What's in the Cinema this Week? (March 30 - April 5)

This is one of those rare and disappointing weeks without any mainstream openings. The Phoenix has a couple of foreign films opening, and there's a pre-release of the movie Sunshine on Thursday.

Sunshine stars Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Rose Byrne, and Michelle Yeoh. The Sun is dying, and mankind is dying with it. Our last hope: a spaceship and a crew of eight men and women. They carry a device which will breathe new life into the star. But deep into their voyage, out of radio contact with Earth, their mission is starting to unravel. Soon the crew are fighting not only for their lives, but their sanity. The film contains strong violence, horror and language. (15)

Opening at the Phoenix this week is the Italian film The Family Friend (L'Amico di Famiglia), starring Laura Chiatti, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, and Giacomo Rizzo.A highly original, gripping and occasionally grotesque suspense drama, the film intensely explores extreme emotions whilst playing out a clever confidence-trick crime plot. In a small town, an ageing loan shark who lives with his mother is undone by greed and his fatal attraction to a beautiful young woman. The film contains strong language and moderate sex. (15)

Also at the Phoenix is Days of Glory (Indigenes), starring Sami Bouajila, Roschdy Zem, Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, and Bernard Blancan. A tribute to the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of North Africans drafted into the French army during WWII, the film charts the experiences of a handful of Algerians and Moroccans as they make their perilous way through Italy, Provence and the Vosges to Alsace. Coupled with the superb performances - the ensemble won the Best Actor prize at Cannes - is powerful and clear storytelling. The film contains strong language and moderate war violence. (12A)

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

What's in the Theatre this Week? (March 30 - April 5)

The Oxford Playhouse:

Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis - Josie is dreading her 40th birthday, a party has been arranged with a very special guest... a Chinese Elvis impersonator. His arrival triggers a magical change in everyone, daring them to start anew. It's now or never... Maureen Lipman stars in this bitter-sweet comedy.

The Snow Queen - Internationally acclaimed Teatro Kismet's deliciously inventive production is at once comic and grotesque, sensual and chilling. A spine-tingling adaptation of a classic tale, to touch the hearts of young and old alike.

Old Fire Station:

Playhouse Creatures - "Lets have women on the stage"

In the year 1669, the theatre is bawdy world of instability, vitality and hardship. The women of the playhouse know full well that making the right moves can gain you overnight celebrity status, but making the wrong ones could leave you in the gutter. When this happens to one of their number it becomes painfully apparent that in Charles II’s society of decaying decadence, a shapely leg is the most important asset for treading the boards

Laurence and Gus - After another exceptional year at the Edinburgh Festival, award-winning double-act Laurence & Gus are back on the road to perform their newest show entitled Next In Line, directed for the third time by Joss Bennathan.

Michael Mcintyre - Michael McIntyre "the most gifted young comedian around" (Metro) performs his new show. 'An Evening with Michael McIntyre', and is ready to take Oxford by Storm. Nominated for the Perrier Best Newcomer award Michael's new show is the perfect blend of I provisional and acute observational comedy. A hilarious night of comedy and satire as Michael gives his perspective on everyday life.

Wil Hodgson - In a circuit engorged with empty observations, madcap characterisations and hilarious magicians, the individual voice is sometimes lost among the comedic white noise. However, Will Hodgson's Chippenham burr comes through loud and bloody clear. Drawing on a wealth of life experiences not available to the current homogenized middle class pool of comics, this former skinhead, punk, professional wrestler and member of the communist party, regales us with tales of anti fascism, small town prejudice, his passion for 'the big women' and care bears.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Stillman with support from Danielle Helms - If you like Nick Drake, Doves, Elbow or Turin Brakes, you'll love Stillman. Stillman is the brainchild of one man - Chaz Craik, a multi-instrumentalist who combines soaring and powerful vocal harmonies with melodic hooks and upbeat yet deceptively dark lyrics. Chaz is supported for one night only by local singer and songwriter Danielle Helms.

The Simple Process of Alchemy - Presented by Exiled Theatre Follow the experiments and misadventures of two charlatan scientists in Renaissance Italy in this invigorating evening of surreal and silly entertainment. Bursting with clowning, caricature and real scientific experiments, the two actors play over 20 parts between them as their scientists discover a love potion, the secret of alchemy and the true nature of the earth.

New Theatre:

Sing-A-Long-A Sound Of Music - Your chance to sing along with Maria, hiss the Countess and boo the Nazis in this subtitled version of the classic Julie Andrews musical. So cut up that chintz, pull on the lederhosen and join in the nation's craziest communal karaoke.

Russian Cossack State Dance Company - World class company of 40 sensational dancers, musicians and singers widely regarded as Russia's premiere dance troupe.

Michael Ball - Michael Ball is one of Britain's most famous musical performers, having starred in countless Broadway and West End shows. In 1998, he won the Variety Club of Britain's Best Recording Act Award and has a loyal and dedicated fan base. As well as on stage, he performs regularly on television and film and is a committed charity worker. He has a very special place in the hearts of his fans who have supported him for over twenty years.

Russell Watson - Salford's answer to Pavarotti with a debut album 'The Voice' establishing him as a major international tenor. After starting in the pubs and working men's clubs of the north west of England, he's notched up unprecedented chart success on both sides of the Atlantic; has sung for the likes George W Bush and the Pope; and has performed more times at Wembley than Beckham and Owen.

Miscellaneous Theatre :

RJ - A Rock Musical - Musical Youth Company of Oxford present an innovative retelling of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Musical styles range from gospel to hip hop via pop and rock. It presents the familiar story in a new way and is well worth a visit!

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Folk Music (March 30 - April 5)

In honour of the fourth Oxford Folk Festival taking place this weekend, from Friday the 30th through Sunday the 1st, we're listing all of the festival's events. Ticket and event information can be found on the festival's website.

Friday:

• Magpie Lane- Holywell Music Room
  
• Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain + Songs from the Blue House - Oxford Town Hall
  
• Climax Ceilidh Band & caller Gordon Potts - Emperor Ballroom, Cowley

Saturday:

• John Kirkpatrick & Meridian & Christminster Singers- Oxford Brookes University
  
• Spiers & Boden & Lisa Knapp & Lost Music of the Gaels- Oxford Town Hall
  
• The Daughters of Elvin, Salsa Celtica, Fernhill & James Chadwick, The Woodpecker Band & caller Sheila Masson - Town Hall
  
• The Daughters of Elvin - Holywell Music Room
  
• Indigo Moss - The Cellar

Sunday:

• Sid Kipper- Oxford Town Hall
  
• John Renbourn, Robin Williamson & Fribo - Oxford Town Hall
  
• Eliza Carthy & the Ratcatchers, & Luke Smith- Oxford Town Hall
• An Evening of Folk Music - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
• Rafael with jazz guitarist Jez Cook - Far from the Madding Crowd

In addition to the music, there are festival events taking place at the Oxford Castle on Saturday and Sunday:

10am-6pm: Free Craft Fair
12 noon-4pm:Free Dance Displays
10.30am-4pm: Childrens' Crafts Free to day/season ticket holders. Admission may be available on the door at £2 per hour session, subject to availability of places. Children of under 8 should be accompanied by an adult parent.
10.30am: Mini Melodeons workshops, for over 8s (mini melodeons will be supplied)
12.00 noon:Crafty Fun with Foam Material.Cuckoo Crafts
1.30pm: Fun and Games with songs and percussion session. Greg and Kay Smallbone
3.00pm: Make a Green Man mask and other crafty Green Man items. Cuckoo Crafts

Market Tavern Closing, Japanese Restaurant Opening

This month's Nightshift music magazine reports: "THE MARKET TAVERN in Market Streethome to the Music Market venue, is due to close sometime in the next two months. The pub has been bought by a Japanese restaurant chain. The exact closure date is still not certain but sometime in May looks the most likely scenario."

We're sad for the Market Tavern, but we're excited about a new Japanese restaurant opening in Oxford, especially since Gashi Gashi closed down. Does anyone know which chain bought the pub?