While August may be slow in theatreland, with many venues closing for a month or so while the holiday play schemes run, it's a good time to look ahead and preview what is coming up in time to book.

And there's no shortage of famous names, musicals, plays and concerts to keep you busy when the dark cold nights start drawing in.

Tish Francis, Oxford Playhouse Director, says that if there is a theme for the upcoming season it's premieres and challenging subject matter. But all the old classics are there mixed in with first-timers and well known faces.

The Shellseekers, starting at the end of the month is the perfect example. Rave reviews, box office sell-outs, a star cast and a great drama combine to make it a surefire success. This is then followed by two Shakespeare plays, one traditional, one diverse by two of the Playhouse's favourite companies.

New plays premiering at The Playhouse include Misconceptions, a comedy with big names such as Jemma Redgrave, mixing with the less commercial, but equally well reviewed productions such as The Glee Club about a working men's club's singing gala in a Northern mining town.

More diverse acts include a series of plays and one man-shows from South America; Arthur Miller's The Price with the much loved Warren Mitchell; science lectures; comedy from the likes of Keith Barret and Lenny Henry; dance from South Africa's Vaya Nadu dancers as well as the genius choreographer Merce Cunningham and his dance company.

At the New Theatre, Oxford, the mix of rock, comedy, opera and musicals runs across the board. From medium Colin Fry to the Soweto Gospel Choir, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings to Lulu, Gabrielle and Beverly Knight to Chicago and Boogie Nights 2, there's something for everyone.