Five of the best around Banburyshire

1 MUSIC

Banbury Choral Society Easter Concert, St Mary’s Church, Banbury, March 24

Under the baton of Julian Harris, the choir will be performing Stainer’s The Crucifixion, Handel’s The Hallelujah Chorus and Handel’s Messiah Part III.

The choir will once again be accompanied by organist Charles Matthews. The soloists will be Mollie Smith, soprano, Ed Harrisson, tenor, and Jack Holton, bass.

John Stainer was one of the most influential musicians of his generation and became organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1872. His many skills extended to taking up various positions including conductor, composer and teacher and author as well as being an Oxford professor.

Handel’s Messiah Part III contains some of the composer’s most inspired writing, namely the moving soprano aria I Know that My Redeemer Liveth. Part III concentrates on Paul’s teaching of the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s glorification in heaven.

Details: banburychoralsoc.co.uk

2 COMEDY

Shazia Mirza, The Mill, Banbury, March 24

A familiar presence on TV screens, Shazia was recently seen back to absolute basics in Channel 4’s Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, and earlier this year she took a speedy turn in BBC2’s Top Gear’s A Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment.

She has guested on ITV’s Jonathan Ross and Loose Women and she is a regular panellist on Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff. Her new show is about lies and truth, taking in such diverse topics as nudity, fashion and the periodic table. It follows her critically acclaimed 2016, 103 date sell-out international tour, The Kardashians Made Me Do It.

Details: themillartscentre.co.uk

3 MUSIC

Iota, Banbury Folk Club, Banbury Cross Inn, Butchers Row, Banbury, March 28

The new all-female super group and great friends to Banbury Folk Club comprise Sally Barker, Anna Ryder and Marion Fleetwood. Expect a superb evening of music from a wide range of influences. The three are popular on the scene and regulars at the club, with Marion involved with the club since its early days.

Details: banburyfolkclub.co.uk

4 MUSIC

Steve Knightley, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, March 24

In his highly anticipated solo tour ‘Songs & Stories’, multi-award-winning songwriter Steve Knightley invites his audience on a musical journey. The Show of Hands frontman showcases a setlist peppered with classic gems such as Cousin Jack, and Country Life with his inimitable passion and flair. And in a rare glimpse into his personal playlist, Knightley pays tribute to some of his influences, from Dylan to Radiohead.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com

5 MUSIC AND DANCE

Mi Flamenco: Incognito, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, March 28

International flamenco company Mi Flamenco brings an authentic taste of Spanish culture to Chipping Norton.

Its latest show, Incognito, intertwines moving flamenco dance, powerful song, virtuoso guitar and cello with charm, imagination and theatre. Mi Flamenco brings creative, authentic flamenco to audiences worldwide, aiming to dispel its stereotypical image.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com