emotions of a family torn apart by the abduction of their child, the dancers and film footage show how sterile environments can gain warmth when subject to fond memories.

Starts 8pm, tickets £11. Call 01273 685861.

THE FOUNDLING, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton, April 10-11.

This production, written by John Retallack, is aimed at a younger audience and tells the stories of two young mothers, one living in the 19th Century and one in the present day.

The Intrepid Theatre Company uses experimental performances to explore how notions of family, citizenship and motherhood have changed in 150 years.

Starts 7.30pm, tickets £7.50. 01273 709709.