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What's in the Cinemas This Week? (Fri 17 - Thu 24 July)

2008-07-17T15:31:00.001Z

WALL-E (U) starring Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin. Contains very mild threat and violence. Wall-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL-E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home). Meanwhile, WALL-E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most exciting and imaginative comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen. WALL-E is brought to you by Disney Pixar - the team who created masterpieces like The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars and last year's blockbuster Ratatouille.

A Complete History of My Sexual Failures (18) starring Chris Waitt. The first feature from innovative production company WarpX, A Complete History of My Sexual Failures premiered to sell-out crowds and rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival. A fly-on-the-wall documentary, this seriously low-budget gem follows bumbling independent filmmaker Chris Waitt as he attempts to interview his ex-girlfriends to find out why they dumped him. This revealing and humorous documentary sees the slacker filmmaker go on a sexual and emotional odyssey in a desperate quest to solve his innumerable problems. Hysterical, heartbreaking, sickening and sad, this is a film of audacity and originality.

Donkey Punch (18) starring Jaime Winstone, Tom Burke, Julian Morris, Robert Boulter. When a trio of girls are out in a nightclub, they quickly hook up with three seemingly friendly guys who invite them to a smaller party on their private yacht. After an orgy of sex and drugs, tragedy strikes when there's a grave accident and the young revellers are split on how to properly deal with the predicament.

Advanced screenings are showing this week of The Dark Knight (12A) starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine. Contains moderate violence and sustained threat. 'The Dark Knight' follows on from 'Batman Begins' seeing Bruce Wayne's alter ego taking to the streets and one by one putting the bad guys behind bars while making Gotham a safer place. But there's a new criminal in town with every intention of ruining Batman's crusade and bringing the city under his own control. The Joker's psychotic insanity spreads fear across the city, rallying an army of followers to join his campaign and kill Batman in the process.

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

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

2008-07-17T15:29:00.001Z

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

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 18 - Thurs 24 July)

2008-07-17T15:28:00.001Z

Friday:

Cello And Piano Recital - Holywell Music Room
Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - Consonanze Stravaganti - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.
Songs for Mary - Hertford College Chapel
Jazz Dinner Concert with the John Hoare Trio - Brookes Restaurant
Martin Shaw (trumpet) Graham Harvey (piano) Tim Dawes (double bass) - The Old Parsonage
College Green Dissidents + The Brentflood + Cafe Racers + Trawlers - Jericho Tavern
Truck Festival Warm Up Gig - Backroom at the Bully

Saturday:

Prokofiev War Sonatas - Magdalen College Auditorium
Concert of sacred and secular music - Brixi Singers - Merton College Chapel

Sunday:

Coffee Concert: Lawrence Power & Huw Watkins - Adderbury Ensemble
Cushion Concert- Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
The Life of Gershwin (Jack Gibbons Piano) - Holywell Music Room
Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - The Three Countertenors - Exeter College Chapel
Jaqui Hicks (vocals) Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Gee's
Truck Festival - Hill Farm, Steventon

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring the Larry Miller Band (UK) -
Backroom at the Bully

Tuesday:

The Oxford Jazz Club featuring Alvin Roy's Reeds Unlimited- Backroom at the Bully
Sophie Garner Trio - The Big Bang
Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - Singet dem Herrn - Exeter College Chapel
Adderbury Ensemble - The North Wall

Wednesday:

Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - O Dulcis Jesu - Exeter College Chapel
kd lang - New Theatre

Thursday:

Daryl Jahnke Guitar- The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Blossom Street Singers - Hertford College Chapel
Echo Boomer + Dead Spies + Ute - Jericho Tavern

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

What's in the Cinemas This Week? (Fri 11 - Thu 17 July)

2008-07-10T14:49:00.001Z

Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG) starring Brenden Fraser, Josh Hutcherson. Contains intense adventure action and some scary scenes. Journey to the Center of the Earth stars Brendan Fraser as a science professor whose untraditional hypotheses have made him the laughing stock of the academic community. But on an expedition in Iceland, he and his nephew stumble upon a major discovery that launches them on a thrilling journey deep beneath the Earth's surface, where they travel through never-before-seen worlds and encounter a variety of unusual creatures.

The Visitor (15) starring Hiam Abbas, Danai Gurira, Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman. In Thomas McCarthy's follow-up to his award-winning debut THE STATION AGENT, Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) stars as widower Walter Vale who discovers that a young immigrant couple, Tarek (Sleiman) and Zainab (Gurira), have been scammed into illegally renting his vacant flat in New York City. Walter agrees to let them stay until they find a place and soon Walter and Tarek form a friendship. When Tarek is confined to a detention centre, and his mother arrives in search of him, Walter's emotional commitment to Tarek's case is sealed. As the four people struggle to deal with the stark realities of the US immigration system and their own individual lives, their shared humanity is revealed in awkward, humorous and dramatic ways.

Meet Dave (PG) starring Eddie Murphy, Elizabeth Banks. Contains mild language, violence, toilet humour and scary moments. 'Meet Dave', he's a nice guy, nothing unusual to report, only that Dave is no ordinary person. A race of tiny humanoid aliens have landed on earth, and their "spaceship" of sorts is a 6ft human representation of their leader - Dave. Soon the Aliens have to discover what world Earth is and if they can integrate their society with average human beings.

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

What's in the Theatres this Week? (Fri 11 - Thu 17 July)

2008-07-10T14:47:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

Kit and the Widow - With fifty years apiece, this leading piano-and-voice-based lounge act may well be in their prime. Almost unbelievably (until you see what they look like now) their unbroken stand at the crease has lasted 30 years! Touring internationally over the last three years as support for stand up Joan Rivers, they are delighted to have sloughed her off for long enough to mount their own tour. Kit's adored contributions on Radio 4's Just A Minute are always a pleasure but only offer a modest stipend, and The Widow's involvement in Alan Bennett's The History Boys is just about milked dry, hence the tour!

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

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

Moby Dick! - Performed by Sands Theatre Arts School. The highly comic, satirical romp through this age-old mariner's tale that ensues proves to be a world of endless, funny dialogue and wonderful, pastiche-y company numbers.

Burton Taylor Studio:

Little Hippo and His Magic Pen - For his birthday Little Hippo received lots of beautiful presents, his favourite a special red pen from Daddy Hippo. Inside the red pen are the most beautiful things in the world, but how to get them out? Based on the story Petit Hippo et son Stylo Magique, by West African writer Alain Serge Dzotap, Tam Tam Theatre brings you their interactive version of this enchanting tale where the very young are invited to make their own use of Little Hippo's pen. Age 2-5 years

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:

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.

North Wall Arts Centre:

Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat - Paines Plough presents a selection from Mark Ravenhill`s new epic play cycle Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat. Each 20 minute play takes its title from a classic work. Seen together they form a collage of astute, witty scenes exploring the personal and political effect of war on modern life. "Fragments, individual moments, that capture our urge to bring our model of freedom and democracy to the world" (Mark Ravenhill). An extraordinary ensemble of actors encapsulate these mini-masterpieces.

Paul Tonkinson - My Anti-Midlife Crisis - Witness Tonks doing what he does best, live stand-up. Gasp as he survives the terror of modern living. Delight as he dances with intriguing issues, such as, `What is a no-bread sandwich?` Wince, as he unravels live on TV during a pro-celebrity football match. And cheer when he finally finds happiness.

A Portrait of Shazia Mirza - As seen on F*** Off I`m A Hairy woman and Miss Real World (BBC), Have I Got News For You (BBC), World Stands UP (Paramount), 60Mins (CBS). Voted one of the 100 Greatest Stand Ups. Award nominated columnist for New Statesman.

Play Reading: The Count of Monte Cristo by Joel Horwood - Edmund Dantes is looking pretty: young, in love and newly promoted Captain of his own ship! But when greed and envy conspire to throw him into a lifetime of jail for a crime he didn`t commit, all seems lost. Facing an eternity of darkness and solitude, Dantes must dig deep to find the strength to escape and seek his revenge - he must find new steel within his soul - he must become The Count of Monte Cristo. A fast-paced, swashbuckling new version by writer Joel Horwood (Mikey the Pikey, Food) amd director Alan Lane (artistic director, Slung Low).

Nick Webber and Archangel - Nick Webber started playing the piano from the moment he was allowed to as a boy and has written scores for many award-winning short films. Archangel began as a pet project. Stripped down, grandiose, pathos-fuelled, piano-driven songs were recorded for debut album `How To Lose Your Best Friend`, due for release this Autumn and already heard on Radio 1 and MTV2.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 11 - Thu 17 July)

2008-07-10T14:45:00.001Z

Friday:

Opera For Midsummer - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
Acoustic Improvisation: Voice - St Barnabas Church
Mark Hanslip (sax) with Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Old Parsonage
14Ten - Jericho Tavern
The Shaker Heights + Freakishly Long Mirrors - The Wheatsheaf

Saturday:

Romantic Vienna: a Schubertiad - University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Sonic Bob + Mondo Cada + Mr Shaodow - The Cellar

Sunday:

Coffee Concert: David Lepage (Violin) - Adderbury Ensemble
Cushion Concert- Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
The Life of Beethoven (Jack Gibbons Piano) - Holywell Music Room
Jasmin Nelson (vocals) Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Gees
We Are The Ocean - Carling Academy

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Primo Blues Band (UK) -
Backroom at the Bully
Camerata Lacunensis - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

Tuesday:

The Oxford Jazz Club featuring The Howard Peacock Quintet - Backroom at the Bully
Emma Blake Trio - The Big Bang
Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - The Fayrest Quene - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.
Mugison - Carling Academy

Wednesday:

Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - O Dulcis Jesu - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.
Jaimeson + HPR + Midnight Drive + The Youngs Plan - The Wheatsheaf
Global Icon Night - Jericho Tavern

Thursday:

Dylan Howe Band - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
We Aeronauts + Script + No Despair - Jericho Tavern

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

What's in the Cinemas This Week? (Fri 04 - Thu 10 July)

2008-07-03T09:22:00.000Z

This Wednesday and Thursday there are advanced screenings of Forbidden Kingdom (12A) starring Jackie Chan, Jet Li. Contains frequent moderate violence. In 'Forbidden Kingdom', American, Kung Fu-obsessed teenager Jason (Michael Angarano), finds an antique Chinese staff in a pawn shop. This turns out to be the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King (Jet Li). With the lost relic in hand, Jason unexpectedly finds himself transported back to ancient China. There, he meets the drunken Kung Fu master, Lu Yan (Jackie Chan); an enigmatic and skillful Silent Monk (Jet Li); who leads him on his quest to return the staff to its rightful owner, the Monkey King. While attempting to outmaneuver scores of Jade Warriors, Cult Killers and the deadly White Hair Demoness, Ni Chang (Li Bing Bing), Jason learns about honor, loyalty and friendship, and the true meaning of Kung Fu, and thus frees himself.

Mamma Mia! (PG) starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth opens in limited release on Thursday the 10th. Contains mild language and sexual references. 'Mamma Mia' is the story of Donna (Streep) who is about to attend the wedding of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends - practical and no-nonsense Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski) - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper join Streep in this celebration of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads.

Kung Fu Panda is now in wide release and showing at Odeon George Street and The Vue Cinema.

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

What's in the Theatres this Week? (Fri 04 - Thu 10 July)

2008-07-03T09:20:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

And Then There Were None - Set on a remote island off the coast of Devon, Agatha Christie's own stage adaptation of this dark and captivating tale will thrill and enthral.

Andy Zaltzman and Dan Atkinson's Edinburgh Preview
- Andy Zaltzman boldly unbuttons the cloak of civilisation... Dan Atkinson flicks two fingers to the man....

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

Burton Taylor Studio:

Meco Film Festival 2008 - Showing this week will be Mutluluk (Bliss), Rana's Wedding, Moolaade, Offside, Yasmin. For details of the films and showtimes, please visit Oxford City Guide

New Theatre:

Hucknall - Tribute To Bobby - This summer Mick will release his first solo project under his own name rather than as Simply Red. The first album will be 'Hucknall: Tribute to Bobby' - Bobby being American singer Bobby Bland who released a lot of material in the 50's and 60's and had a big influence on a young Hucknall.

An Evening with Pentangle - Exactly 40 years to the day that unique British folk/jazz 'supergroup' Pentangle recorded the live disc of their seminal double album, Sweet Child, at London's Royal Festival Hall, the original band: Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jacqui McShee, Danny Thompson and Terry Cox are tour the UK this Summer.

Pegasus Theatre:

ten thousand things - The Ten Thousand Things - a movement and visual theatre work-in-progress by new performance company, WrongPearls. The Ten Thousand Things is another name for the world, the cosmos and everything in it. Come and help us build a world with ten thousand stones. The performers will then play amidst the stones, their actions and movements leaving traces in the patterns of the stone world.

Headington Theatre:

HSO with MCS present Bugsy Malone - This timeless classic is set in the shady world of 1920's Prohibition America. The world of the speakeasy, reckless living, and the never-ending pursuit of the American Dream. The town is controlled by the infamous Fat Sam and his gang of hapless mobsters until one day the sophisticated Dandy Dab discovers a new technology the will allow him to finally gain the upper hand. Caught up in the ensuring turf war are the smooth talking Bugsy and the undiscovered starlet Blousey full ofHollywood dreams, struggling to survive in the toughest of times.

North Wall Arts Centre:

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover - "I need space"..."Let's take a break"..."It's not you, it's me." There are a million ways to tell someone it's over. A crazy cocktail of characters and stories, 50 Ways to Leave your Lover explores every aspect of 'the break up' whether hilarious, heart breaking or just plain ridiculous. Created by five of The Bush's hottest young writers and inspired by true break-up stories contributed by its audience, it will strike a chord with anyone who's ever loved and left. Get two for one tickets when you quote 'Oxford City Guide' while ordering

Jackajack - A post-apocalyptic fairy tale, created by award-winning storytellers, TuckedIn. Jackajack is a piece of children's theatre for ages 6+.

Chris Cox: Control Freak - 2007 Sell-out and award-winning mind reader who can't read minds is back - reading minds. "Very funny" Time Out.

Powershow - Joyous hybrid of sketches, stand up, music and wonder.

Sympathy for the Devil: Markus Birdman - Fundamentalist Christians don't believe in evolution! Mind you, we still can't believe it's not butter. Despite 2007's Edinburgh Festival sell-out 'Son of a Preacherman' show, Dad's still a vicar and I'm still an atheist. Thank God no Christians were harmed making this show. Sorry. But I did injure a cat.

Rhod Gilbert and the Award-Winning Mince Pie - Multi award-winning Welsh misery and award-winning mince pie collaborate at last. Star of 'Mock The Week', 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and BBC Radio Wales.

Tony! The Blair Musical - He's back- and this time it's governmental. If you missed the sell out smash that was Tony! The Blair Musical in 2007, then here's your chance to catch Chris Bush and Ian McCluskey's award-winning show all over again, starring Blair, Bush, Brown and the now infamous Barbershop Quartet of defeated Tory leaders ('an absolutely five star moment' The Times).

Tony of Arabia - Gone but not forgotten -Tony has left the band, but he's still got the music. One country was never enough, and now he's taking on the world. Meanwhile Gordon battles the Tories back home, George W. gets lost in the desert and US primaries inspire Cherie to her true calling: to stand for office. From the team behind Tony! The Blair Musical comes an ongoing saga of one man's battle with destiny.

Chris Neill's got a bun in the oven - Fewer F-words than Gordon, slimmer hips than Nigella, more pukka than Jamie. Sadly, not as good a cook as any of them... Funnier though. But you judge that. You might even get something to eat...

Infinite Lives by Chris Goode - 'Infinite Lives' tells the story of a thirty-something man who quits his job to take some time out and write a gay sci-fi novel. But working from home, and becoming increasingly dependent on internet porn for his connection with the outside world, forces him to confront some painful truths... and some very big numbers.

Play Reading: The Woodcutter's Tale by Orlando Wells - The Woodcutter's son returns with his lover and their unborn child to his family home in the mountains. It's a homecoming, but not what's expected. The secrets of his family's dark past will be revealed, and family bonds tested to their limit. Part gothic fable, part modern parable, this is a tale of love loss and the facing of our deepest fears.

Play Reading: Kurt and Sid by Roy Smiles - April 1994. Kurt Cobain is about to pull the trigger that will end his life when in walks Sid Vicious, which is impressive considering he's been dead for 15 years. Is he a fake, a ghost of a figment of Kurt's death wish imagination? A funny touching play by the author 'Ying Tong and the Year of The Rat'. Presented in association with the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

College Theatre:

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.

Miscellaneous Theatre:

Shakespeare in the Garden - Much Ado About Nothing - Enjoy one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays being given the unique Oddsocks treatment at Waterperry. Much Ado About Nothing will be performed against the beautiful backdrop of our ornamental garden - a perfect evening for the whole family. (Suitable for children aged 8+) Waterperry Gardens

England - Performed by Tim Crouch and Hannah Ringham. England is the story of a search for a new heart. It's a tour through spaces and across borders: from an art gallery to a jam factory, from London to Osaka, from a hospital bed to a hotel room. It's a tour to the end of the world. This critically acclaimed promenade performance is both intimate and thought-provoking. The play will take place in Modern Art Oxford against the backdrop of the Gary Hume exhibition.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 04 - Thurs 10 July)

2008-07-03T09:18:00.000Z

Friday:

Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - The Fayrest Quene - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.

The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band - The Anchor, Hayfield Rd

Dave Newton trio (piano led trio) - The Old Parsonage

The Epstein - Crown House Club

South Central Heroes + The Intervals + Sound Connection + Ms Monroe - Jericho Tavern

Saturday:

Die Schone Mullerin - St Margarets Church, St Margarets Road

Meridian - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

Cornbury Festival

Melting Pot with The Talks + Semaphore + Shirley + Tim Mathews - Jericho Tavern

Sunday:

Coffee Concert: David Lepage (Violin) - Holywell Music Room

Brigitte Berach (vocals) Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Gee's

Corsano/Bevan/Lash - The Wheatsheaf

Cornbury Festival

Carnival After-Show Party - The Regal

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Joanne Shaw-Taylor Band (UK) - Backroom at the Bully

Yngwie Malmsteen - Carling Academy

National Youth Jazz Orchestra - North Wall

O Duo: Percussion duo Oliver Cox and Owen Gunnell - North Wall

Tuesday:

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

Lucy Wendon Quartet - The Big Bang

International Guitar Foundation: Goya - Holywell Music Room

Charivari Agreable: Early Music by Candlelight - French Suites - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.

Cantamus: 'Mystery and Magic' - North Wall

Wednesday:

Wingates Brass Band - North Wall

Thursday:

Deirdre Cartwright Group - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf

Concert: Evelyn Tubb with Michael Fields and Daphne Clark - Holywell Music Room

Charivari Agreable: Early Music By Candlelight - A Sweet Concord - Exeter College Chapel, Turl St.

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

What's in the Cinemas This Week? (Fri 27 June - Thu 03 July)

2008-06-27T10:04:00.000Z

The Edge of Love (15) starring Sienna Miller, Matthew Rhys, Cillian Murphy, Keira Knightley. Contains strong language and bloody injury detail. A beautifully drawn love story revolves around two feisty, free-spirited women, Caitlin (Miller) and Vera (Knightley); Vera's husband, William (Murphy); and the brilliant, charismatic poet Dylan Thomas (Rhys) who loves both women. Broken promises, passion, betrayal, the shadow of war and the constant threat of imminent death push the protagonists to the edge of love. By no means a biopic in the traditional vein, the story explores the collision of the bohemian underworld with war-torn London, and the intimate complexities of two young couples whose lives and loves become dangerously intertwined.

Female Agents (PG) starring Moritz Bleibtreu, Sophie Marceau, Julie Depardieu. Contains strong violence and nudity. Based on real events, FEMALE AGENTS is an espionage thriller set in the final months of World War II. In May 1944, a five-woman commando unit parachuted into occupied France on a daring mission to protect the secret of the D-day landings and eliminate Colonel Heindrich, the head of the German counter-intelligence. Following the liberation of France, General de Gaulle neglected to recognise the role played by these women in favour of the heroes who had fought alongside him in the Free French Forces. The film sets out to make amends for this injustice by turning the spotlight on the female operatives who, in the shadows, risked their lives to defeat the Nazis. Marceau (THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH), Depardieu (BLAME IT ON FIDEL) and Gillain (L'ENFER) lend star-studded allure.

Adulthood (15) starring Scarlett Alice Johnson, Adam Deacon. After Sam Peel is released from jail for killing Trife, he finds difficulty adjusting to life on the outside. He is forced to confront the people he hurt, trying to find out which one is seeking revenge on him. While Sam tries to cope with the effect his actions had on the people he knew, he finds himself being hunted by a group of young thugs, who seem to be following the same path as Sam had in the past - but why are they hunting him and who are they? Sam's first day of freedom will be one he never forgets and as important in his life as the one that lost him his freedom in the first place. Sam is about to go from Kidulthood to Adulthood, if he survives...

Opening in limited release this weekend is Kung Fu Panda (PG) starring Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane. Contains mild martial arts action. Kung Fu Panda is the story of Po, (voice Jack Black), a sweet, but clumsy Panda who has dreams of fighting with the legendary Furious Five and protecting the city against all threats. The only problem is that Po has no real life experience of kung fu, and his real job is serving noodles at his dad's noodles shop. News of selecting the Dragon Warrior is sent out from the Jade Temple, and the whole city along with Po, go to the celebration. The competition is between the Furious Five: Tigress (voice Angelina Jolie), Viper (voice Lucy Liu), Crane (voice David Cross), Monkey (voice Jackie Chan), and Mantis (voice Seth Rogen). Po accidentally enters the contest and is named the Dragon Warrior. Master Shifu (voice Dustin Hoffman) must find a way to train Po and make him a Kung Fu Master, especially, after they learn that the snow leopard, Tai Lung (voice Ian McShane), is headed their way.

Advanced screenings will be showing on Wednesday and Thursday of Hancock (12A). Starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron. Contains moderate violence, strong and aggressive language and crude humour. Hancock is the story of a misunderstood superhero who has managed to single-handedly destroy most of LA. Whilst his intentions were good, his conflicted, sarcastic and edgy wit don't help when dealing with the very annoyed public he's just saved. Soon, the sardonic superhero discovers that he may have a vulnerable side after saving the life a PR executive, (Jason Bateman) who slowly makes Hancock realise what damage he could be doing to those around him.

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

What's in the Theatres this Week? (Fri 27 June - Thu 03 July)

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Oxford Playhouse:

The 39 Steps - This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of Richard Hannay as he encounters murders, secret agents, and beautiful women.

And Then There Were None - Set on a remote island off the coast of Devon, Agatha Christie's own stage adaptation of this dark and captivating tale will thrill and enthral.

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

Pappy's Fun Club - Pappy's Fun Club is a comedy team made up of Ben Clark, Matthew Crosby, Brendan Dodds and Tomos Parry. They first began performing together in 2004 at their own regular night in London's Soho. Each month they would produce a brand new show featuring characters, songs and sketches interlinking to form a whole. A packed bill of ideas jostled for attention, and things rarely went to plan. Fortunately, it'll was usually still funny.

Burton Taylor Studio:

Reflections In A Distorting Mirror - Catherine, heavily pregnant, is desperate to escape into the Big Wide World but her father, the Commander-in-Chief, won't give her the key to the door. To escape, she allies herself with Prince Baxendale, but they are defeated by a web of conspiracy. A farcical look at how Family is the model for political conspiracies and corruption.

Songs From The Black Earth - Stunning, innovative Jazz from England Sweden & Russia Following the remarkable success of their latest CD Songs From the Black Earth, Russian virtuosi Nick and Leonid Vintskevitch (saxes & piano respectively) once again join forces with English bassist Steve Kershaw and Swedish drummer Petter Svärd. The quartet unique music combines jazz, folk and classical musical influences. Expect musical fireworks.

Meco Film Festival 2008 - Showing this week will be Kandahar, Valley of the Wolves, Abouna, Khuda kay liye (in the name of God), Osama, Paradise Now, Le Grande Voyage, Grbavica. For details of the films and showtimes, please visit Oxford City Guide

New Theatre:

Elvis On Tour - Voted 2005 outright 'best in the world' winner of Canada's annual prestigious Elvis Festival - the award winning 'Elvis - The Legend Continues' features a full evening show from the early days of 'pure hip-swivelling ' rock n roll to the 'Come Back Special'. The Las Vegas style production features Lee 'Memphis' King , his orchestra/band and singers.

Pegasus Theatre:

trifusion - Three local artists come together for a unique night of music and song, mixing European, African and Caribbean in a fusion of styles.

anya and saul - Using the impressive Planet Machine (a hand-made hand-cranked projector) to show two films simultaneously on a semi circular Planet Stage, German artist Eva Wal's filmopera is poetic, touching, humorous and sad. Sound design by American composer Barry L. Rushto adds atmospheric soundscapes and classical string music through a surround sound system to tell the story of Anya and Saul - a story for human beings, of all ages!

Headington Theatre:

North Wall Arts Centre:

Play Reading: The Wall by Zoe Lewis - A community deep in the heart of Arizona offers a final outpost of hope to those lost souls who are on their 'last chance'. After their addictions have driven them to the brink, suddenly they are delivered a chance to be reborn. But can the community redeem a man who doesn't want to be saved?

Play Reading: The Condor by Tim Hoare - Dinetah, 1912. As the Old West meets the new, a baseball fanatic warden creates a team of prison inmates. Obsessed with the game, he tempts a death row slugger with a deal - he can live for as many games as he wins. Based on true events, this jail tale of stolen time and last resorts shows the hope and fury gripping both sides of the bars.

College Theatre:

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 27 June - Thu 03 July)

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Friday:

Cello Recital - Trinity College Chapel

Steve Fishwick (trumpet) with Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Old Parsonage

Jazz Dinner Concert with the Zena James Trio - Brookes Restaurant

Vixens + Turnpike Glow + Giovanna & The Sands + The RRRRRs - Jericho Tavern

LATE at Modern Art Oxford - Modern Art Oxford

Saturday:

Brahms Requiem - University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Dvorak: Mass In D & Schubert: Mass in G - Keble College Chapel

Songs From The Black Earth - Burton Taylor Studio

The Family Machine - Jericho Tavern

Drew De Four - The Living Room

Sunday:

Coffee Concert: David Lepage (Violin) - Holywell Music Room

Cushion Concert featuring the Piano - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

Oxford Lieder Summer Song Series: Helen Withers (Soprano) & Sholto Kynoch (Piano) - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

Grey (vocals) Tim Lapthorne (piano), Tim Dawes (double bass) - Gee's

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Jonathan Kalb Band (USA) -
Backroom at the Bully

Tuesday:

The Oxford Jazz Club featuring The Hugh Turner Band - Backroom at the Bully

Alison Bentley Quartet - The Big Bang

Wednesday:

Daniel Hope with the English Sinfonia - North Wall Arts Centre

Operator Please + The Vice + Black Hats - Jericho Tavern

Thursday:

Mornington Lockett Saxes - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf

The Whigs + International Jetsetters + Borderville + Outcry - Carling Academy

Swiss Concrete presents Right, Turn Left / Tristan & The Troubadours / Card Electric - Backroom at the Bully

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

New Pub to Open in George Street

2008-06-20T07:22:00.000Z

Wetherspoon's new city centre pub is set to open on Monday, August 4.The pub - which will be called The Four Candles, a nod to a Ronnie Barker sketch - is based in the former Slug and Lettuce premises in George Street.

What's in the Cinema this Week? (Fri 20 - Thu 26 June)

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Jules et Jim (PG) starring Jeanne Moreau, Oskar Werner, Henri Serre, Marie Dubois. This special re-release of Francois Truffaut's much-loved New Wave classic celebrates the 80th birthday of Jeanne Moreau, one of the most riveting and risk-taking screen actresses of all time. JULES ET JIM sees her at her most ebullient as Catherine, a Parisian beauty caught up in a complex ménage à trois with the two friends of the title - one German (Werner), the other French (Serre) - just before World War One. A romantic roller-coaster of a movie, it's fast, funny, stylish and affecting.

Let's Get Lost (15) starring Chet Baker. Renowned photographer/filmmaker Bruce Weber's Academy Award-nominated film about the late jazz great Chet Baker. His James Dean looks and cool sound set Baker apart from other musicians of his time but his narcotic addiction also gave a generation of jazz fans a Doomed Youth of their very own. Baker's life and death played out like a Kerouac creation, but out of his life came some of the most lyrical trumpet playing and jazz vocals ever heard. Following the elusive and digressive nature of his subject, Weber went on the road with Baker from the West Coast to the East Coast to Europe, during what turned out to be the last year of the musician's life. Weber captured some of Baker's last recording sessions, rare performance footage and interviews with his personal associates.

The Escapist (15) starring Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Liam Cunningham, Seu Jorge, Dominic Cooper. Frank Perry is an institutionalized convict twelve years into a life sentence without parole. When his estranged daughter falls ill, he is determined he make peace with her before it's too late. He develops an ingenious escape plan, and recruits a dysfunctional band of escapists - misfits with a mutual dislike for one other but united by their desire to escape their hell hole of an existence.

Opening in limited release on Wednesday is Wanted (18) starring James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman. Contains strong bloody violence. Based upon Mark Millar's explosive graphic novel series 'Wanted' is the story of 25-year-old nobody, Wes (James McAvoy) whose life changes when he meets a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie). After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into The Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his father's death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: to carry out the death orders given by fate itself. The Fraternity's enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman) and Fox both teach Wes everything he needs to become the world's best assassin and soon he realises that he alone controls his destiny.

Advanced screenings will be showing on Thursday of Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG) starring Georgie Henley, Sergio Castellitto, Liam Neeson. Contains moderate fantasy battle violence and threat. The characters of C.S. Lewis' timeless fantasy come to life once again in this newest installment of the "Chronicles of Narnia" series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically transported back from England to the world of Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them. One year after the incredible events of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the Kings and Queens of Narnia find themselves back in that faraway wondrous realm, only to discover that more than 1300 years have passed in Narnian time. During their absence, the Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz, who rules the land without mercy. The four children will soon meet an intriguing new character: Narnia's rightful heir to the throne, the young Prince Caspian, who has been forced into hiding as his uncle Miraz plots to kill him in order to place his own newborn son on the throne.

Get showtimes for all the cinemas in Oxford

What's in the Theatre this week? (Fri 20 - Thu 26 June)

2008-06-19T15:43:00.000Z

Oxford Playhouse:

Reading Room - Jonathan Lunn Dance Company
- Award-winning and critically acclaimed international choreographer and director, Jonathan Lunn, has brought together an array of artists from the worlds of film, dance, music, literature and opera to create Reading Room.

The 39 Steps
- This blissfully funny show follows the incredible adventures of Richard Hannay as he encounters murders, secret agents, and beautiful women.

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Fresh from its tour to Italy, Alice's Adventures is the annual production of Performing Arts Students from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. Following the sell-out productions of Victoria Wood's "Pat and Margaret" [2006] and the lively 1950s musical "Expresso Bongo" [2007] comes a unique make-over of this quintessential Oxford tale .

Burton Taylor Studio:

Travels With My Virginity - Travels with my Virginity follows Guy's desperate attempts as a nineteen year old student to lose his virginity by hitch hiking across France, hoping to hook up with an old girlfriend and see if they might "pick up from where we left off". Along the way Guy is picked up by an increasingly strange series of people, ranging from an incestuous family - the father of which wants to sleep with Guy - a menacing night club barman who won't let him out of his car, to the recent inmate of a sanatorium who among other things insists on Guy helping him lance his boil. Travels with my Virginity is a mixture of an intriguing and bizarre road movie and a rather painful rite of passage. One thing that is true of it is that nothing ever runs simply... And the question of course is - does Guy lose his virginity in the end and if so to who?

Valerie Bloom - Valerie Bloom is an award winning poet and author for children and a fantastic performer of her work. She will delight you with her stories and you will find yourself singing along to her poems in this brand new performance that showcases her writing, set to a specially commissioned soundscape with theatrical lighting. This is an uplifting and unique performance from one of the best contemporary writer's for children.

New Theatre:

Abba Mania - This highly polished and professional production was created in 1999 and played its first shows in 2000. Featuring a special concert presentation, which celebrates the music and style of Abba, ABBAMania revives special memories of when 'ABBA' ruled the airwaves. Join in and enjoy all of your favourites including: 'Mamma Mia', 'Voulez Vous', 'Dancing Queen', 'Winner Takes It All', 'Super Trouper' and many more.

Stagecoach Charity Spectacular - Singer Zo Mace and 500 Oxfordshire children are urging sponsors to help with a massive concert next month to raise £15,000 for a range of young people's charities. The musical extravaganza at the New Theatre, Oxford, is being held to help the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, the Oxfordshire branch of the Down's Syndrome Association, county children's bereavement charity SeeSaw, Helen and Douglas House, and InterAct, a drama group for youngsters with special needs.

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.

Pegasus Theatre:

the resurrection of little sarah - The true story of Saartje Baartman a former South African slave persuaded to go to London to make her fortune only to become the main attraction in a circus style freak show as The Hottentot Venus. The multimedia installation features live performance, film and dance to tell a compelling story in an unusual and mesmeric way. This is a tale you won't easily forget.

North Wall Arts Centre:

Cider With Rosie by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - It is the summer of 1918, and the end of the war sees the young Laurie Lee removing to a new home in a Cotswold village. Life here is peaceful, slow and governed by the seasons. It is a child's paradise - until our hero meets Cabbage Stump Charlie, Jones' Goat and the tantalising temptation of supping cider with Rosie Burdock.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here