This week's EP has theatrical gems, May Morning plans, and all the fun that can be had on a Saturday in Oxford.

Regret-free Theatre

This week’s theatre recommendations are a gallery of heroes, icons and villains, beginning with Macbeth at the Oxford Playhouse. Shakespeare’s grim tale of one thane’s murderous quest for power will be embodied by only two actors playing more than 20 roles.

And you certainly won’t regret catching Piaf at the Watermill Theatre, chronicling the singular talent and turbulent life of legendary chanteuse Edith Piaf. Starring Amelie’s Audrey Brisson, Pam Gems’ play scores Piaf’s story with the music that made her one of France’s most successful entertainers.

You’ll find some more everyday heroes at the North Wall, where award-winning play Tending documents the day-to-day lives of NHS nurses. Drawn from the real experiences of over 70 working nurses, Tending is a sensitive, unflinching and uplifting tribute to the UK’s key workers.

Finally, a chance for you to raise your own voice; North Oxford Speakers Club will be hosting a special open event to celebrate the power of public speaking. Featuring interactive impromptu speaking activities and prepared readings, this is a fun and low-pressure evening for anyone interested in building their confidence AND their public speaking skills.

Macbeth: Oxford Playhouse, Tues 29th Apr - Thurs 1st May, 7:30pm (plus 2pm on Wed & Thurs). Tickets from £14.

Piaf: Watermill Theatre (near Newbury), until Sat 17th May, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm on Thurs & Sat). Tickets from £22.50.

Tending: North Wall Arts Centre, Thurs 1 May - Fri 2 May, 8pm (£12-20).

North Oxford Speakers Club Open Event: North Oxford Association Community Centre, Mon 28th Apr, 7.15pm. Free.

Saturday Night's the Night

To quote Whigfield’s 1995 magnum opus, “Saturday Night, I feel the air is getting hot”; we’ve got three thrilling ways to spend the best night of the week. Little Ox Brewery celebrates its 9th birthday with an open day until 11.30pm, with gourmet burgers from Friends and Flavours, music from Jack Read and, of course, a full bar with their signature brews. Family-, dog-, and gluten-free-friendly, everyone’s invited to this birthday party.

Then there’s homegrown drag chaos as SPUDS (Strange People Undertake a Drag Show) returns to the Old Fire Station. Hosted by the inimitable Scarlett von Kok and Cairo Eli, expect splits, stunts and gagworthy lip-syncs from Oxford’s fiercest drag queens, kings and things.

Last but by no means least, make The Afterparty your main party at the Tap Social. Settle in for killer vocals and guitar-driven energy as the feel-good pop ensemble put their own live spin on some old and new favourites, covering everything from classic floor-fillers to modern smash hits.

Little Ox Birthday Party: Little Ox Brew, Freeland, Sat 26th Apr, 2-11.30pm. Free entry.

SPUDS: Old Fire Station, Sat 26th Apr, 8pm. Tickets £12.50-16.50.

The Afterparty: Tap Social Movement, Sat 26th Apr, 8pm, Free entry

Something for Everyone

Schools may be back but that still leaves two whole days at the weekend to find stuff to do with the younglings. And Daily Info has you covered with a trio of events in Oxford.

First up on Saturday is Marconi Day at the History of Science Museum. To commemorate the birthday of radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, the Oxford and District Amateur Radio Society (ODARS) will be on hand with a host of activities and demonstrations to explore Marconi’s work.

Also on Saturday is The Story Forge with Make Your Own Myth, a high-octane hour of comedic story creating for the whole family. The show mixes live music, cardboard props and clowning to create three new myths live.

Finally, Sunday morning sees the return of the Family Cushion Concert at the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, where children and their families are introduced to different styles of music and instruments.

Marconi Day: History of Science Museum, Sat 26th Apr, 12 to 4pm, Free

The Story Forge: Pegasus Theatre, Sat 26th Apr, 11am & 2pm, £8-15

Family Cushion Concert: Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, Sun 27th Apr, 10, 11am & 12 noon, £7

In the (May) Morning

In our opinion, May Day is one of those Oxford traditions that everyone should experience at least once. Joining a crowd of thousands to listen to the Magdalen College Choir sing at sunrise from atop Magdalen Tower is pretty unforgettable.

If you’re thinking of taking part this year, you’ll want to take a look at our freshly updated May Day page, which lists planned road closures, traditions to keep an eye out for, and (most importantly for some!) the best places for an early morning brekkie. We’ve got some new additions to the latter list this year, including baps at the Story Museum cafe, a range of fun at the Covered Market, or for something truly next level, an unparalleled view from St Hilda’s rooftop, followed by a champagne breakfast.

Prior to this, if you plan to stay up rather than get up, there’s the May Day Party hosted by Simple events at The Bullingdon, which runs from 11pm - 6am on May Morning, and features house, techno and garage sounds from DjRum, Chinese Daughter, EBITDA, and more. Elsewhere, The Bridge will remain open till 4am, and Plush and The Varsity Club till 6am.

Check out all the May Day plans on our May Day page.

May Day Party: DjRum, Chinese Daughter, EBITDA: The Bullingdon, Wed Apr 30th - Thu May 1st, 11pm - 6am. Early Bird Tickets £22.50, 18+.

And Finally

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on two opportunities to support the LGBTQIA+ community in Oxford.

Oxford Pride is still welcoming volunteers to help with its range of events throughout June, from the iconic parade on June 7th, to a quiz night, dog show, arts and crafts session, and lots more. Find the application form here.

Meanwhile, those disturbed by the results of the Supreme Court Ruling last week on trans rights may want to attend the peaceful protest happening in Bonn Square on Sunday from 11am. More details can be found here.

Image credits: The Watermill Theatre, Little Ox Brewery, Pegasus Theatre