Oxford Events
Stage Watch: I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, Brainiac Live, I’m Every Woman, Legally Blonde & The Rocky Horror Show
Welcome to your round-up of unmissable West End and touring theatre.
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister
Apollo Theatre, London. Booking until 09 May 2026. Save up to 50%
From the BAFTA Award-winning co-creator of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, Jonathan Lynn returns with the long-awaited final chapter of British political satire, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister.
Jim Hacker is back – older, but not necessarily wiser – and still spectacularly out of step with the modern world. Hoping for a quiet retirement at Hacker College, Oxford, he instead finds himself engulfed in a contemporary institutional crisis: cancellation by committee.
As ever, Sir Humphrey Appleby is on hand, armed with bureaucracy, Latin phrases and an instinct for elegant obstruction. What follows is a sharp, affectionate and fast-moving clash between old political instincts and modern institutional chaos, delivered with trademark wit and layered wordplay.
Best for: Fans of Yes Minister, political satire, and classic British comedy writing.
Tips: It’s a dialogue-heavy production, so lean in and catch the rapid-fire exchanges.
Brainiac Live
Garrick Theatre, London. West End return. Save up to 43%
Science’s most chaotic live experience returns to the West End following its Olivier Award win for Best Family Show.
Brainiac Live is a fast-paced, high-energy explosion of experiments, curiosity and controlled chaos. From liquid nitrogen clouds and vortex smoke rings to exploding hydrogen balloons and spinning CO₂ chairs, the show pushes science to its most entertaining extremes.
Designed for families, this is theatre as spectacle – loud, bright, and deliberately unpredictable – where the Brainiacs do all the things you’re definitely not meant to try at home.
Best for: Families and children aged 5+, science enthusiasts, and first-time theatre audiences.
Tips: Expect noise, bangs and visual effects throughout. Earlier performances are better for younger children.
I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London. 22 Jul to 27 Sep. No Booking Fees.
The life and legacy of global icon Chaka Khan comes to the stage in this powerful new musical starring Alexandra Burke.
Spanning five decades, the production charts Chaka Khan’s journey from early struggle to international superstardom, told through the music that defined generations – including Ain’t Nobody, I Feel for You, Sweet Thing and Through the Fire.
Beyond the hits, the show explores the woman behind the legend: her creative collaborations with artists including Prince and Stevie Wonder, her personal battles, and her enduring influence on music and culture.
Best for: Fans of jukebox musicals, soul and R&B, and biographical theatre.
Tips: Check casting notices for select performances where the lead role is performed by an alternate cast member.
Legally Blonde The Musical
New Theatre Oxford, Tue 26 to Sat 30 May 2026
The international smash-hit musical comedy Legally Blonde returns in a bold new production starring Amber Davies as Elle Woods.
Based on the beloved film, the story follows Elle’s transformation from fashion-forward sorority queen to determined Harvard Law student. What begins as a quest for love becomes a journey of self-belief, resilience and reinvention.
From the creative team behind Kinky Boots, this revival leans into big energy, sharp choreography and crowd-pleasing musical numbers, delivering a feel-good night out packed with humour and heart.
Best for: Musical theatre fans, rom-com lovers, and uplifting feel-good entertainment.
Tips: Book early for peak performances. Ensemble numbers are a highlight throughout.
The Rocky Horror Show
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Tue 26 to Sat 30 May 2026
Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ’n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show returns as part of a new world tour, bringing its cult chaos to Aylesbury.
When straight-laced couple Brad and Janet’s car breaks down, they find themselves at the castle of Dr Frank-n-Furter – a night of chaos, transformation, and liberation follows. What unfolds is a riotous mix of rock music, outrageous characters and audience participation.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production features iconic numbers including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and Time Warp – a guaranteed showstopper that has thrilled audiences for decades.
Best for: Cult theatre fans, party audiences, and lovers of classic rock musicals.
Tips: Expect audience interaction. Dress up and join in if you want the full experience.
A chilling new chapter in one of popular culture’s most enduring psychological thrillers is set to unfold on stage, as The Silence of the Lambs prepares for its world premiere theatre adaptation. The electrifying new production comes to New Theatre Oxford from Monday, 19 October 2026.
Leading the first casting announcement, John Partridge will step into the unnerving role of Dr Hannibal Lecter, bringing to life one of fiction’s most refined yet terrifying figures. Best known to many for his long-running stint as Christian Clarke in EastEnders, Partridge’s stage credentials – from Cats to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – mark him as a performer with both range and presence. Now, he takes on a role that has long cast a shadow across the stage and screen.
Adapted by acclaimed playwright Gina Gionfriddo from Thomas Harris’s multi-million-selling novel, the production promises a taut, psychologically charged reimagining of the story. Under the direction of Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of Curve Theatre, the play will explore the intricate and unsettling dynamic between FBI trainee Clarice Starling and the incarcerated psychiatrist whose insight may be key to catching a killer.
The narrative remains as gripping as ever: a young woman missing, a serial killer at large, and a race against time. But at its core lies a more intimate duel- one of intellect, manipulation and psychological brinkmanship- as Clarice is drawn ever deeper into Lecter’s orbit. The question is no longer simply whether she can solve the case, but how close she is willing to get to a monster’s mind.
Speaking on the role, Partridge described the opportunity as both rare and formidable, noting the weight carried by a character whose very name evokes unease, saying, “How often does an actor get to play a role that by simply saying the character’s name, it takes your breath away. It’s a huge honour, and I intend to savour every morsel of it!’’
At just 16, John Partridge left college to join the original UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, later transferring to the West End production at the New London Theatre to star as Rum Tum Tugger. He reprised the role in the official filmed version opposite Elaine Paige and John Mills.
Director Foster echoed this sentiment, saying, “Taking on a role like Hannibal Lecter requires real guts, tenacity and an appetite to confront the darkest depths of the human condition. Working with John on the role has been incredibly inspiring – his instincts are razor sharp – and there is no finer actor to bring to life Thomas Harris’s most chilling creation in our world premiere stage adaptation.”
Gionfriddo’s adaptation is expected to lean into the claustrophobic tension that made the novel a landmark in crime fiction, offering audiences a more immediate and immersive encounter with its characters. By shifting the story to the stage, the production invites viewers into the same confined, high-stakes exchanges that define Clarice and Lecter’s relationship – where every word carries consequence.
Further casting and full creative details are yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building for what promises to be one of the most talked-about theatrical events of 2026.
The Silence of the Lambs opens at New Theatre Oxford from Monday, 19 October 2026. To book, please visit the atgtickets website.
There is something quietly poetic about Daniel Casey’s return to Midsomer Murders. For audiences who remember him as the dependable Sergeant Troy, his reappearance in The Killings at Badger’s Drift – this time as DCI Tom Barnaby – carries a sense of full-circle inevitability.
“So it’s a massive promotion, going from a detective sergeant to a chief inspector. I’ve certainly earned my spurs,” he says, with a wry awareness of the journey.
It is, however, more than a simple step up the ranks. The role of Barnaby is indelibly associated with John Nettles, who defined the character across 13 series of the television adaptation. For Casey, the transition is both deeply personal and professionally significant – rooted in a relationship that mirrors the very dynamic at the heart of the show.
“Barnaby and Troy had an almost father/son, mentor/pupil relationship and that is very much like my relationship with John,” he reflects. When Nettles heard the news, his response was characteristically understated: “Well, he’s learned at the feet of the master.”
“That is certainly true,” Casey adds. And with that lineage comes a clear guiding principle: “John’s advice to me has always been ‘Be true to yourself,’ so that is how I have approached playing Barnaby.”
Honouring the past, shaping the present
Casey is careful to strike a balance between reverence and originality. Having spent years observing Nettles at close quarters – “standing next to him, watching and listening” – he acknowledges the influence, but resists imitation.
“I think it is important not to do an impression, so I will be bringing my own ideas to the role, while honouring John’s original Barnaby’s essential attributes of honesty and integrity.”
Those qualities – steadiness, moral clarity, quiet observation – remain central to the character, and Casey’s interpretation leans into them with a subtle confidence. It is less about reinvention and more about continuity, filtered through experience.
Returning to Midsomer
Revisiting the world of Midsomer Murders was not, by Casey’s own admission, part of the plan. Having left the series in 2003 to pursue other opportunities, he had assumed that chapter was closed.
“I never thought that I would revisit it,” he says. “I had such a happy time playing Troy… but when I made the decision to leave to pursue other things I thought that was that.”
It was only when director Guy Unsworth approached him about the stage adaptation that the possibility resurfaced. Even then, it took a moment of clarity – a workshop reading – to convince him.
“Sitting down and reading Barnaby out loud, it just felt right.”
Now, stepping into the role at a similar age to Nettles when the original episode aired, the experience carries an added resonance. “It brought back so many memories from a really lovely part of my career.”
The enduring appeal of Midsomer
Part of that nostalgia is tied to the show’s remarkable longevity. Syndicated in over 200 territories worldwide, Midsomer Murders has achieved a rare cross-generational appeal – something Casey believes is rooted in its distinctive tone.
“It’s set in the modern day yet it has a kind of 1940s or 1950s feel to it. It’s a wonderful form of escapism… It’s good versus evil, right versus wrong.”
There is, too, a uniquely British quality to its world: the idyllic countryside, the eccentric characters, the quiet tension beneath polite society. “It’s full of eccentrics, which British actors play so well,” he notes – a sentiment that feels particularly apt in the context of a stage production, where those characters can be amplified and explored in new ways.
Theatre, transformation, and the joy of touring
For Casey, the move to theatre is not simply a return, but a reaffirmation of a long-held passion. With an extensive stage career alongside his television work, he relishes the immediacy and unpredictability of live performance.
“I love being part of a company of actors… the challenge is to keep something fresh, real and immediate every night, and I like that challenge.”
That sense of dynamism is at the heart of The Killings at Badger’s Drift, where a multi-rolling cast shifts seamlessly between characters. It is, Casey suggests, part of the production’s appeal.
“We have a fantastic cast of actors who are multi-roling… I challenge the audience to guess how many actors there are in the cast as they transform into so many different characters between scenes!”
Touring, too, offers its own rewards – not least the connection with audiences. “It’s lovely to be able to meet the audience afterwards – especially with something like Midsomer Murders that’s got such a loyal fan base.”
A world worth returning to
Ultimately, Casey’s return to Midsomer is underpinned by something simple: affection. For the character, for the story, and for the experience that shaped a formative part of his career.
“I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets,” he has said elsewhere. And yet, in stepping into Barnaby’s shoes, he has done precisely that – bringing with him both the weight of legacy and the freedom of rediscovery.
For audiences, it is an opportunity to see a familiar world through a slightly different lens. For Casey, it is something perhaps rarer: a return that feels earned.
What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this May
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to the best events, exhibitions, and things to do throughout May in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
May brings creeping warmth and that unmistakable sense of pre-summer excitement. It’s one of Oxfordshire’s finest months — and it’s just around the corner.
We begin, of course, with May Morning on Magdalen Bridge. Then, as the month unfolds, make time for the Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival – the UK’s oldest and largest open studios and pop-up exhibition event – showcasing a vast array of creative work by hundreds of artists, makers, and designers across the county.
Soak up some sunshine at one of Oxfordshire’s many restaurants with outdoor seating, or pack a picnic and claim a coveted spot in one of our beautiful parks, open spaces, nature reserves, or other stunning places to enjoy the outdoors.
Comedy lovers, don’t miss a Saturday night of award-winning laughs at The Glee Club in Oxford. And for a Sunday well spent, why not head to London’s theatreland for a cultural fix between brunch and supper?
To round off the month in true Oxford style, make sure to catch Summer Eights – the beloved rowing regatta where college crews compete on the Isis in one of the university’s most cherished traditions.
Needless to say, this is just a curated taster of the many things to do across Oxfordshire this May. Be sure to check out the Events section for an ever-growing list of events in Oxford and beyond — including unmissable days out across the region.
Got an event that should be featured? You can list your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work, and play in Oxfordshire.
Once again, welcome to your essential guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this May.
Be warned — you’re in for one sweet, sweet month.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Enormous Crocodile is brought to life on stage in a lively musical packed with puppetry, humour and toe-tapping songs, offering a fun-filled family adventure as jungle creatures outwit a greedy crocodile.
Ballet Black returns to Oxford Playhouse with a 25th anniversary programme featuring award-winning choreography and a new commission celebrating innovation, storytelling and the company’s lasting impact on British ballet.
May Morning 2026 will be celebrated on Friday 1 May in Oxford, continuing a tradition that stretches back over 500 years. Festivities begin at dawn with the Magdalen College Choir singing from the iconic 144ft tower, followed by bells, a procession along the High Street.
Traditional Morris and Highland dancing, impromptu performances, and communal celebrations bring students, residents and visitors together for one of Oxford’s most enduring and beloved annual events. Expect hours of dancing and music throughout the city.
Once in a Lifetime brings the sound of the 1980s to the stage, celebrating iconic artists including U2, Prince and Kate Bush in a powerful live tribute performance.
Medieval jousting returns to Stonor Park this May Bank Holiday, with knights, archery, falconry and family activities at Tumblestone Hollow. Visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment, plus access to the adventure playground, house and gardens.
Venue across Henley-on-Thames
Founded in 2006, The Henley Arts Trail is celebrating its 20th year. The trail was set up to showcase the amazing talent in the area. It’s gone from strength to strength and now shows the work of over 300 creatives in 36 venues in and around Henley-on-Thames. Discover the inspiration behind the work of the creatives, the techniques used and buy direct from the makers. From paintings, prints and photography to sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and everything in between.
The Knights of Middle England are ready to take you back to the exciting and colourful era of the Middle Ages with their action-packed, high-octane Jousting and Stunt Show. Visitors will be transported back in time to a medieval tournament complete with authentic tiltyard, royal box, falconry, archery and hand-to-hand combat. Expect thrills – and maybe spills! – in an action-packed day of discovery.
Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios and pop-up exhibition event, showcasing the remarkable visual arts, craft, and creative talent of hundreds of local artists, makers and designers over a three-week period.
As always, you can feast your eyes on a huge range of creative activities by hundreds of artists, makers and designers in artists’ studios, pop-up galleries, glorious gardens, ancient churches, medieval tithe barns and other amazing venues in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Discover more: Exhibitions
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Metropolitan Opera presents Eugene Onegin, starring Asmik Grigorian in a powerful production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s romantic masterpiece.
The North Wall Art Centre
The Furrow Collective brings traditional folk songs to life through storytelling, music and visual art, blending historic ballads with contemporary creativity in performances inspired by their evolving Cantastoria project.
Oasiz brings the sound of Oasis to the stage, recreating iconic hits and celebrating the legacy of the legendary Knebworth shows with an authentic live tribute experience.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming ride, exploring identity, diversity, and self-acceptance. This sparkling musical extravaganza is packed with jaw-dropping dance routines, eye-popping costumes, and an iconic soundtrack full of your favourite 80s and 90s disco and dance anthems, including; Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally and many more
The Beekeeper of Aleppo brings Christy Lefteri’s bestselling novel to the stage—a moving story of love, loss, and hope amid war, adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler.
Dogs are welcome this May in the Courtyards, Formal Gardens and Walled Gardens at Blenheim Palace, allowing visitors to explore beautiful grounds with their pets. Facilities and guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, with cafés and shops remaining dog-friendly year-round.
Join a dazzling dozen of the world’s best professional dancers as they take to the road for the 2026 official Strictly The Professionals UK Tour. This exhilarating show will showcase the exceptional talent of 12 of TV’s beloved professional dancers, supported by incredible singers and a live band, all performed within the wonderful world of glamour and sparkle that fans know and love from the smash hit series.
The North Wall Arts Centre
The Easy Rollers bring the spirit of the Jazz Age to life with original songs and vintage-inspired arrangements, celebrating their 10th anniversary with energetic performances rooted in 1920s and 1930s jazz traditions.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Renowned TV medium Tony Stockwell brings his acclaimed Evening of Mediumship to the stage, blending humour, empathy, and intuition. Expect emotional readings, psychic insights, and spiritual connections that entertain, inspire, and offer comfort to those seeking messages from loved ones beyond.
Roll up, roll up, the Giffords Circus is back at Blenheim Palace! Step inside the tent, which is situated amongst the beautiful, ancient trees of the parkland near the Butterfly House and Marlborough Hedge Maze and enter a world of colourful acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians and, of course, Tweedy the Clown.
St John’s College Auditorium
Mishka Rushdie Momen performs a programme of Ludwig van Beethoven sonatas alongside Maurice Ravel’s Miroirs, showcasing a journey from classical mastery to impressionist brilliance.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
C Hammersmith delivers an hour of improvised comedy rap, turning audience suggestions into fast-paced, witty performances packed with sharp punchlines and spontaneous humour.
Al Murray brings his brand new stand up show – All You Need Is Guv, with hot-takes for the masses and offering a much-needed truth tonic. With a fresh and frothing pint to hand, a barrel of laughs to pour from, and a flower in his heart, Guv is all you need.
MichaelⓇ Starring Ben celebrates the music and magic of the King of Pop in a spectacular live show. Starring Ben Bowman, the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute artist, the production features a live band, stunning costumes, and all the greatest hits.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Matt Forde returns with Defying Calamity, a sharp and witty live show blending political satire and personal insight as he finds humour and optimism in challenging times.
Michael Starring Ben recreates the magic of Michael Jackson with live music, iconic dance routines and classic hits performed by tribute artist Ben Bowman.
Cliveden House, Berkshire
Based on Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s beloved book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt follows a family on a thrilling adventure through rivers, mud and forests. Little Angel Theatre’s enchanting puppetry makes this a joyful, immersive experience for brave young explorers and bear lovers alike.
A spectacular tribute to Barry Manilow brings his greatest hits to life with a full live band, dazzling performances and timeless songs in an unforgettable concert experience.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Russell Howard returns with Don’t Tell The Algorithm, a new stand up show delivering sharp, high-energy comedy in a distraction-free setting focused purely on live performance.
The Oxford Town and Gown 10k takes place on Sunday 10 May 2026, attracting up to 6,000 runners of all abilities. Founded in 1982 in memory of Daniel Cleaver, the race continues to support Muscular Dystrophy UK, with all profits donated to the charity.
The scenic City Centre course finishes in University Parks and offers a friendly, vibrant atmosphere for first-timers, seasoned runners and fun participants alike. Join Oxford’s cherished annual event for sport, community and a great cause.
Discover more: Sporting events in Oxfordshire
In 2026, the Illegal Eagles celebrate an incredible 30 years on the road with their brand-new Hotel California Tour – featuring a full performance of the iconic album, played in its entirety — including classics like Life in the Fast Lane, New Kid in Town, and, of course, the unforgettable title track..
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Rust For Glory delivers powerful live performances celebrating the music of Neil Young, spanning acoustic ballads to electric rock classics from across his career.
The Fureys return for their final ever concert as part of their Farewell Tour, celebrating decades of Irish folk music and iconic songs that have touched generations.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings bring bold folk sounds to the stage, blending original songs and traditional music with theatrical flair, featuring leading musicians from Bellowhead, Leveret and beyond in a dynamic live performance.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Horrible Histories brings Terrible Tudors to the stage with thrilling 3D effects, exploring Henry VIII, Bloody Mary and the Spanish Armada in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome history and humour for all ages.
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates Sir John Rutter with a special concert featuring his works alongside Grieg, Bach, Delius and Elgar, with Rutter conducting and a distinguished line up of soloists.
Midge Ure brings his visionary A Man Of Two Worlds, blending his iconic hits with the atmospheric instrumentals featured on his solo albums. Don’t miss the chance to experience a truly unique evening of music that bridges decades of creativity — a live set not just performed, but curated, woven together into one unforgettable narrative.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Horrible Histories brings Awful Egyptians to the stage with dazzling 3D effects, exploring pharaohs, pyramids and mummies in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome facts and humour for audiences of all ages.
Alfie is a hugely successful, multi-platinum selling artist and has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning stage, recording, and television. This performance will see Alfie bring his unmistakable voice to New Theatre Oxford, joined by special guest, singer-songwriter, Jessica Sweetman.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
The Sound of Springsteen celebrates 40 years of Born in the U.S.A. with a high-energy theatre show, bringing Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits to life through powerful vocals, iconic instrumentation and a nostalgic journey through rock history.
St Andrew’s Church, Summertown
Experience Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle in a captivating summer concert, featuring exceptional soloists, piano and harmonium, celebrating the composer’s late masterpiece.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
The Unthanks bring their genre-blending sound to the stage, combining folk, jazz and orchestral influences in a critically acclaimed performance shaped by two decades of innovation and storytelling rooted in the traditions of North East England.
Members of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence and Brahms’s String Sextet No. 1 in a dynamic chamber concert, blending intensity, elegance and rich musical textures in an evening of powerful string music.
Emma Kenny returns with Killer Couples, a gripping true crime show exploring how love can twist into terror. Through chilling real-life cases, Emma examines the psychology behind couples who kill, revealing what drives passion to turn fatally dark.
World Heritage site Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is the magical location for this family-friendly fun run with a beautiful lakeside off-road section. There are three events to choose from: The main 7k, 4 miles for buggies and wheelchairs and 1 mile for under 15s. You can even take part with your dog.
The programme comprises three contrasting pieces – Coleridge-Taylor’s Petite Suite de Concert, Dvořák’s Violin Concerto with Emmanuel Bach, and Bruch’s Second Symphony – showcasing Didcot Concert Orchestra’s mission to bring tuneful classical music to delight Didcot audiences.
Austentatious is an award-winning West End smash-hit comedy. The cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience and performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment. It’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo returns to cinemas with new footage, exploring the life, art and legacy of the iconic artist through expert insight, personal letters and exclusive access ahead of the Tate Britain exhibition.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
That’ll Be The Day celebrates its 40th anniversary with a lively mix of rock ‘n’ roll, pop and comedy, taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through classic hits from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Alfie Boe announces a UK tour for 2026, performing iconic hits, fan favourites and new material from Face Myself, with special guest Jessica Sweetman joining the celebrated tenor at venues including the Royal Albert Hall.
Renowned for their joyous, high-energy live shows, the multi-talented troupe of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will bring a brand new production to stages across the country, putting a retro spin on everything from ’70s rock classics and’ 80s Britpop staples to today’s chart-toppers, movie themes and even video-game soundtracks.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra performs Ravel, Saint-Saëns and Sibelius, featuring Alexandra Conunova in Violin Concerto No. 3 and culminating in Sibelius’s powerful Symphony No. 2, a programme of elegance, intensity and uplifting orchestral drama.
James Morrison celebrates 20 years of Undiscovered with a special anniversary tour, performing the iconic album in full alongside career highlights following his recent Top 5 album Fight Another Day.
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet performs in the St John’s International Piano Series after the sad passing of Jonathan Powell. The programme links Beethoven, Hummel, Schumann, Ohana and Ravel, exploring musical connections across eras in a richly woven concert of classical piano works.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
ZZ TOPPD, the Essex-based tribute to ZZ Top, return in 2026 with Can’t Stop Tourin’, a two hour live show featuring costume changes, iconic furry guitars and classic blues-rock energy, celebrating the legendary Texas band’s music and enduring stage presence.
Blenheim Palace Food Festival is back with a food festival for everyone. Expect three days of culinary thrills with a fantastic line-up of celebrity chefs and experts, amazing food and drink from a huge selection of artisanal producers and street food vendors, interactive masterclasses and tastings and plenty of fun for all the family.
Join the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte Sanctuary Choir for a spirited lunchtime concert of gospels and American choral highlights by Anton Copland, Elaine Hagenberg, Hoses Hogan, Stephen Paulus and others.
Ministry of Science Live returns from London’s West End with an explosive, interactive show exploring how science shapes everyday life. Featuring live demonstrations, humour and audience participation, the team celebrates scientists and inventors while inspiring audiences to change the world for the better.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Ella Al-Shamahi explores the story of Homo sapiens in a compelling talk blending science, storytelling and humour. Drawing on evolution, exploration and human history, she reveals how our species survived, thrived and reshaped the world.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
The Comedy Store Players bring their legendary improvised show to the stage, featuring stars of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’. Expect fast-paced comedy, audience-led games and spontaneous songs in a night of world-class improvisation.
An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight – An enchanting live performance of whimsical and otherworldly dark fantasy film music, brought to life by the Illuminated Orchestra, beneath the glow of a giant moon.
de Jager Auditorium, Trinity College
Tenor Santiago Sanchez and pianist Christopher Glynn perform Schumann’s Dichterliebe alongside songs by Albéniz, Guastavino, Ginastera and Turina in a programme of love, longing and loss.
Join Seven Drunken Nights as The Story of the Dubliners celebrates its incredible 10th Anniversary with a night of great Irish music. The show is packed full of classics like Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover, and Rocky Road to Dublin – guaranteed to get your toes tapping as they bring the joy of this much-loved Irish folk band back to the stage.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Hamza Yassin brings his first theatre tour to the stage, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, breathtaking footage and personal reflections from his global wildlife adventures in a show celebrating nature, storytelling and exploration.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Rocky Horror Show arrives in Aylesbury as part of its world tour, bringing Richard O’Brien’s cult classic to life with iconic songs, outrageous characters and a high-energy theatrical party.
Join the iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde, an upbeat, fun story about self-discovery and challenging stereotypes.
The Summer Eights 2026 takes place in May over four days, from Wednesday to Saturday of the fifth week of Trinity Term. Oxford’s iconic bumps regatta is held on the Isis – a stretch of the River Thames in Oxford – with boats chasing each other in single file, aiming to catch and ‘bump’ the crew ahead.
Spectators line the banks to watch the thrilling racing, including over-bumps and the battle for Head of the River. The regatta is organised by Oxford University Rowing Clubs, the confederation overseeing all college crews and inter-collegiate contests within the University of Oxford.
Alfie Moore brings Acopalypse Now to the stage, blending sharp humour with real life policing stories as he tackles crime, culture wars and modern chaos in a witty and thought-provoking stand up show.
Rock for Heroes delivers a high-energy celebration of classic rock, featuring hits from Queen, Bon Jovi and Fleetwood Mac in a fun-filled live show with music, laughter and singalong moments.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Oasiz celebrate 30 years of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory with a UK tour featuring iconic Oasis anthems and a setlist packed with fan favourites.
London Concertante presents The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight, a powerful 2026 show exploring passion and intensity through Argentine tango, with live music, new arrangements and expressive dance.
Taylormania is an award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, with an incredible live band and dancers will perform all of Taylor’s much-loved hits including; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more.
Every Saturday (Except 26 December)
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Pat Suet-Bik Hui & the Three Perfections showcases the Hong Kong-born artist’s mastery of painting, calligraphy, and poetry, presented alongside works by her teacher Lui Shou-Kwan and other historical examples. The exhibition highlights Hui’s contemporary approach, blending abstract ink and colour washes with poetic inscriptions exploring love, loss, and life’s quiet joys.
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World at the Ashmolean Museum uncovers the hidden histories behind Britain’s most beloved blooms. Explore over 100 artworks and objects that reveal how plant exploration and trade shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoBicester man denies sexually assaulting two young girls
-
Oxford News2 weeks agoBanbury cake company with 400 year history shut down
-
UK News2 weeks agoStarmer says it ‘beggars belief’ he wasn’t told about Mandelson vetting failure as he faces Commons – UK politics live | Politics
-
UK News2 weeks agoTV tonight: Shetland meets CSI in a new drama about a disgraced cop | Television
-
Crime & Safety3 weeks agoLorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped
-
UK News2 weeks agoFears over rogue parking by sunrise-chasers at national park after overnight ban
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks ago‘A red kite stole my mother-in-law’s sausage rolls’
-
UK News4 weeks agoUkraine war briefing: Russian oil facilities burn as Zelenskyy tours Middle East | Ukraine