Opening this week in Oxford is Evan Almighty, starring Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman. The life of newly elected Congressman Evan Baxter (Carell) is turned upside-down when God (Freeman) appears and mysteriously commands him to build an ark. This film contains characters in danger and infrequent mild language. (PG)

Opening at the Phoenix this week is Golden Door (Nuovomondo) starring Aurora Quattrocchi, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vincenzo Amato, and Francesco Casisa. From a desolate corner of Sicily in 1913, the Mancuso family, alongside hundreds of their countrymen, embark on an epic journey to a land dreamed of but never seen - an earthly paradise where fruits grow perfect and huge, and money falls from the trees: America. But not all are destined to enter the gates of Heaven. A modern fable from director Emanuele Crialese, Golden Door captures the spirit of the immigrant experience as one family sheds the comfort of the Old World for the opportunities of the New – a risk that carries no guarantee of success. (PG)

The OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL opens on Monday evening at the Phoenix with the timeless classic Alien (18) and is followed by Casino Royale (12A) on Tueday, Serenity (15) on Wednesday, Before Sunrise (15) on Thursday, Some Like It Hot (U) on Friday and Pulp Fiction (18) on the final Saturday.

Lastly, at the Vue this week is the animated Happily N'Ever After starring George Carlin, Sigourney Weaver, Patrick Warburton, Freddie Prinze Jr., John Di Maggio, Andy Dick, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. An alliance of evil-doers, led by Frieda (Weaver), looks to take over Fairy Tale Land. But when Ella (Gellar) realizes her stepmother is out to ruin her storybook existence, she takes a dramatic turn and blossoms into the leader of the resistance effort.

What's in the Theatre this week? (August 3-9)

Oxford Playhouse:
Blonde Bombshells of 1943 - The most glamorous all-girl swing band in the North return to the Playhouse due to popular demand. Another chance to catch this warm and witty musical play, packed with live performances of 1940s songs.

Creation Theatre Company:
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.

The Oxfordshire Passion Play - A man born out of controversy, a political prisoner betrayed by a friend and murdered for his beliefs. Sinner, saviour or Son of God? As part of the Oxfordshire 2007 celebrations, Creation Theatre Company takes the traditional street theatre of the Mystery Play and transforms it into a striking contemporary production featuring a large community chorus. Castle Gardens.

Old Fire Station:

The Flute Player

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Rock School - Rock School Graduates perform their pieces. Limited amount of space.

New Theatre:

High School Musical

Scooby-Doo! In Stage Fright - Live On Stage! - Enter the world of the Mystery inc. gang as they find themselves solving another mystery of supernatural ghosts wreaking havoc once again. Featuring a full-size Mystery Machine, hilarious physical comedy, popular tunes and awe inspiring special effects. Fun for the whole family including big kids who grew up watching the TV show and littler kids who have just discovered Scooby-Doo for this first time. This is Scooby-Doo and the gang at their finest and funniest - don’t miss the chance to see whether ‘those pesky kids’ solve the mystery and save the day.

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.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (August 3-9)

Friday:

• Charivari Agreable's Early Music by Candlelight: Jefferson's Passion - Exeter College Chapel


• Steve Kaldestad (sax) with Tim Dawes and Frank Harrison - The Old Parsonage


• Addis’ababa presents DJ Reggae Night - Exeter Hall


• The Long Insiders + Jump Pilots + The Wish - Jericho Tavern

Saturday:

• Cathedral Singers' The Whole Company of Heaven - Christ Church Cathedral


• Adderbury Ensemble - Sheldonian Theatre


• John Etheridge on Guitar - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf


• The Melting Pot Presents Nine Stone Cowboy + Ulysses + The Ravines + Cabaret Rat - Jericho Tavern


• A Silent Film + Richard Walters + screening of A Silent Film video for "The Lamplight" - The Ultimate Picture Palace on Cowley Road


• Exposure Presents Liddington + Ally Craig + Black Soul - Exeter Hall

Sunday:

• Coffee Concert with the Adderbury Ensemble - Holywell Music Room


• Charivari Agreable's Early Music by Candlelight: Marry My Daughter - Exeter College Chapel


• Jack Gibbons plays Chopin: Paris Triumphs - Holywell Music Room


• Sunday Music at Blenheim Palace: Charles Spanner returns - Blenheim Palace


• Tammy Weis (vocals) with Simon Colam (piano) Tim Dawes (double bass) - Gees

Monday:

• Famous Monday Night Blues with Little Jenny & The Blue Beans (Sweden) - Backroom at the Bully


• Eton Choral Course: Choral Evensong - University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Tuesday:

• Lunchtime Recital: Clive Driskill-Smith on Organ - Town Hall


• Aneesa Choudhry with John Crawford (keys) and Andres Ticino (percussion) - The Big Bang


• The Oxford Jazz Club with The Howard Peacock Quintet - Backroom at the Bully


• Charivari Agreable's Early Music by Candlelight: Fandango! - Exeter College Chapel


• Adderbury Ensemble - Sheldonian Theatre

Wednesday:

• Charivari Agreable's Early Music by Candlelight: Double Reed Delights - Exeter College Chapel


• The Piney Gir Country Roadshow - The Jericho Tavern

Thursday:

• Adderbury Ensemble - Sheldonian Theatre


• Fairport's Cropredy Convention opening night: Jools Holland brings his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra along, where he’ll be supported by the current golden boy of English folk, Seth Lakeman, as well as classic rockers Wishbone Ash.


• Zaturgus - Exeter Hall


• Flies are Spies From Hell + Twentysixfeet + Pye - The Cellar

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