Josh Howie was raised as a Buddhist, and trained to be a Rabbi before perhaps his inevitable entrance to stand-up. A talented performer, he has taken three solo shows to Edinburgh, garnering rave reviews and sell out runs at the Soho Theatre so catch him while you can at the Oxford Glee Club on Saturday night, alongside the likes of Nick Dixon, Luke Toulson and Junior Simpson. Call the box Office on 0871 472 0400 or see glee.co.uk/oxford George Orwell and Big Brother fans will both enjoy the radical new staging of a 20th century classic at Oxford Playhouse from Tuesday to Saturday, October 1-5.

One of the most influential novels in recent history, 1984 is a chilling depiction of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance and incessant public mind control, and is as relevant today as ever. Call the box office on 01865 305305 or see oxfordplayhouse.com Everyone has a story to tell about the NHS: terrible food, waiting lists, infections and complaints.

But where are the unheard stories of compassion and kindness from the caring face of our national health service? Based on interviews with NHS staff and intensive care nurses, Floating is by Liverpool playwright and director Sam Freeman and performed by his sister Susannah Freeman at the Burton Taylor Studio tonight.

Call 01865 305305 or book online at oxfordplayhouse.com The Government Inspector may not be the most auspicious title but this high-energy production from new Oxfordshire company Flintlock features extraordinary physical storytelling, a fast and furious Klezmer soundtrack and four actors swapping characters at break-neck speed.

Staged in the round at The Theatre Chipping Norton on Sunday night, it is a hilarious, chaotic and delightful experience that’s guaranteed fun for all ages. Call 01608 642350 or see chippingnortontheatre.com Beautiful and moving theatre duet Headcase comes to the Burton Taylor Studio on Thursday and Friday, October 3 and 4.

Experience Cassie in her vivid and claustrophobic world, joining her in a battle for who she is and who she wants to be. Fusing puppetry and dance with a spine-tingling score, Headcase is a duet inspired by the comic and tender real life adventures of our minds.

Call 01865 305305 or see oxfordplayhouse.com Footballers, Facebook and food are just three of the subjects comedian Hal Cruttenden devours with his unique mix of camp and straight, warm and catty humour that has had him tipped as the next big thing.

He will be at Oxford’s Glee Club on Wednesday, October 23, with his new show Tough Luvvie, launched off the back of his performances on Live At The Apollo, Let’s Dance For Comic Relief and John Bishop’s Only Joking plus upcoming appearances on Mock The Week and his own Radio 4 series. Call 0871 472 0400.