* George Orwell's unnerving dystopian masterpiece 1984 arrived at the O’Reilly Theatre in Keble College yesterday, and continues to be performed every evening until Saturday.

Produced by the Oxford theatre company Rough Hewn, the nightmarish parable is set in a world where Big Brother is always watching. Buy a ticket for the performance for £8 at wegottickets.com

* For an amazing demonstration of the human body’s capability, check out Shaolin Warriors: Return of the Master tonight. This is a breathtaking kung fu show that vividly depicts its participants’ agility, strength and skill through a mesmerising story, imaginatively portrayed with beautiful scenery, music, lighting and costume. It’s at the New Theatre for one night only – buy a ticket online for £17 at atgtickets.com/shows/shaolin-warriors or call 0844 871 3020.

* An original play from a canal-based writer/performer will be shown at the Old Fire Station today and tomorrow. Finding Libby takes playwright Kate Saffin’s own river-based experiences and channels them into the world of Pauline, an unassuming woman thrown into the depths of a tumultuous waterway holiday. The charming story is woven with beautiful language and performed with affection by its writer. Tickets cost £10. Book online at theoldfirestation.org.uk or call 01865 305305.

* Renowned celebrity mimicker Alistair McGowan brings his many guises to the Cornerstone Arts Centre this Saturday, in a new two-hour routine that goes back to his stand-up roots. The BBC star, whose Big Impression saw him imitate everyone from David Beckham to Prince Charles, will mix his well-known fame-shaming antics with a sharp, topical wit that leaves culture-savvy audiences in stitches. Tickets are £15 and very limited – book quickly to avoid disappointment from the Cornerstone box office at 01235 515144 or go to cornerstone-arts.org.

* For kids with a love of rockets, planets and the unknown, Something Very Far Away at the North Wall Theatre in Summertown on Saturday will be a marvel. Both touching and imaginative, it tells the tale of a man who journeys deep into space in order to bring his lost love back to him. The ambitious premise is impressively rendered with unique live animation which will thrill children over eight and their respective adults. Book online for £7 per ticket at thenorthwall.org or call 01865 319450.