Theatre

STARLIGHT EXPRESS New Theatre, Oxford Dec 11-29 at 7.30pm, matinees Wed and Sat and on Dec 13, 24, 27 and 28 at 2.30pm, and on Boxing Day at 3pm Box office: 0844 871 3020 or atgtickets.com/oxford Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved, longest-running and most unusual musicals in theatrical history. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller skating sensation is back in Oxford for a feast of fun over Christmas. A futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity, the show takes the audience on the ride of a lifetime, with electrifying soundtrack, dazzling sets and costumes. Featured are some of Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical hits and non-stop roller choregraphy by TV’s favourite dance show judge Arlene Phillips.

Art

AMALIA PICA Modern Art Oxford Dec 12-Feb 10 Free admission Amalia Pica at Modern Art Oxford is a major presentation of work by the Argentinean-born, London-based artist. Playful and celebratory, Pica’s sculpture and works on paper — many of which will be shown in the UK for the first time — explore some of the underlying social concerns that relate to our daily experience of life. Examining the nature of participation and interaction between people, her works have a vitality and hand-made quality which often belie more complex social relations, in particular the importance of two-way communication and the interaction between individuals. Also showing at MOA over the same period is Documenting Cadere: 1972-78. This is an intimate exhibition, curated by art historian and writer Lynda Morris, that brings together archive material focusing on André Cadere’s appearances, walks, lectures and interviews from 1972 until his death in 1978.

Music

TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR’S VIENNESE CONCERT Oxford Town Hall Sunday, January 6, 3.30pm Box office: 01865 980980, oxfordphil.com Oxford’s ornate Town Hall sets the scene for Oxford Philomusica’s annual Viennese extravaganza. Join the orchestra under conductor John Georggiadis to welcome 2013 in traditional style as joyous Strauss family waltzes, marches and polkas transport you to Vienna’s Musikverein. Included in the programme is Johnann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture and Wieniawski’s dazzling Violin Concerto No 1 in F sharp minor, with the Philomusica’s Concertmaster Carmine Lauri as soloist.

Music

NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA Oxford Playhouse Thursday January 17, 7.30pm Box office: 01865 305305, oxfordplayhouse.com National Youth Jazz Orchestra return to the Playhouse following previous sell-outs to provide an uplifting evening’s entertainment, celebrating the jazz big-band sound. The National Youth Jazz Orchestra is world-famous as a showcase for the country’s best young musicians destined to become the next UK jazz generation. Alumni include Guy Barker, Dennis Rollins, Julian Arguelles, Amy Winehouse and Chris Dagley. Bring in the new year with a feel-good evening of world-class music.