Five of the Best - Things to do in Banburyshire this week

1 THEATRE
Much-loved story The Snail and the Whale, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, comes to life at The Theatre, Chipping Norton next weekMuch-loved story The Snail and the Whale, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, comes to life at The Theatre, Chipping Norton next week
Much-loved story The Snail and the Whale, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, comes to life at The Theatre, Chipping Norton next week

The Mikado, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, September 8

Oxfordshire opera favourites Opera Anywhere return with this Gilbert and Sullivan classic. Set in Japan, The Mikado presents a tangled web of love. Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado, flees in search of his true love, YumYum, to avoid marrying a much older suitor. Yum-Yum, however, is betrothed to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, against her will. It’s all rather complicated – but can everything be righted before someone loses their head? Expect high jinks, lots of energy and clever wordplay.

Banbury Sausage and Cider Festival takes place this weekBanbury Sausage and Cider Festival takes place this week
Banbury Sausage and Cider Festival takes place this week

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com

2MUSIC

The Ragdolls, The Mill, Banbury, September 13

The Mill will come alive with the sound of some all-time classics with a visit from The Ragdolls, a tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Songs such as Sherry, Walk like a Man, Oh what a Night, Can’t Take my Eyes off of You, Let’s Hang On, Ragdoll, Grease, Beggin’ and Working my Way Back to You feature along with slick choreography, with acoustic versions and dancefloor fillers bringing variety.

The Ragdolls tribute to The Jersey Boys SUS-180621-111635001The Ragdolls tribute to The Jersey Boys SUS-180621-111635001
The Ragdolls tribute to The Jersey Boys SUS-180621-111635001

Details: www.themillartscentre.co.uk

3 MUSIC

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Ironstone Chamber Music Festival, St Etheldreda’s Church, Horley, September 7 and 8

Music by Haydn, Ravel, Schubert, Mozart, Bach, Dvořák, Shostakovich, Mendelssohn will resound around the historic church as the festival returns for its seventh year. Lucy Gould, Simon Blendis, Alex Redington and Jonathan Stone will play the violins, with Hannah Shaw and Hélène Clément on violas and Kate Gould and Richard Lester on cellos.

Details: Call 01295 738313

4 FOOD AND DRINK

Banbury Sausage and Cider Festival, Army Reserve Centre, Oxford Road, Banbury, September 7 and 8

A taste of the West Country will be coming to Banbury with the launch of the town’s very own sausage and cider festival. The event celebrates real cider made by artisan producers and the great British banger. As well as cider and sausages, there will be live music with one of Banbury’s best loved ska bands – The Skalectrics – due to perform.

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Organiser Crispin Slee said: “Sausage and cider festivals are a great tradition in the West Country and that’s no wonder as there a few things that go better together. As far as we’re concerned they are the new strawberries and cream, and we’re delighted to be bringing the festival to Banbury for the first time.” The festival will feature 30 ciders, including a range of fruit ciders and ciders made in the traditional West County style. Crispin added: “We have a fabulous range of ciders. People love the Lilley’s Mango, which is our best seller, but there should be something for everyone.” As well as Polish kielbasa and a range of artisan sausages from Rutland, there will be vegetarian alternatives. The event is adult only.

Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk

5 FAMILY

The Snail and the Whale, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, September 12 and 13

Join a tiny snail on her trip round the world in Tall Stories’ magical musical production inspired by the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler. The show promises storytelling, live music and lots of laughs.

Details: chippingnortontheatre.com