Oxford theatre news...

  • Swap rotten fruit for wet sponges and hurl them at volunteer prisoners ‘in the stocks’ for charity this Saturday.

The fundraising event at Oxford Castle Unlocked, is in aid of Helen & Douglas House – the Oxford hospice charity which helps provide end-of-life care to children, young people and their families.

Those who fancy volunteering as prisoners should contact Ellie Stokes on estokes@oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk or call 07713 307925.

  • Mikron Theatre is presenting two new outdoor shows next week.

Don't Shoot the Messenger at the Waterfront Cafe Benson next Tuesday, is a celebration of the postal service and a homage to an institution on the brink of extinction.

An unsuspecting gunman has the tables turned on him after holding up a sleepy village post office and the postmistress seizes the opportunity to educate him.

Told by a company of four but featuring a cast of dozens, this hilarious ride through the history of the postal service features original songs, live music and a smattering of mad-cap tomfoolery. See waterfrontcafe.co.uk Alternatively join Detective Starkey at Oxford Science Park on Wednesday for a tale of hives, honey and homicide.

In a lively show of music, fun and facts about bees and beekeeping, the fragile peace of the idyllic Thistledale allotments is shattered by the discovery of a body – and foul play is suspected.

Call 01865781300 or buy tickets online at mikron.org.uk

  • Young people are invited to learn new skills and even create a show in a week at the Pegasus Theatre. The venue holds its Summer Village from today until Monday, featuring everything from puppetry and street dance to urban art. For just £1, children aged 8-12 can try street dance at 11.15am today, while 12-19 year-olds can do the same at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Tomorrow is urban art day, with 8-14 year-olds invited to come along at 10am.

Next week is the venue’s summer fun week for 6-12 year olds, with activities running from 9.30am-3.15pm, Monday to Friday. Then, from August 5–9 young actors aged 12–19 will stage a production of Grease in a week. The sessions run from 10am–4pm. Call 01865 812150 for details.

  • Join John Gordillo Suzi Ruffell, and Daniel Simonsen on Saturday for live stand-up at Oxford’s Glee Club.

John Gordillo, director of hit shows for both Eddie Izzard and Reg D Hunter, returns to the stage after a six-year break, with material exploring families, politics and psychology.

Call the box office on 08714720400 or see glee.co.uk/oxford