Shen Yun

Shen Yun comes to the New Theatre Oxford for a short run from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February 2027. The name comes from a Chinese phrase meaning 'the beauty of divine beings', and the show is billed as 'the beauty of divine beings dancing', taking the audience on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

It's a classical Chinese dance production, and the dancing is the main thing on stage. That's backed by a live East-West orchestra, so you've got a full band playing rather than a recording. The costumes are described as exquisite, and the backdrops are patented animations that change as the show goes along. Together, they describe the whole thing as 'a night filled with beauty, wisdom, courage, and hope'. It's drawn praise from a fair few names, including Rita Cosby, Shirley Ballas, Brian May and Cate Blanchett.

There are four performances over the weekend: Friday 26 February at 7.00pm; Saturday 27 February at 1.00pm and 6.00pm; and Sunday 28 February at 1.00pm. The show runs two hours and 15 minutes, which includes an interval, so it's a proper evening or afternoon out rather than a quick one. Age guidance is 5+, and children under 5 aren't admitted.

Tickets start from £69.60, and you can find them at the New Theatre Oxford, 24-26 George Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 2AG.