What's in the Theatres this Week? (Fri 18 - Thu 24 July)

Oxford Playhouse:

Topless Mum - A topical satire on tabloid journalism - how far can the story be spun to stop the real truth leaking out?

Gervase Phinn - With his keen ear for the absurd and sharp eye for the ludicrous, Gervase Phinn has delighted audiences all over the UK with his hilarious tales of life as a schools inspector in the Yorkshire Dales.

Rafael and Friends - An evening of raw energy, passion and dance Following his previous sell out performances at the Playhouse, internationally renowned flamenco guitarist Rafael is back and pushing the boundaries of this passionate art form. Rafael's unique yet instantly recognisable sound will combine with exquisite performances from his special guests Domingo Patricio and Rafael de Utrera to bring audiences a night of passion and virtuosity.

Have You Had It Long Madam? - Join Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury for their tales from the Antiques Roadshow

Creation Theatre Company:

Much Ado About Nothing - A sparkling new production of one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, Charlotte Conquest (Measure for Measure 2008, The Oxford Passion 2007) returns to direct this raucous romance following two of Shakespeare's feistiest and funniest characters, Benedick and Beatrice. Oxford Castle Unlocked Castleyard

Shakespeare's Saints and Sinners - In this inspiring new one-man show, we recreate some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters - the good, the bad and the downright psychotic. Shakespeare's most incisive insights into the human condition are exposed and explored by director Heather Davies (The Taming of the Shrew, 2007) and veteran Creation actor Tom Peters. St Michael at the North Gate

Burton Taylor Studio:

Little Red Hen - A Stuff & Nonsense Theatre production with Salisbury Playhouse Down on the farm all seems quiet and peaceful, Cow is chewing the cud, Pig is snoozing in the sun and Rat is munching on a piece of cheese. The only animal moving in the whole farmyard is Little Red Hen.She's just found a grain of wheat and she's got a plan... Stuff and Nonsense tell the classic tale of Little Red Hen using beautiful puppets, story-telling and original music. Meet the cast and puppets after the show.

New Theatre:

k d lang - k.d.'s latest album is the acclaimed bestseller, Watershed, which was released by Nonesuch Records in January and saw k.d. achieve some of the best chart success of her 25-year career, including her highest ever debut on the US Billboard chart at no.8.

PegasusTheatre:

Rangoli - Rangoli (meaning colourful) is a showcase performance by students, staff and professional artists displaying the vibrant traditions of Asian dance. The evening will be a mixture of traditional and classic as well as Indian folk and contemporary dance styles.

College Theatre:

She Stoops to Conquer - OU Newman Rooms - She Stoops To Conquer or "The Mistakes of a Night": An arranged marriage, a tongue-tied rogue, and a girl who is certainly not a barmaid... Wealthy young buck Charles Marlow is sent by his father to woo Kate Hardcastle, a girl he has never met. He takes with him his college friend George Hastings, who happens to be in love with Kate's cousin Constance. When Kate's stepbrother, Tony Lumpkin, manages to convince these two visitors that their destination, the Hardcastle's house, is in fact an inn, chaos ensues. Charles, unable to woo Kate as herself due to his terrible reserve amongst women of quality, becomes a lecherous rogue when he is duped into believing that she is the barmaid. Kate continues in this masquerade and eventually learns the true nature of her suitor's affection.

As You Like It - Trinity College Gardens, Parks Road - As You Like It is not perhaps so well known as some of Shakespeare's works, yet it includes some of his most memorable poetry and songs. Jacques' recounting of the seven ages of man (All the world's a stage) and the banished Duke's rumination on life in its natural state (Sweet are the uses of adversity) are just two that spring to mind. With banished Dukes, cross-dressing female lead, bawdy wenches, a motley fool and a dubious clergyman, all the ingredients are there for classic Shakespeare comedy. The bucolic setting of the play sits harmoniously in an Oxford college garden to make for an evening of warm entertainment and dry wit - so it can't possibly be another cold, wet summer.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare - Wadham College - Lady Olivia is too busy mourning the demise of her brother to notice the young Duke Orsino, even his letters remain un-read. Malvolio, the pompous head steward, is harbouring a bad case of sexual self denial and the maids are being pursued by the debauched uncle, Sir Toby Belch. Into this step the twins, Viola and Sebastian, both capable of arousing infatuation whenever they appear. The trouble is, it's impossible to tell them apart. Twelfth Night is a masterpiece of desire from the unforgettable opening line to the deliciously comic conclusion.

North Wall Arts Centre:

Romeo and Juliet - Romeo and Juliet is a story which speaks to all times, all ages and all cultures. This production brings to life Shakespeare`s exquisitely lyrical text and the heart that beats beneath it.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here