With the incredible variety of theatre shows available each and every year in London, it’s pretty near impossible to select just five to get excited about for 2011! So I’ve gone for five big shows with big star names for this year’s recommendations.

Autograph books ready: London’s stages are going to be even more star-studded than usual in the coming year!

• The Children’s Hour, from 22 Jan
  Keira Knightley returns to the West End alongside Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men (making her West End debut) in a stunning 1930s drama about the power of lies.
• Frankenstein, from 5 Feb
  The National Theatre welcomes BOTH Benedict Cumberbatch AND Jonny Lee Miller (swoon!), directed by Danny Boyle in a trio of big-name talent. This has to be my pick of the spring plays in London…
• Blithe Spirit, from 2 Mar
  With Alison Steadman, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathhurst and Ruthie Henshall, this Noel Coward comedy at the Apollo is dripping with stars.
• Richard III, from 29 Jun
  Artistic director Kevin Spacey takes to the Old Vic stage this summer as Shakespeare’s nastiest villain, Richard III. It’s part of the Bridge Project for 2011, and is directed by acclaimed American Beauty director Sam Mendes. And we can’t wait
• Hamlet, winter 2011
  With no more details than that, Michael Sheen fans are going to have keep their ears to the ground around the Young Vic for more news of when this fantastic actor is going to take on Shakespeare’s finest role, with top director Jez Butterworth at the helm. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about this show…

Which theatre shows are you looking forward to in 2011? Let us know in the comments below.

And I have news of another TV star returning to London’s theatre this week: Denise Van Outen is joining the cast of Legally Blonde from 25 October. New mum Denise is replacing Jill Halfpenny in the role of Paulette. She’s starting alongside former Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson and talent show graduate Siobhan Dillon who are also newcomers to the girly musical; Sheridan Smith has recently announced she’s continuing in the role of Elle Woods until at least 9 January. I couldn’t be happier!

Finally for cast news this week, Olivier Award-winning actress Ruthie Henshall is going to be starring in Blithe Spirit at the Apollo theatre next spring. She joins an already star-studded cast including Alison Steadman, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst.

And looking even further ahead, I’ve got long-range news from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Get your 2011 diaries ready for these dates: the RSC is premiering three new plays at the Hampstead Theatre from April to June next year, as part of A Season of World Premieres:

• Playwright Rona Munro opens the season on 16 April with Little Eagles, directed by Roxana Silbert
• Followed by former Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director David Farr’s piece Silence from 12 May
• Finally, American playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney, (who wrote In The Red And Brown Water and The Brothers Size), presents his new play American Trade from 2 June

Edward Hall, Hampstead theatre’s Artistic Director, said, “I am delighted to be creating A Season Of World Premieres with the RSC and to be working so closely with Roxana Silbert on what will be a very exciting programme of new work at Hampstead theatre. Six pieces of major new work over a 10-week period… cause for celebration indeed.” I certainly think so.

Firstly, great news for anyone who’s still eager to see the great Railway Children, featuring that real life steam train at Waterloo Station. The show’s run has been extended until January, making this a great alternative to the flurry of pantos that are sure to grace London’s stages in the festive season.

Casting news for this week features a spot of déjà vu: Cold Feet duo Robert Bathurst and Hermione Norris are pairing up as husband and wife again, this time in Blithe Spirit at the Apollo Theatre. They’re joining the ever-brilliant Alison Steadman in Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy, which opens next year.

And I’ve got details about two hit shows returning to London too: the Olivier Award-winning Blackwatch comes to the Barbican this November as part of a season which features a Polish Macbeth and that birthday Les Miserables. And Pam Ann, the comedy air hostess creation of Aussie Caroline Reid, brings her stand-up show Flying High to the Vaudeville Theatre in September.

Finally, and most excitingly, I’ve heard rumours this week of a brand new musical featuring Kylie’s greatest hits! According to Company, Kylie says:

“Yes, (stylist and creative director) William Baker and I are working on getting the story written. I’m comfortable because it’s not my life story; it’s about the interpretation of my music.”

We’ve already been thinking of possible plot lines and titles here at VL towers. Better The Devil You Know? Fever? Tears on My Pillow? There are so many top hits to choose from! Add any other ideas to the comments below!