What to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire in February.
Sometimes, the shortest month of the year can feel like a long old slog; the last push through the darkness and freezing temperatures until Spring officially starts in March, and when leaving a self-imposed Netflix hibernation finally seems feasible again.
But February’s actually not too shabby. It’s got a range of fantastic events right here on our doorstep – from exhibitions to musicals, shows and attractions. So stay focussed and make the most of this February in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Of course, this is a curated list of the top things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this February. Be sure to visit the What’s on section of the website where you’ll find a full list of events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire as well as unmissable events beyond the county that would make for a great day out.
Got an event that should be on the list? List your event on The Oxford Magazine and reach an engaged audience of people who live, work or place in Oxfordshire. Once again, welcome to your invaluable guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this February.
Into the Woods
Into the Woods follows Cinderella, Jack, and a Baker and his wife as they pursue their wishes, only to face unexpected consequences. With Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed score, this Tony-winning musical explores hope, family, and moral complexities in a visionary adaptation by of Oxford University student company Peach Productions.
Desert Storm
An unmissable night for sludge and groove metal fans with Oxford’s very own Desert Storm. The oxford-based riff hounds Desert Storm have been making a name for themselves since they formed in 2007, with 5 studio albums and relentless touring of the UK & Europe.
The Upbeat Beatles
Looking for the best Beatles tribute band in the UK? Then look no further than The Upbeat Beatles – the UK’s favourite Fab Four act. The Upbeat Beatles bring the legendary music of the Fab Four to life in a spectacular show that’s fun for all ages – delivering performances that capture the spirit and energy of the Beatles.
The 80s Mixtape
Performed by a Live Six-Piece band made up of West End Performers, The 80s Movie Mixtape is a concert experience like no other! Get ready to sing (and dance) along to your favourite songs and relive the memories of the movies that defined a generation – from the upbeat, feel-good hits of “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to the emotional power ballads of “Top Gun” and “Dirty Dancing”.
The Magic of Motown
Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown! Seen by over a million people and now in its 16th year touring the UK, this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breathtaking live concert spectacular.
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
Oxford Playhouse patron Stewart Lee is again back by popular demand with a brand-new show. Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee.
Queen Extravaganza
Queen Extravaganza, the only official Queen tribute band, produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, brings its own ‘kind of magic’ back into venues around the UK and Ireland in 2025 with a triumphant celebration of 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Varna International Ballet – The Nutcracker
This most famous fantasy ballet for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince, and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…
Discover more: Classical Music, Opera & Ballet
Varna International Ballet – Swan Lake
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
Discover more: Classical Music, Opera & Ballet
Fagin’s Last Hour
Charles Dickens’ dark tale of crime and punishment is stunningly re-imagined in this multi-award-winning stage adaptation. Told from the point of view of Fagin, one hour before his execution, this unique and powerful one-man show offers a fresh insight into literature’s most controversial villain.
Andrew Bird: A Ticklish Mind
When asking his 9-year-old son if he is ticklish, he replied “Only my mind”, which is a great way to describe a sense of humour. Join comedian Andrew Bird live as he finds the funny from “Sports washing” to Spa hotels; Lord knows we all need a good tickle in the mind every now and then.
Varna International Ballet – Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds, and love that cannot be, is unmissable.
Beam Me Up – Oxford
Beam Me Up is a new festival taking place across Lincoln and Oxford in 2024. Showcasing the freshest talent touring at the moment, you can see up to 12 bands in one day, back to back. Line up comprises Home Countries, Shelf Lives, Danny Mellin, Jonny Payne & The Thunder, Suspice, Chroma, Good Health Good Wealth, Eva Gadd, Katie Malco, Blue Bayou, Tiger Mendoza.
Discover more: O2 Academy Oxford
Vaughan Williams – Roots & Branches
This exciting ‘cross-over’ show explores the linkages between Vaughan Williams’ collected folk songs and his own compositions. The show features 4-piece folk band Moonrakers and string quartet OXUS and comprises an evocative mix of songs and tunes from the folk and classical traditions.
Right Down the Line: The Gerry Rafferty Songbook
The magic and majesty of Gerry Rafferty’s enduring music are brought to life in this emotive, evocative, and extraordinary live musical celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless classics of one of music’s greatest storytellers, as we honour his abiding musical odyssey with an evening of peerless musicianship.
Transatlantic Sessions
An annual focal point of Celtic Connections, the exclusive line-up combines guest singers and the celebrated house band, inviting them to interweave original material with age-old tunes and songs as they explore shared roots and find new common ground.
Summer 1954 – Table Number 7 & The Browning Version
Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpieces Table Number Seven (from Separate Tables) and The Browning Version are paired for the first time, capturing one quietly momentous evening seventy years ago. Together, they confirm Rattigan as one of the great 20th-century chroniclers of the paradoxes of the human heart.
Anselm Kiefer: Early Works
Organised in collaboration with the Hall Art Foundation and drawn from the Hall Collection, the exhibition will show approximately 45 works rarely displayed in public before. This major exhibition will return to Anselm Kiefer’s roots, featuring important early paintings, photos, prints, artist books, watercolours and mixed-media work, including less well-known, intimate pieces.
Heaven Can Wait: Meatloaf Tribute
Featuring the incredible vocals of Lee Brady and an awesome band made up of the UK’s most highly skilled and reputable rock musicians and female rock vocalists … this spellbinding concert will take you on a rollercoaster ride of Meatloaf’s greatest hits of all time.
Sydnie Christmas – My Way Tour
Fresh from her victory as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024, Sydnie Christmas is thrilled to announce the My Way Tour, her debut UK tour. Sydnie captivated the judges and audience on Britain’s Got Talent with spellbinding performances of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow,’ ‘My Way,’ and ‘Tomorrow,’ the latter earning her the prestigious Golden Buzzer.
Giovanni – The Last Dance
Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice returns in 2025 with his tour ‘The Last Dance’. Giovanni, the Italian dance maestro, 2021 Strictly champion and BAFTA winner, takes centre stage in ‘The Last Dance’, a mesmerising production that transcends the boundaries of live performance.
Helen and Douglas House Comedy Gala
Helen and Douglas House will hold a star-studded charity comedy gala, for the first time in 10 years, hosted by Matt Richardson and friends. This one-night-only event brings together a stellar line-up of comedians, all performing for a fantastic cause.
A Man for All Seasons
The greatest, most powerful, and most dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt’s award-winning play. Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor, and friend to King Henry VIII. Above all, he is a man of integrity, loved by the common people and his own family.
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman
Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. Look out ‘cause here it comes…! A live host will teach you a unique set of dance moves that will truly make you come alive; as they show you how to use our interactive prop bags.
Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show.
Beauty and the Beast Pantomime by the Launton Village Players
The Launton Village Players put on a pantomime every February half term in Bicester, and their next panto will be “Beauty and the Beast” from Wednesday, 19 to Saturday, 22 February 2025, in the Performance Hall at The Cooper School in Bicester.
Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend
Greg Davies is heading back out on tour for the first time in 7 years with his brand-new 2025 stand-up show Full Fat Legend. Star of shows such as Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, The Cleaner, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Man Down and Cuckoo, this is Greg’s biggest live tour yet.
Dance in the Dark
A captivating dance and music show with fun interaction for ages 3 to 6 and their grown-ups. Come in your favourite PJs for a slumber party in a giant sleepover den and a night-time adventure into a playful world of imagination where you’ll meet friendly nocturnal creatures and discover the magic of the dark.
The Elton John Show
The Elton John Show is the UK’s newest and most exciting Elton John tribute show to hit the stage. From Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer, The Elton John Show brings ‘Young Elton’ back to the stage at his energetic best.
CHICAGO The Musical
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, CHICAGO “remains a phenomenon” (Sunday Express)
Dillie Keane: Thoroughly Modern Dillie
Dillie Keane is thrilled to be coming back to the Theatre at Chipping Norton with a new raft of songs, once again accompanied by the extraordinary talent of Michael Roulston on piano – some old, some new, some borrowed, some unashamedly blue.
Discover more events at The Theatre Chipping Norton
The Torpids 2025
One of two bumping boat races in Oxford’s rowing calendar, the Torpids takes place annually around the 7th week of Hilary Term (towards the start of March) on four successive days from Wednesday to Saturday, on The Isis, a length of the River Thames in Oxford, which is generally too narrow for side-by-side racing.
Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with ‘The Greatest Performance of My Life’. After a successful and extensively extended tour of his 2022 show Stretch and Think (which you can catch in full on YouTube), he’s back on the road with this new show.
Kabuki Legends: Part Two
Japanese artist Takahashi Hiromitsu creates dynamic, colourful prints showing exciting moments in kabuki, a traditional form of dance-drama. This exhibition showcases a second selection of these unusual prints from the Ashmolean’s own extensive collection of Hiromitsu’s work, generously presented by Philip Harris.
Oracles, Omens and Answers
Drawing on material from across time and cultures – from oracle bones from Shang Dynasty China (ca. 1250-1050 B.C.E.) to an autobiography of Ronald Reagan’s White House astrologer – Oracles, Omens and Answers will explore the different techniques humans have used to unveil the past, understand the present and predict the future.
Ashmolean NOW: Bettina von Zwehl
This is the third in the Ashmolean NOW exhibition series, where contemporary artists are invited to create new work inspired by the Ashmolean’s historical collections. This exhibition features photographs by the London-based artist, whose aim is to rekindle wonder and curiosity as critical tools for exploring new ideas and practices.
Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground is a new exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History that charts these significant developments in palaeontology and geology through a cast of characters – both the celebrated and the unsung – who helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas.
Cheung Yee and his 1960s Hong Kong contemporaries
This exhibition showcases newly-acquired works for the Ashmolean by the Hong Kong artist Cheung Yee (1936–2019) alongside those by Lui Shou-Kwan (1919–75), Wucius Wong (b.1936), Liu Kuo-sung (b.1932) and others from the avant-garde Circle Art Group. It will be the first substantial display of Cheung Yee’s work outside Hong Kong.
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