5 things to do in and around the Banbury area

The Brackley and District Band join world renowned euphonium soloist Steven Mead at the Ugland Auditorium at Stowe School this weekend

1 STAGE

Gregg Wallace: Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, September 21

The star of BBC’s MasterChef, Inside The Factory and Eat Well For Less takes to the stage for a new show in Chipping Norton this week. Gregg Wallace: Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This mixes comical behind-the-scenes tales with demonstrations and audience fun. The presenter promises to answer the questions the audience have always wanted to ask, share classic anecdotes and dish up a sumptuous serving of MasterChef’s juiciest bits.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com2 MUSIC

An Evening With Geoff Lakeman, The Antelope, Lighthorne, September 22

Geoff - father of Sean, Sam and Seth Lakeman - will be dining in the restaurant from around 7pm before getting up from his table to entertain. A noted raconteur, the former veteran Fleet Street reporter will be singing and self-accompanying on his rare 1926 Crane Duet Concertina. The evening has been organised by Lighthorne Folk, set up last year to promote traditional musical entertainment, including a festival, in the South Warwickshire village. Cornish-born Geoff, who has lived on Dartmoor for 40 years, managed to juggle a career as an international journalist with his passion for folk music while, with his violinist wife, Joy, bringing up their three now-famous sons. Geoff released his debut album in 2017, appropriately entitled After All These Years, featuring members of his all-star family and released in his 70th year. It received four and five-star reviews and national airplay. His repertoire includes self-written and West Country songs plus English and Irish folk, Americana and even 1920s and ’30s jazz on his authentic 1926 musical instrument.

Details: theantelope-inn.com3 THEATRE

Shackleton’s Carpenter, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, September 20

Malcolm Rennie (Fraser in Mr Selfridge) stars as Harry McNish, the only man who challenged The Boss on the ice floes of Antarctica. Shackleton’s Endurance sank in Antarctica, leaving him and his crew of 27 stranded. McNish, brilliant carpenter and shipwright, defied Shackleton, but went all the way with him and played a vital role in ensuring all 28 were saved.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com4 THEATRE

The Tempest, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, September 26 and 27

The all-female Sea Change Theatre reimagine Shakespeare’s final comedy in a humorous, thought-provoking and gender-bending adaptation for our times, underscored with sea shanties, calypso and contemporary music.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com5 MUSIC

Steven Mead, Ugland Auditorium, Stowe School, September 22

Steven Mead needs no introduction to brass enthusiasts around the world as his playing and teaching have become known to virtually all who have a love for the euphonium. As a soloist his career as a professional solo performer continues to break new ground, with over 75 solo performances a year. See a master at work.

Details: www.stowearts.co.uk