Musicals

ICE SHOW Oxford Ice Rink December 8 & 9, 5pm and 7pm) Call 01865 467002 or oxford.gov.uk/leisure A fantastic mix of the best international, national and local talent in a Christmas themed spectacular. Appearing this year are: David Richardson – current British Men’s Champion, Tammy Sear – 1999 British Ladies Champion, European and World competitor, Sophie Jones and Jordan Brown – an ice dance pair who have competed internationally, Nikitia Aston and Steven Copsey – a new exciting pairs partnership, alongside the Oxford School of Skating and the Oxford Figure Ice Skating Club. Everyone attending the 7pm performances will get free entry to a disco skating session after the show.

Book event

BLACKWELLS FAMILY DAY

Blackwell’s Bookshop, Broad Street, Oxford Tomorrow, from 11am, free 01865 333623 Including Will Gompertz – the BBC’s arts editor and Oxford resident – taking a light-hearted look at modern art at 4pm. The day will also include Christmas music from Abingdon Brass Band, face painting, balloon modelling, Christmas storytelling with Andrew Weale, cartoons with Clive Goddard, arts, crafts, activities, competitions, and games.

Musical theatre

SHOWSTOPPER!

The Mill, Banbury Wednesday Dec 12, 7.30pm Box office 01295 279002 Musicians and singers create a showstopping musical from scratch at every performance with side-splittingly funny results, some amazing dance routines and very catchy melodies. Showstopper! comes to Banbury fresh from two West End seasons and a BBC Radio 4 series so catch it while you can.

Children’s theatre

 WHERE'S FATHER CHRISTMAS?

Burton Taylor Studio, Oxford Tuesday, December 11 to Sunday, December 30 Box Office on 01865 305305 or oxford playhouse.com If you went to Dear Father Christmas last year, you’ll already have booked tickets. If not you’ll enjoy Where’s Father Christmas with your three to six year olds – an interactive and festive adventure for children and their families.

Because even though the elves are wrapping as fast as they can and are nearly ready for the big day, they can’t find Father Christmas. The question is will he be back in time to deliver all the presents? Watch all the excitement from Father Christmas’s wrapping room with lots of stories, songs and activities, thrown in… and hopefully even meet the man himself.