What's in the Theatres July 13-26?

Oxford Playhouse:

Lies Have Been Told - In 1991 this larger-than-life newspaper tycoon disappeared overboard from his luxury yacht. Was his drowning an accident? Did he jump? Or was he the victim of secret agents?

Pam Ayres - Surgically Enhanced - Pam Ayres, "The People's Poet", comes to the Oxford Playhouse with her current show which includes material from her recently published book, along with some old favourites.

Ennio Marchetto - Ennio Marchetto is the original quick change artist who revolutionises the art of origami into theatrical magic. A living cartoon, Ennio's show is a tour de force of inspired creativity.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin - A passionate story full of laughter and tears, the joy of love and ultimately, the triumph of life over death.

Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen - For more than forty years Kenny Ball has flown the flag for his particular brand of Traditional Jazz all over the world, becoming one of the most successful Jazz trumpet players this side of the Atlantic.

Cuban Meltdown - Cuban Jazz guru, multi-instrumentalist and scat master Bobby Carcasses has been described as 'Cuba's best kept secret', rendering the New York Jazz fraternity speechless after his performances.

Bedroom Farce - One chaotic evening… three different bedrooms. Alan Ayckbourn's ingenious play about relationships and the perils of DIY.

Creation Theatre Company :

Hamlet - Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, finds his world thrown into turmoil by the sudden death of his father and his mothers hasty remarriage to his uncle Claudius. When his fathers ghost appears to tell him of his Claudius treachery, Hamlets hatred for his uncle and obsessive love for his mother sets him on a ruthless quest for retribution. Join Creation Theatre Company for the ultimate tale of obsession, insanity and revenge, as Shakespeare's greatest tragedy is retold in a bold, modern style within the atmospheric walls of Oxford Castle.

The Taming of the Shrew - Baptista Minola has two daughters; obedient Bianca and ill-tempered Katherine. Baptista has declared that no-one may court Bianca until Katherine is married. Undaunted by tales of Katherines shrewish behaviour, the eccentric Petruchio decides that he is the man to tame her and sets about doing so, with surprising consequences. Enjoy a sparkling new production of one of Shakespeares best-loved comedies in our brand new setting at the foot of the Castle Mound.

Old Fire Station:
A Midsummer Night's Dream - A Midsummer Night's Dream is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare written sometime in the 1590s. It portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, Theseus and Hippolyta, and with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular.

Charity Showcase

Sonnets and Shorts

Burton Taylor Theatre:
Kids Love Comedy: Patrick Monahan and Matt Kirshen - Welcome to Oxford's only comedy club just for kids. With Patrick Monahan and Matt Kirshen, regulars at James Campbell's Comedy Club 4 Kids, you will be taken on a comedic journey across a surreal sea of silliness. A fun, friendly event for all the family.

New Theatre:

The Commitments - Following a worldwide media tour in 1991 to promote the global success of the Alan Parker film of Roddy Doyle's acclaimed novel, the band went their separate ways. During the promotion, the cast were repeatedly asked when they would be touring & playing concerts. There were so many requests, that by 1993, several of the stars decided The Commitments should be reborn as a live, working, touring band & become 'Dublin's Saviours Of Soul' for real. They have toured the world ever since & on many special occasions, their co-stars from the movie (including Michael Aherne, Robert Arkins & Johnny Murphy) all perform with the band.

Ricky Gervais - A darkly brilliant comedian: someone who has made a career out of saying the most embarrassing and cringeworthy thing in the vain attempt to impress. As writer and star of BBC2's outstanding fake docu-soap 'The Office', Ricky - and his character David Brent - have achieved worldwide acclaim resulting in the winning of two Golden Globe Awards in 2004.

Pegasus Theatre:
Pegasus Jamboree: Landmark Echoes - This year's Jamboree will be exploring those landmark moments, places or buildings in people's lives, both personal and historic, which change and effect ourselves, our community and society in general. Groups from Pegasus theatre and the local community come together with drama, dance, film and music performances inspired by the theme. Come early and enjoy the live music performances from 30 minutes before the show!

Oxford Shakespeare Company Productions:
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Wadham College
The Oxford Shakespeare Company have earned a dedicated following for their intimate, accessible but brilliantly imaginative shows in some of Oxford and London's most prestigious venues. A Midsummer Night's Dream should prove no exception and an excellent ensemble will be energized by the unique physical skills of professional circus performers and an enchanting choral and instrumental score.

Miscellaneous Theatre:
North Wall Arts Centre:
Home, The Swing Left, Masked, and Love in the Shining City
Please see the website for descriptions and times for these performances.

The Rivals - Trinity College Garden
Lydia Languish has fallen in love with a penniless Ensign, but her Aunt's choice is a dashing young Captain - who happens to be the same person. Thus begins a riotous series of deceits, misunderstandings and quarrels, culminating in a confrontation with cocked pistols and drawn swords.

"Shakespeare and Storytelling...On The Pond" - Sunningwell Festival. Abingdon Touring Theatre will be performing a fast-paced, abridged version of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", while Oxford Impro will be asking you to fill their heads with ideas for an evening of Storytelling and Sketches.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here