IN 1874 Elizabeth Thompson stuns the Royal Academy with her painting, Roll Call. Five years later, she narrowly misses becoming the first woman elected to the academy. In between, she shoulders the hopes and dreams of women across the country while fighting for her place at a table full of top hats, ties and mutton chop beards. Modest brings you a Victorian art scene superstar. Kiln Theatre, to July 15. kilntheatre.com/

• Shakespeare’s The Tempest, reimagined for everyone aged six and over, is at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until July 22. When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. Revised by Jennifer Tang and running for 75 minutes. Younger children are welcome. openairtheatre.com/

• Ellis bonds with flatmates Mia and Finlay when they discover her teenage diary. Exploring the experiences that come with navigating queer life as a young adult, Diary of a Gay Disaster is a musical comedy where three queer women get to grips with their gay panic by singing, and drinking shots. King’s Head Theatre, July 7, 8 & 11; 17-23. kingsheadtheatre.com/

• Perform’s children’s theatre festival is at Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury, from July 22 to August 28. Presented by the children’s drama school, the festival includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a musical adventure for 2- to 7-year-olds; Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a play!” for 3- to 8-year-olds, and Caribbean adventure Mermaids & Pirates for ages 4-11. The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is rebooted for a new generation, aged 7-14. perform.org.uk/

• Comedian Lara A King’s Midlife at the Oasis is an optimistic journey into midlife with repartee, silly songs, rants and banter within a desert of hot flushes. July 16, etceteratheatrecamden.com/; July 19, thelionandunicorntheatre.com/; July 24, The Hen & Chickens, unrestrictedview.co.uk/

• Vanya is Alive is at Camden People’s Theatre 7.15pm on July 27. Presented by Russian artists in exile this dark tale reflects on the price of truth and freedom and grapples with war and repression. The mother of a captured Russian soldier struggles to unravel state propaganda and lies. cptheatre.co.uk/

• The Camden Fringe Festival opens on July 31 and runs to Aug 27. Highlights from July 31 include: Mike Howl’s This Girl, the story of Cynthia Powell who falls in love with a young musician called John Lennon at Liverpool Art College in 1957. To Aug 2, Upstairs at the Gatehouse; Glad To Be Dead, written by mother-daughter duo Donna and Jade Flack is at the Hen and Chickens to Aug 3. Monologues from beyond the grave. Various historical figures, fictional icons, victims and murderers recount their loves, lives and regrets. camdenfringe.com/