What's in the Theatre this holiday season? (Dec 18 2008 - Jan 01 2009)

Oxford Playhouse:

Sleeping Beauty - An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime - 'Wake up' to the biggest and brightest pantomime you've ever seen, as Oxford Playhouse takes you on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement this Christmas. Written and directed by Peter Duncan (who wowed audiences with the sensational Dick Whittington and last year's hilarious Aladdin), Sleeping Beauty is packed with all your favourite pantomime characters, gorgeous costumes, hilarious panto fun and more than just a sprinkling of magic! Boo and hiss at the evil fairy Carmella Crabstick whose dastardly curse sends the beautiful Princess to sleep for a hundred years. Cheer at the top of your voice as we help the swashbuckling Prince Raphael of Nadalia on his journey to awaken Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. And laugh out loud at the fabulous and larger than life Aunty Rose... she'll have you singing-a-long and dancing in your seats in no time!

Creation Theatre Company:

Hans Christian Andersen's Magical Tales - It wouldn't be Christmas without the spectacular 100 year old Mirror Tent, which Creation is bringing back to BMW Group Plant Oxford for a magical storytelling adventure, featuring all your favourite fairytales including The Little Match Girl, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid. The beautiful antique spiegeltent's velvet canopies, mirrored pillars and ornate booths form the perfect Christmas setting for action packed antics from well loved characters such as The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina and The Snow Queen in this enchanting production for adults and children alike. A Christmas tradition, a trip to this wonderland is the perfect stocking filler.

Old Fire Station:

A Christmas Carol - 'Marley was dead to begin with....' BMH brings a new adaptation of Dickens work to the OFS Studio for one week only! Ebenezer Scrooge is an old miser, with a cold heart and a dislike of humanity. It takes the actions of three spirits one Christmas Eve to change his life, forever! This story is a must for all at Christmas.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Shoe Baby - Shoe Baby is a magical puppet show, a fantastical sing-a-long adventure with a baby who takes to the sea, the air, the zoo - all in a shoe! Shoe Baby is adapted from the book written by well-known author Joyce Dunbar. The music is written by talented musician, Tom Gray of the award-winning band Gomez. The show was awarded Best Children's Show at Brighton Festival 2006. Ages 2- 5yrs

New Theatre:

Flashdance - The Musical - Set in Pittsburgh, USA, FLASHDANCE tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and 'flashdancer' by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) FLASHDANCE is an unmistakably unique musical about holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds. The show features an iconic score including the smash hit "Maniac", along with "Manhunt", "Gloria", and the Academy Award winning title track "Flashdance - What a Feeling" as well as 10 original songs created for the musical.

Pegasus Theatre:

Christmas Extravaganza - Messy Jam one of Oxford's most acclaimed young community dance groups present a special programme of new dance pieces for the Christmas season. Dancers from all over the City come together with an impressive showcase of street, locking, poppin, krumpin and Bashment dancing styles! Sit back and enjoy the adrenalin-rush of energy and creativity these top local street dancers dish out.

Miscellaneous Performances:

Opera Arias on Ice - An Opera Anywhere Christmas spectacular which includes a Christmas concert with a difference - On Ice! with the Oxford Figure Skating Champions. For more information visit Opera Anywhere's website.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here