What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 19 - Thu 25 Sep)?

Oxford Playhouse:

Many Midweeks Ago... Libby Purves and Guests - Author, columnist and one of the most popular broadcasters on the airwaves (BBC's Midweek and The Learning Curve) Libby Purves is joined by friends old and new to remember Playhouse peaks and onstage embarrassments. Her mid 60s contemporaries included a rich cocktail of now public figures such as Diana Quick, Michael Rosen, John Sargant, Hew Thomas and Gyles Brandreth. This event is staged in partnership with the University of Oxford Alumni Weekend.

Russell Howard - Still unfashionably fond of humanity the star of Mock The Week and BBC6 Music, Russell's back with his 5th new stand-up show following 3 sell-out tours in the space of 1 year.

When Hollywood Came To Oxford - Remembering Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in Oxford for the Nevill Coghill/OUDS production of Dr Faustus in 1966. Amongst the student cast joining Burton and Taylor on the Playhouse stage that unforgettable week were Bruce Alexander, Richard Durden, Maria Aitken, Hugh Williams and Sir Bob Scott. Join director, actor and writer David Wood (Worcester) and others who were there, hear first hand accounts and see rare footage of When Hollywood Came To Oxford. This event is staged in partnership with the University of Oxford Alumni Weekend.

Elizabeth & Raleigh - Late and Live - 'Though I have the body of a woman, I have the heart and stomach of a king, the brain of a dolphin, and the penis of a hippopotamus. All I need now is some glue.' Snortingly funny is the only way to describe it. (Telegraph on Late But Live) Potatoes, tobacco, Elizabethan dance, cross-dressing, xenophobia and laughs galore from the pen of Stewart Lee. This Oxford alumnus was recently voted 41st Best Stand Up Ever in a recent Channel 4 poll, and is the co-writer and director of the Olivier Award-Winning Jerry Springer - The Opera. Hot on the heels of its Edinburgh Festival premiere and part of the Late But Live series, this show stars Perrier-nominated comedian Simon Munnery (Elizabeth) and Miles Jupp (Raleigh), perhaps best known as Archie the Inventor in the BBC series Balamory. Suitable for ages 16+

The Woman in Black - Over three million people have lived to tell the tale of one of the most exciting, gripping and successful theatre events ever staged, The Woman In Black, now entering its twentieth year in the West End. Unanimously acclaimed by the critics, Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's best selling novel, combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It is a formula that provides audiences with an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

High and Low Drama in a University City - For the last 14 years former theatre critic of the Oxford Times and Mail, Don Chapman, has been conducting extensive research into the history of the Oxford Playhouse. Join Don to hear about his findings and the partnership between the Playhouse and the University. This event is staged in partnership with the University of Oxford Alumni Weekend.

The Brothers Size - There are two brothers Size: Ogun who has worked hard to get his own auto-repair shop and Oshoosi who always takes the wrong track. Oshoosi is fresh out of prison with dreams of faraway places. When his ex cellmate, Elegba offers him the gift of a car, freedom seems just around the corner... A playful and deeply original drama.

New Theatre:

Allo Allo - This stunning new stage production follows the hilarious adventures of René, a hapless café owner in war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife Edith, struggle to keep for themselves a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and kept in a sausage in their cellar. Adding to René's litany of woes the French Resistance, led by Michelle, force him to aid their persistent attempts to return two bumbling British airmen to England - René, caught in the middle of this joyous mayhem must also keep secret from his wife his long-running affairs with two waitresses or losing his cherished café may be the least of his problems... The original production played to packed houses at the London Palladium so book early as this glorious new show is guaranteed to leave you helpless with laughter.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - A gloriously romantic romp, with dazzling dance routines, fabulous sets, colourful costumes and sassy performances - this toe-tappingly terrific production is guaranteed to put a spring in your step and bring a tune to your lips. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the story of Adam, the eldest of seven brothers, who goes to town to get a wife. He convinces Milly to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers - all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, after reading about the Roman capture of the Sabine women, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers' loneliness - kidnap the women they want! Starring Dave Willetts and Shona Lindsay

North Wall Arts Centre:

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea - 1927's multiple award-winning show cleverly combines live music, performance and story-telling with stunning films and animation. An ingeniously dark and strangely beautiful blend of fractured fairytales and silent film homage unfolds as 1927 takes its audience on a deliciously surreal journey through enchanting, skewed and often sinister landscapes. Using the aesthetic of silent film in a series of comic vignettes, live performers interact seamlessly with animation and film. Hapless cats, marauding gingerbread men and cross-dressing devils all make an appearance, not to mention the sinister twins and their misfortunate guests. The show has been compared to Shockheaded Peter, David Lynch and Edward Gorey, with a twist of Weimar cabaret. 1927's highly crafted world is, however, a unique one, which will pleasantly tease your senses. A delicately deadly delight!

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