Half-term fun

KING OF THE CASTLE

Oxford Castle n Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, June 2

oxfordcastle unlocked.com

Following news that Oxford Castle Unlocked is the site where Geoffrey of Monmouth penned the Legends of King Arthur, May half term will be dedicated to the King of the Castle where legends will be brought to life with a series of family activities. Visitors will be challenged to take on the role of King Arthur, the wizard Merlin or the brave knight Lancelot to complete a quest around the castle grounds and rescue the stricken Queen Guinevere.

Circus

JOHN LAWSON’S CIRCUS

Milletts Farm Centre

May 28-June 2

milletsfarm centre.com

If you’ve ever wanted to run away to the circus — there’s no need as award-winning John Lawson’s Circus is making its first visit to Millets Farm near Abingdon during half term week. Voted the ‘Best Small Circus’, the entirely human cast will delight families with daring acts introduced by charismatic Ringmaster Attila Endresz. These include The Nevadas, Georgia on solo trapeze, Aaron Darnell on the aerial straps and Miss Anya with her amazing hula hoops.

Horror

THE SHOP OF LITTLE HORRORS

The North Wall

May 29-June 1 at 8pm

Call 01865 319450 or thenorthwall.org

The North Wall’s very first co-production is a dark, twisted tale that combines the company’s trademark macabre puppets, weird and wonderful masks, rich storytelling and black comedy. It follows the story of proprietor Albert Grimlake of Grimlake’s Emporium of Novelties where corny magic tricks and strange puppets collect dust and cobwebs, bringing you right to the edge of your seats. Age 12+.

Comedy

JOSH WIDDICOMBE

The Theatre, Chipping Norton

Friday, May 24 at 7.45pm

Call 01608 642350 or chippingnorton theatre.co.uk 2011’s Foster’s Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee returns to Chippy with a brilliant new show, presumably in preparation for Edinburgh’s up-and-coming Fringe festival.

Musical

OXFORD OPERATIC SOCIETY: THE SOUND OF MUSIC

New Theatre, Oxford n May 28-June 1

Call 0844 871 3020 or atgtickets. com/oxford

Oxford Operatic Society returns to the stage with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most popular musical and a cast of over 50 talented performers from all over Oxfordshire. Expect a score packed full of famous songs including Do-Re-Mi, The Lonely Goatherd and Edelweiss, plus the excitement and drama of the famous story-line, this is still a wonderful and uplifting family show.