2015’s theatre offerings are bigger and better than ever with a whole host of stars and shows, comedians and musicals, drama and debuts, all bringing you the best, newest and most popular entertainment to be had. If you were in any doubt about how spoilt we are in Oxford, this should do the trick, so sit back and plan your diary accordingly, says Katherine MacAlister

OXFORD PLAYHOUSE
Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
Tuesday to Saturday February 10-14
Box Office on 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com

The hilarious antics of Jeeves and Wooster come to the stage in this raucous comedy starring Robert Webb (Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look) as Bertie Wooster, and Jason Thorpe as Jeeves.

Winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Jeeves and Wooster has received a host of four and five star reviews for the theatrical absurdity of this iconic double-act, based on the beloved works by P.G. Wodehouse.

NEW THEATRE
Jersey Boys
May 12–24
0844 871 3020 or atgtickets.com/oxford

One of the West End’s longest running and most popular shows, this is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks and how these four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, selling 175 million records worldwide before they turned 30.

Packed with hits, including Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Working My Way Back to You, the musical has won more awards than it knows what to do with and is currently playing on Broadway, in the West End, Las Vegas, on its US National Tour and in the Netherlands simultaneously.

NORTH WALL
Long Live The Little Knife
Tuesday, March 17
01865 319450 or thenorthwall.com

Liz and Tom are small-time con-artists who need £250,000 to buy their way out of a turf war. Their mission is to be the greatest art forgers in the world. There’s only one problem: they can’t paint.

Originally developed with support from the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed at The British Museum, this fast-paced, provocative and boisterous caper is not only dazzling but also hugely enjoyable.

BURTON TAYLOR STUDIO
The Pier
Tuesday, January 13
Box Office on 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com

Set against the backdrop of a declining British seaside town, The Pier dips into the lives of those who are both brought together and divided by the vast body of water which stretches out before them, gently weaving their narratives together.

THE MILL
Banbury’s Got Talent
Open auditions in January
themillartscentre.co.uk

With a live show on Sunday, March 1, now’s your time to shine.

Martin Cabble, who produces this event, appeared on Britain’s Got Talent as the character ‘Kevin Cruise’

THE THEATRE CHIPPING NORTON
Lee Hurst
Friday, January 23
Box Office on 01608 642350 or chippingnortontheatre.com

Lee returns to Chipping Norton to ask audiences what winds them up, gets on their nerves and makes their blood boil.

Lee, like all Brits, loves a right good moan, but he also likes to come up with solutions too. Undoubtedly one of the UK's funniest and cleanest stand-up comedians, see him doing just that.

Oxford Mail:
Sophie Grigson

STORY MUSEUM
Sophie’s Kitchen: Cookery Classes
Saturdays in January, 11am-12.30pm
sophiescookeryschool.com

Cook up a story with celebrity chef Sophie Grigson and her talented team. Cook one morsel for now, and one for later! Ages 8-12. £20 per class.

FAMtastic Storytelling Yoga
Saturday, January 17, 10.30am

Enjoy favourite stories like Dear Zoo and Calm Down Boris while learning simple movement, breathing and relaxation exercises together with your child. Suitable for children aged 3-5 years. £3 per person on the door.

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