There’s so much to look forward to at The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury this winter. With the recent repairs to our auditorium floor now complete, we’re thrilled to welcome back audiences to The Mill for exciting live performances. The Gruffalo returns to Banbury as our festive show this year (5th-24th December) with songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
The festive fun continues with the Bye Bye Baby Christmas Show (27th November), a jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon Jersey Boys and the timeless, iconic music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. We’re also delighted to welcome back Ballet Theatre UK with The Nutcracker (1st December). Experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece brought to life with lavish costumes and glittering sets in this opulent full-length production.
Burlesque fans will love Hundred Watt Club: A Red Blooded Burlesque Review (1st November). Peek inside their cabinet of curiosities and celebrate Halloween with an evening of bizarre burlesque, queer cabaret and sublime circus entertainment! Meanwhile, Flamenco Nights (30th November) returns to The Mill with an authentic Spanish experience for all food and music lovers, combining traditional Spanish tapas with incredible flamenco performances. Or for something a bit different, experience a screening of Hitchcock’s legendary 1927 silent thriller film The Lodger (14th November)with haunting live musical accompaniment.
Our programmer’s pick this month is After All (2nd December) – a funny, engaging and moving solo dance theatre show that explores our relationship with death. A heartfelt exploration of the death rituals we have, the ones lost and those that need to be invented, After All joyously brings us together to explore the role that dancing might play in healing.
Out of The Mill, our programme of activities taking place outside of our walls, continues with exciting events taking place in Bicester: The Sticky Dance (2nd November), an interactive, engaging and colourful performance installation for autistic/neurodivergent children aged 3-7 and their families at Glory Farm School; Fam Jam (9th November), a famous family disco party for under 5s and their grown-ups at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground; and Little Robin Red Vest (21st-24th December), a charming festive tale aimed at families with children aged 2-6 taking place at Bicester Leisure Centre.
With such a diverse range of events, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to book your tickets early and prepare for laughter, music, and memorable experiences.
Visit our website or pick up our What’s On Guide to discover what’s on at your local theatre!
Full details of our programme are available at www.themillartscentre.co.uk. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone 01295 279002 – or pop into our Box Office in person at The Mill Arts Centre, Spiceball Park Road, Banbury OX16 5QE.
The Mill is open 9:30am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday with hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available from the Café Bar.
