Theatre

BLOOD BROTHERS

New Theatre, Oxford n September 9-14

Box office: 0844 871 3020 atgtickets.com/oxford

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score, also by the versatile Russell, includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Bill Kenwright’s production recently surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Comedy

SANDI TOKSVIG: MY VALENTINE

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe

Saturday, October 26 at 8pm n Box office: 01494 512000

Comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster, show-off and international treasure Sandi Toksvig continues her smash hit, sell-out solo tour, returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, and then appearing all over the UK. The long-standing host of Radio 4’s News Quiz and Excess Baggage and regular QI panellist, Sandi will be performing her uniquely witty evening of stand-up, stories and fascinating facts and also signing copies of Valentine Grey after the show. The show is directed by award-winning theatre and television director and producer Pip Broughton.

Classical

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford n Friday, October 4, at 7.30pm

Box office: 01865 244806 or visit musicatoxford.com Music at Oxford begins its autumn season with a performance by the Philharmonia under vibrant guest conductor Andris Nelsons. The concert offers two mainstays of the German romantic repertoire, Brahms’s Symphonies 1 and 3. No 1 finds Brahms at his most radiantly inspired, while No 3 is a symphony of swirling emotions in which every movement ends quietly (the audiences at the time were taken completely by surprise). Book early to avoid disappointment.

Musical comedy

BARBERSHOPERA: THE THREE MUSKETEEERS

Oxford Playhouse n Monday September 2, at 7.30pm n Box office: 01865 305305, or visit oxfordplayhouse.com Fresh four-part harmonies, Alexandre Dumas’ classic story and a healthy dash of slapstick combine in Barbershopera’s epic adventure. Young Nicole D’Artagnan dresses up as a man and heads to Paris in the hope of joining the famous King’s Musketeers. But murky happenings plague the progress of our heroine and her new-found trio of friends as they battle corruption, femme fatales and the cultural confusions brought on by a quest to England. Blackadder meets Gilbert & Sullivan in this hilarious show. All for fun and fun for all!