Bucks &amp; Oxon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUDDY&#8217;S PICK OF THE MONTH</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BALLET: <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moscow-city-ballet-presents-swan-lake/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Swan Lake</a> and <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moscow-city-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">The Nutcracker</a>, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, 10 &amp; 11 Jan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="670" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-124892" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake-360x241.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake-720x482.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake-150x101.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Moscow-City-Ballet-Swan-Lake-784x525.jpeg 784w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Two of the world&#8217;s most famous ballets (and one of the most prestigious touring ballet companies) are coming to Buckinghamshire this month. You can expect hauntingly familiar scores, stunning choreography (and bums — sorry, we know that&#8217;s not the point), and the knockout, whole Russian shebang with full orchestra. See Moscow City Ballet&#8217;s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moscow-city-ballet-presents-swan-lake/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank">Swan Lake</a> on 10 Jan, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moscow-city-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank">The Nutcracker</a> on 11 Jan, both at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="676" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-124899" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1-360x243.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1-720x487.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1-150x101.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Discover-Bucks-Geology-displays-1024x724-1-777x525.jpg 777w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Makeover alert! The Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury has been a busy bee of late, transforming its central spaces into <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="five brand new galleries (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.discoverbucksmuseum.org/discover-bucks/" target="_blank">five brand new galleries</a> that explore 200 million years of Bucks history. They unveil this month, so head on over. 



Over in Henley, catch the last two weeks of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rrm.co.uk/whats-on/skyscape-the-limitless-art-of-the-sky-72/" target="_blank">Skyscape: The limitless art of the sky</a> at the River &amp; Rowing Museum, on until 16 Jan, which focuses on aerial landscapes and the sky throughout 500 years of art.



Also ending 16 Jan is the&nbsp;Oxford Natural History Museum’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://oumnh.ox.ac.uk/meat-the-future" target="_blank">‘Meat The Future’ exhibit</a>, which presents cutting edge research on the environmental and health impacts of eating meat. 



Meanwhile, until 23 Jan, it’s dance music central at the&nbsp;MK Gallery&nbsp;thanks to its free exhibition&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://mkgallery.org/event/sanctuary-the-unlikely-home-of-british-rave/" target="_blank">Sanctuary: The Unlikely Home of British Rave</a>. Asking how an unsuspecting Milton Keynes warehouse become one of the UK’s largest and most beloved rave venues, this examines the pioneering nightlife history of the city. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-124894" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail-720x481.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/waddesdon-winter-trail-786x525.jpeg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Christmas isn&#8217;t the only reason to enjoy a sparkly light! <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Winter Light trail (opens in a new tab)" href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/winter-light/" target="_blank">The Winter Light trail</a> at Waddesdon Manor continues until 23 Jan, and is the perfect thing for brightening up the post-December blues.



Then we say hip hip hurray for snowdrops! See the best of these harbingers of spring at Eythrope&#8217;s private parkland, near Waddesdon Manor, when you sign up for the Manor&#8217;s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Spectacular Snowdrops experience (opens in a new tab)" href="https://waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/eythrope-snowdrops/" target="_blank">Spectacular Snowdrops experience</a>. This rather refined day out also includes afternoon tea and entry to the Winter Light trail. Choose between dates on 13, 14, 20 &amp; 21 Jan.



On Sunday 23 Jan, if you go for a wander around Oxford, you won&#8217;t want to miss the <a href="https://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/oxford-traders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="one-day-only vegan market (opens in a new tab)">one-day-only vegan market</a> that&#8217;s popping up in Oxford&#8217;s Town Hall between 10.30am &#8211; 4pm. Expect street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, sustainable gifts and — judging from previous vegan markets I&#8217;ve been to — plenty of free samples. We love to see it!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ON THE STAGE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="673" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-124893" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055-360x242.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055-720x485.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055-150x101.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/SaturdayNightFever_Prod_3000x2055-780x525.jpeg 780w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Oh boy, is January a stonking month for the theatre-lover! Get your boogie on from 5-8 Jan with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Saturday Night Fever (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/saturday-night-fever/new-theatre-oxford/" target="_blank">Saturday Night Fever</a> at the New Theatre Oxford, which plays homage to the John Travolta 1977 classic but adds more drama, more music, and some sizzling new choreography.



Then, if you&#8217;re after a laugh, you can catch Jericho Comedy&#8217;s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Comedy Gala (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/oxfordshire-mind-comedy-gala" target="_blank">Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala</a> at The Oxford Playhouse, featuring Rosie Jones, Angela Barnes, and Esther Manito among others, on 15 Jan. Sure to tickle your funny bone, and all for a good cause!



From 18-22 Jan, it&#8217;s time to tumble outta’ bed and head to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="9 to 5 the Musical (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/new-theatre-oxford/" target="_blank">9 to 5 the Musical</a> at the New Theatre Oxford, which tells the story of three women driven to extremes by their sexist boss, to the tune of that iconic Dolly Parton score.



High culture vultures will want to make a beeline for the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Opera Gala (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sheldonian.ox.ac.uk/event/st-marys-calne-cantabile-concert-series-presents-opera-gala" target="_blank">Opera Gala</a> at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford for an evening of sensational opera on 20 Jan. The performance will feature renowned operatic artists Hilary Summers and Neal Davies, as well as Osian Wyn Bowen, who was a finalist at the 2020 Welsh Singers Showcase.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-124891" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser-360x239.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser-720x477.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser-150x99.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/Julian-Clary-and-Matthew-Kelly-in-The-Dresser-792x525.jpeg 792w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Meanwhile at The Oxford Playhouse, the iconic Julian Clary and the Olivier-award-winning Matthew Kelly star in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-dresser" target="_blank">The Dresser</a> from 25-29 Jan. Written by Ronald Harwood (who won an Academy Award for The Pianist, no biggie), this perennial favourite follows an aging actor and his loyal dresser in 1942. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-125176" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/DreamgirlsTour21_MattCrockett-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Not enough glitter for you? This should do the trick: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Dreamgirls (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dreamgirls/milton-keynes-theatre/" target="_blank">Dreamgirls</a> is playing at the Milton Keynes Theatre from 25 Jan &#8211; 5 Feb, a belter of a show direct from the West End that follows three talented young singers in 1960s America.



Things are looking extra fabulous in Chipping Norton when Britain&#8217;s Got Talent star (and crowning jewel of Aylesbury pantos for the past eight years) <a href="https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/whats-on/la-voix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="La Voix storms the Chippy Theatre (opens in a new tab)">La Voix storms the Chippy Theatre</a> on 28 Jan. Expect tongue-in-cheek comedy, huge vocals, and big diva energy. 



Then, Strictly lovers won&#8217;t want to miss <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kevin Clifton (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/kevin-clifton-burn-the-floor/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank">Kevin Clifton</a> at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, a &#8220;revolutionary ballroom production&#8221; (what a tagline) that promises fire, jaw-dropping choreography, and high energy fun on 31 Jan. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS AND FAMILY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-124911" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre-360x241.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre-720x482.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/creation-theatre-785x525.jpg 785w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Quick! The Creation Theatre&#8217;s high-energy retelling of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://creationtheatre.co.uk/pinocchio/" target="_blank">Pinocchio</a> is still showing in Oxford at The North Wall until 3 Jan. Expect heart, humour, and spacious cabaret style seating in the stalls. 



Or, until 12 Jan, you can book in for a session with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Santa's Little Helpers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://kewlittlepigs.com/collections/experiences/products/santas-little-helpers" target="_blank">Santa&#8217;s Little Helpers</a> at Kew Little Pigs&nbsp;in&nbsp;Amersham — we&#8217;re talking miniature pigs in a festive grotto, ready for cuddles and photos. Um, cuteness overload!



Then, teach the kids a charming lesson on 5-8 Jan with the new musical <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fantastically-great-women-who-changed-the-world/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank">Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World</a> at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Adapted from a book by Kate Pankhurst (descendent of Emmeline!), and from the producer of the wildly successful Six, this is a family pop-musical that highlights — yep, you guessed it — famous women, from Rosa Parks to Marie Curie. 



Or, also at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, older kids (12+) might get a kick out of the new comedy play <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/groan-ups/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/" target="_blank">Groan Ups</a> from 24-29 Jan. From the makers of The Play That Goes Wrong, this follows an unruly classroom of six year-olds through secondary school and into adulthood.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-124907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/forest-school-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Need to get the kids outdoors? Book kids aged 2-5 in for the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Fox &amp; Cubs Forest School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://wycombemuseum.org.uk/events/fox-cubs-forest-school-jan-feb-block" target="_blank">Fox &amp; Cubs Forest School</a> at The Wycombe Museum, for much-needed wild play, safe campfire cooking, and chasing bugs. All the essentials! The booking is for a block of three sessions: 14 Jan, 28 Jan, and 11 Feb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enough culture! Fancy a bit of R&amp;R? Check these <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/spas/best-spa-breaks-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="best spa breaks to book now (opens in a new tab)">best spa breaks to book now</a>. </h2>

Joyous Jan! What to do in Bucks and Oxon this month

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