Defying Gravity – Boy Blue at Sadler’s Wells [Manuel Vason]

A TWO-WEEK dance festival, YFX (July 19-27) features Sadlers Wells’ National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) and showcases new creations by young artists, youth and com­mun­ity groups from across the UK. NYDC has teamed up with hip hop dance theatre company Boy Blue to create Gravity. July 19, Sadler’s Wells & July 25, Sadlers Wells East. sadlerswells.com/

• In This Bitter Earth by Harrison David Rivers, a loving relationship is tested when Jesse, an introspective black playwright, is confronted by his boyfriend, Neil – a white Black Lives Matter activist – over his political apathy. As passions and priorities collide, the couple reckons with issues of race, class and the courage it takes to love out loud. Until July 26. sohotheatre.com/

• Riley Elton McCarthy’s Ivories is a bisexual spin on the golden age of horror. When Sloane re­turns home with their husband to settle their dying grand­mother’s estate, repressed mem­ories and malevolent family secrets are unearthed and they discover there’s more to the creaky old house than meets the eye. Until July 26. oldredliontheatre.co.uk/

• Inspired by the stories in Emma Warren’s book, Dance Your Way Home, the Southbank Centre’s summer season, celebrates the dance floors that have brought people together. This multi-artform programme explores what happens when communities get moving, with dozens of free events. The opening show, Basel-based choreographer Jeremy Nedd’s From rock to rock…, explores the dance move known as the Milly Rock, inspired by the rapper 2 Milly. July 23-24. QEH. The festival runs from July 23-August 29. southbankcentre.co.uk

• In Jake Brunger’s comedy, Four Play, Rafe and Pete have the kind of relationship people envy. Seven years, perfectly in sync… except neither of them has ever been with anyone else. So, when they hatch a plan to scratch their proverbial itch, who better than mutual friend Michael – confident, captivating and com­pletely unprepared for the chaotic web of emotional vulner­ability, betrayal, and unantici­pated desire he awakens. Until August 17. kingsheadtheatre.com/

• Jordan Waller’s A Role to Die For is a comedy about identity, legacy, and the explosive clash between tradition and progress. On the eve of Hollywood’s biggest casting reveal, Deborah, the producer tasked with unveiling the new lead in an iconic spy franchise, finds her plans derailed by a scandal just before the big announcement. Will she stick to the formula the world knows or let the next generation redefine a global icon? Various times, Tues-Sun (not Mons) until August 30. For families, Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland, is brought to life with the help of extraordinary puppets, exquisite costumes and an original score. Ages 5+ Thurs-Sun, 10.30 & 1pm until August 31. marylebonetheatre.com/

• Spurs star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s. In July 1964 he was fatally struck by lightning at just 27 years old. From humble beginnings to football fame and his tragic death, The Ghost of White Hart Lane captures John’s humour and follows the journey of his son, Rob, only five months old when his father died. July 21-27. jacksonslane.org.uk/