Paying for theatre tickets can be an expensive task at the best of times and with venues up and down the country struggling to put patron's bums on seats, times are really hard. London's West End is no different - during the past 2 years or so, many productions have fallen foul of dwindling attendances (or by just being rubbish) and have been faced with early closure. It is therefore very refreshing to reveal this extensive West End season devised by the acclaimed Michael Grandage Company.

Formed of five plays and boasting over 100,000 tickets priced from just £10, Grandage's choices range from the traditional 'blockbuster' to the newest writings and are set to star some of the biggest names in theatre. The season will run from December 2012 until February 2014 with the very strong likelihood that all shows will sell out very quickly, not just because of the stars involved, but due to the probable press coverage between now and the end of this year - so book now!

All shows will take place at the Noel Coward Theatre and range in price from £10 (balcony), £27.50 (grand circle) to £57.50 (top stalls).

Privates on Parade

Everyone loves a bit of bawdy slapstick farce and this hilarious tale of a soldier posted to the Far East was written by Peter Nichols and first performed in 1977. This version, based on the play and the risqué film of the same name, stars Simon Russell Beale (Spooks, An Ideal Husband) and runs from 1st December 2012 until 2nd March 2013.

Peter and Alice

Dame Judi Dench (Shakespeare, James Bond) and Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake, Nathan Barley, Perfume) star in John Logan's new play which focuses on when two children's characters meet for the first time at a Lewis Carroll exhibition - the real Alice in Wonderland meets the real Peter Pan. Runs from 9th March to 1st June 2013.

The Cripple of Inishmaan

Martin McDonagh's touching play starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, Woman in Black etc) concerns crippled Billy, a man who dreams of escaping the claustrophobic world of the Aran Islands (Ireland) and running away to Hollywood. This comic landmark will run from 8th June until 31st August 2013.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

The first of two classic slices of Shakespeare at the Noel Coward, kicks off with this tale of love, confusion, more love and even more confusion between Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius. Starring David Walliams (Little Britain, Come Fly With Me) and Sheridan Smith (Two Pints of Lager, Benidorm), this chaotic comedy runs from 7th September to 16th November 2013.

Henry V

The King of England and the country he is supposed to be ruling, is in tatters. Henry V, performed by Jude Law, is losing the plot and needs to get a grip on his soldiers, his nation and his future. Shakespeare's call to arms will run from 23rd November until 15th February 2014.