Staying up in a desperate attempt to get some work done before Christmas takes over? Helping at interviews? Just can’t quite let go?
If the prospect of another evening in the library doesn’t appeal, fear not. Oxford’s drama scene doesn’t stop for the holiday, as the pros take over where the students leave off. Here’s what’s on in Oxford over the vacation- there are treats a-plenty in store.
Cinderella
Oxford Playhouse, until January 16
De-stress and rediscover your childhood with the Playhouse’s annual panto, which the Oxford Mail calls “the Playhouse’s best ever show”. With all the booing, hissing, cross-dressing and “he’s behind you”-ing that you expect, there are also touches for adults including some gentle political satire and an Eminem-style rap. Two live ponies put the icing on the foam pie. You’ll leave with a smile on your face, something that surely can’t be said often of the library.
The Sound of Music
New Theatre, until January 2
Fresh from the West End, this critically acclaimed touring production stars Connie Fisher, winner of the BBC talent show “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” alongside Michael Praed and Marilyn Hill Smith, and a troupe of all-singing all-dancing Von Trapp children. Packed full of classic songs and a touching, fast-moving plot, this is a definite must-see, though whether the play can live up to the heights of the classic film, with its beautiful Austrian scenery and more extended dialogue, is a subject for debate. Catch it while you can, as these are Fisher’s last performances as Maria after four years in the role.
Travesties, by Tom Stoppard
Simpkins Lee Theatre, LMH, until December 19
Based on historical reality, as James Joyce, Lenin and artist Tristan Tzara live in Zurich during the First World War. Joyce recruits a minor British consular official to act in a production of The Importance of Being Earnest, who promptly sues Joyce for the cost of a pair of trousers, and is sued in return for slander. Called by director Collin MacNee “a multi-layered knickerbocker glory of a comic confection”, it’s a fast-paced comedy with questions of the meaning of art and revolution at its centre, conveyed with characteristic Stoppard wit and sublimity.
Bath Time
BT, until December 19
If you’re still full of worldly cares after the pantomime, regress even further into your youth and check out this show, which claims to “celebrate in words, music, magic and puppets the games we all play in the bath.” It’s aimed at 2-5 year olds, but don’t let that put you off if it sounds like your cup of tea. Bubbles and rubber ducks guaranteed.
If this isn’t enough, London is only an hour away by train or coach. Pick of the capital’s copious Christmas fare is Derek Jacobi as King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse (until February 3)- but be warned, you may have to face early morning queues for day tickets and returns, as it’s sold out and tickets have gone for up to £500 on ebay. Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece The Glass Menagerie at the Young Vic (5* in the Independent) should be well worth seeing, as should Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband at the Vaudeville Theatre.
