Open-air theatre

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Mapledurham House, near Reading Wednesday, August 14 Call 0871 2200 260 or visit seetickets.com Bring seating and then sit back and enjoy this classic English tale, an animated retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s story of friendship and adventure. Bring along a picnic and watch as Badger, Ratty and Mole set out to discover their own perfect picnic spot. Their peaceful day out turns into a roller coaster ride of hilarious escapades and perilous pitfalls when their lively and bumptious friend, Toad, enters the story. Alive with music, song and dance, this promises to be a great day out for all the family.

Canalside entertainment

BEYOND THE VEIL

Wolvercote, Kidlington and Enslow Wednesday, August 7, Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 Visit mikron.org.uk If you read our piece on Mikron a fortnight ago you’ll know what to expect from this canalboat touring theatre company who are bringing their latest show Beyond the Veil to the Plough Inn in Wolvercote, The Jolly Boatman, Kidlington, and The Rock of Gibraltar in Enslow. This topical, bee-related show of a crime-thriller has a sting in its tail, so just sit back with your pint and enjoy.

Comedy

TOM DEACON

Oxford Glee Club Saturday, August 10 Call 0871 472 0400 or visit glee.co.uk/oxford Hot young stand-up Tom Deacon won The Chortle Student Comedian Award in 2007 and has since catapulted on to our stages, screens and radios. Host of his own BBC Radio 1 slot, and The 5:19 Show, Tom has also sold out two Edinburgh Festival Solo Shows. Age restriction: 18+

Literary evening

NEIL GAIMAN TALKS TO PHILIP PULLMAN

Oxford Playhouse Wednesday, August 21 Call 01865 305305.

Neil Gaiman, one of the greatest living fiction writers, comes to celebrate the publication of his new novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Neil will be in conversation with Oxford’s own master of fantasy Philip Pullman, author of the classic trilogy His Dark Materials. This is sure to be an evening to remember with two giants of modern fiction. Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman will both be signing books at the end of the evening.