We’re taking a step back in time for this week’s collection of budget-friendly theatre. In this selection are five theatrical performance relics set in distant times in a land far, far (or maybe not so far) away, at ticket prices that won’t break the bank. From Ecuador in the 30s to 12th Century England, let your car (or the subway) be your trusty police box to whisk you away on a new adventure.

The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay (Theatre@York). The 1728 satirical play of politics and public morality gets an edgy production. Previews Jan 28. Opens Jan 29 and runs to Feb 1, Tue-Fri 7:30 pm, mat Fri-Sat 1 pm. $17, stu/srs $12, preview $5. York University Accolade East Bldg, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan Theatre, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888, finearts.yorku.ca/beggarsopera.

The Lady’s Not for Burning by Christopher Fry (Alumnae Theatre). A suicidal soldier falls for a woman accused of witchcraft in 1400s England in this romantic comedy. Opens Jan 24 and runs to Feb 8, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. $20, Sun pwyc. 70 Berkeley. 416-364-4170, alumnaetheatre.com.

Murder in the Cathedral by TS Eliot (Trinity College Dramatic Society). Archbishop Thomas Becket clashes with King Henry II in 12th-century England. Jan 30-Feb 1, Thu-Sat 8 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Trinity College Chapel, 6 Hoskin. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Pith! by Stewart Lemoine (The Theatre Department). A sailor leads a widow and her housekeeper on an exotic jungle adventure without leaving the living room. Previews Jan 15. Opens Jan 16 and runs to Feb 2, Tue-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $20, Tue pwyc. Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson. 416-504-7529, thetheatredepartment.com.

Scotland Road by Jeffrey Hatcher (Amicus Productions). A young woman in 19th-century clothing is found on an iceberg 75 years after the sinking of the Titanic in this psychodrama. Opens Jan 30 and runs to Feb 8, Thu-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (and Feb 8) at 2 pm. $22, srs $20, stu $18. Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery. 416-860-6176, amicusproductions.ca.