Theatre

MAURICE’S JUBILEE

Oxford Playhouse

Monday, April 15, to Saturday, April 20

Box office: 01865 305305

A critically acclaimed hit of Edinburgh 2012, Maurice’s Jubilee is the funny and moving tale of an ordinary man’s enduring commitment to a dream, and of a love triangle with a regal twist. The play takes a tender look at life and love in a marriage where Helena has been the Queen of Maurice’s heart for 60 years. But a distant memory of Her Majesty The Queen still sparkles brightly in this retired jeweller’s mind. Entrusted a lifetime ago with the Crown Jewels and a royal pledge, Maurice insists that his 90th birthday will be one worth waiting for. Nichola McAuliffe wrote, and stars in, this touching comedy.

Music

THE SHEE

The Theatre, Chipping Norton

Thursday April 4 at 7.45pm

Box office: 01608 0642350 chippingnortontheatre.com

The Shee is an exceptional all-female band. Their diverse range of individual musical influences combine to produce an adventurous brew of folk, Gaelic and bluegrass, earning them considerable recognition with high-profile performances at festivals including Cambridge and Celtic Connections, and concerts across Europe and Canada. Arrangements are a mixture of their signature complex, inter-weaving textures and a brave, stripped-back feel on certain tracks.The Shee are a band unafraid to explore new territory yet manage to maintain a unique, recognisable sound.

Tribute act

THE SONGS AND STORY OF NEIL DIAMOND... WITH DOMINIC FINLEY

Mill Arts Centre, Banbury

Thursday April 11, 8pm

Box office: 01285 279002 themillartscentre.co.uk

This exciting show pays homage to one of the world’s most loved performers and songwriters, Neil Diamond. The audience is taken on a journey through time with dynamic renditions of classic Diamond hits such as Sweet Caroline, Hello Again, Song Sung Blue and Red Red Wine. The show is presented by Dominic Finley, a British singer-songwriter, Australian migrant and a former member of the 80s’ chart toppers Cutting Crew. He also has three solo albums to his credit. Diamond’s music is performed in chronological order, laced with facts and stories about this iconic figure.

Songs from the shows

MICHAEL BALL: BOTH SIDES NOW

New Theatre, Oxford

April 30, at 7.30pm n Box office: 00844 871 3029 or at atgtickets.com/oxford

The hugely popular singing star is out on tour promoting his new album Both Sides Now, featuring highlights from his recordings and from his long career as a stage star. Michael Ball has won critical and public acclaim over the last 25 years with his dynamic, award-winning lead roles both in the West End and on Broadway. The Olivier-Award winning Ball has developed a concurrent career as a multi-platinum recording artist, top-selling live concert performer and radio and television broadcaster.