CHAOS – Evita in Chipping Norton

Round & About

Chipping Norton

When CHAOS (Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society) reached their amazing 50 years of performing they decided to go for the iconic musical EVITA by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to show off their long-established talents.

With director Mandyrae Jessey and musical director Catrin Russ at the helm, they auditioned over four night for the principle roles and were delighted to offer tow Evitas and two mistresses the chance to perform. Che, Peron and Magaldi followed and then chorus, creating Evita’s family, staff, Army and some children, all came together brilliantly.

Taking such an iconic and large cast show to the stage has been exciting and CHAOS is proud to team up again this year with the beautiful CHIPPING NORTON THEATRE who are also celebrating their 50th year.

The director has created a set and props that work for a smaller stage and has added some special moments, including giving out real gifts from Evita for the audiences each night while the songs are sung about giving gifts to the Argentinian people during her marriage to Peron. As far as we know this has never been done before.

The special performances are totally unique to CHAOS, offering an immersive experience for the audience.

The cast, crew and orchestra are all extremely proud of the work everyone has put in.

If you would like to know more about the production and behind the scenes, please contact either:
CHOAS Chairman Elizabeth-Rae-Large – [email protected] – +447309 060826 or Director Mandyrae Jessey – [email protected] – +447970925685.

Mandyrae Jessey is also celebrating 50 years of directing this year.

Show dates: 16-17-18th May, with a matinee on 18th May.
Box Office: The Theatre Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton Rugby Club Junior festival

Round & About

Chipping Norton

More than 60 teams from seven counties set to compete on Sunday 28th April 2024 in Chipping Norton Rugby Club’s biggest Festival to date

The Chipping Norton Rugby Club is getting ready to welcome more than 700 players to the third year of its annual tournament for under 10 and under 11 boys and girls on Sunday 28th April 2024, following the success of its first two events in 2022 and 2023.

More than 60, eight and nine-a-side teams are set to compete at the club’s Greystones base, Burford Road, from seven counties, including from as far afield as Berkshire.

Companies supporting this year’s event include Festival headline sponsor Diddly Squat Farm Shop, which is just a stone’s throw away from the clubhouse; Brethertons Solicitors; Powys-based soft drinks maker Radnor Hills; Bloxham School; Cokethorpe School; and QCR Recycling Equipment.

The first under 10 matches are set to kick-off at around 9.30am ahead of a lunchtime prize giving, before the under 11 players battle it out in the afternoon.

“Our annual Festival is an opportunity for us to celebrate the end of the season in style, and to showcase this wonderful game to the next generation of young players,” explains Chipping Norton Minis Chair Duncan Midwood, “so we would be delighted to welcome any families who want to find out more. Just come to the Festival reception desk when you arrive and we’ll make sure you have a great day.

“As always, we are indebted to our amazing sponsors and we have a small number of sponsorship packages still available, so we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like more information. Funds raised from this year’s Festival will be used to develop the club’s infrastructure and facilities, as well as funding equipment and development courses to continue improving coaching for all age groups at the club.”

A whole array of catering options available, including clubhouse and pitch-side bars, ice creams, hot drinks, braai & burgers, pizzas, paella and crepes, whilst WRFM – formerly Witney Radio – will be broadcasting live from this year’s Festival, with music and pitch-side interviews throughout the day. To find out more email [email protected], or message through the club’s social media channels.

Chipping Norton Rugby Club



Remembrance Day film in Chipping Norton

Karen Neville

Chipping Norton

Watch screening of The Great Escaper and join Q&A at The Living Room Cinema

On Sunday 12th November, join The Living Room Cinema, Chipping Norton, for their next ‘In Conversation With’ screening

They’ll be welcoming producers Douglas Rae and Robert Bernstein to introduce, and speak about, their new film The Great Escaper, starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson.

This films tells the story of WWII veteran Bernie Jordan, who ‘escaped’ his Hove care home to attend the 70th Anniversary D-Day landing ceremony in Normandy, commemorating his fallen comrades.

Douglas and Robert will share what it’s like to adapt a film from a true story, bringing Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson back together after almost 50 years, and their reflections on the film’s poignance in light of Remembrance Sunday.

Douglas has worked on productions including Mrs Brown starring Judi Dench, Charlotte Gray starring Cate Blanchett, Becoming Jane starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy, and the BAFTA-nominated Nowhere Boy.

Robert has an equally impressive body of work, including producing alongside Douglas on Nowhere Boy and Becoming Jane, as well as producing Brideshead Revisited, The Water Horse, and many more fantastic films and television shows. 

Join this screening and fascinating Q&A on Remembrance Sunday at 12.30pm, and help to mark the occasion and remember those who sacrificed for us. 

Book tickets here.

King pin

Round & About

Chipping Norton

Liz Nicholls visits The Kingham Plough near Chipping Norton which has just been named as a Good Food Gastropub award winner

Our corner of the Cotswolds is prized for its heart-stoppingly beautiful views. But all the dishes arriving from the kitchen on a recent wintry evening could give those regal oak-framed landscapes and chocolate box villages a run for their money.

At one point during our meal, I was embarrassed to be caught snapping my starter on my phone, like the tourist I am. Not cool. But then I wanted to record for posterity (above) the prettiest slice of chicken liver parfait in Christendom. Encased in a pale marbled butter and herb jacket, it tasted even more sumptuous than it looked, fit for a queen, in fact. Accompanied by a cute mini brioche, quenelle of shallots which were sweetly pickled on red wine and glistening currants, this dish showed from the off that the team here really really dig their flavour combos.

So mesmerised was I by this that I didn’t get a look-in on my partner’s equally sexy salmon starter. But the mains carried the party on – my flat-iron steak was perfectly charred on the outside and pink within, dunked in perfect Béarnaise with delicious chips – perfect with a rich and fruity Malbec. Its sister dish was a tablet of beautifully cooked pearlescent hake on a bed of kale and tatty under a blanket of creamy sauce. To complete the trio of courses, I was elated with my deconstructed black forest gateau with tonka bean chantilly that tasted heavenly and sinful.

The Kingham Plough achieved stellar fame under chef patron and Great British Menu winner Emily Watkins so its new owners, Matt and Katie Beamish, had a tough act to follow. Luckily, not only is Matt possibly the most charismatic and enthusiastic foodie you might ever meet, but the old inn, which has rooms, is drop-dead gorgeous; a vision of classy muted F&B walls (which I was caught fondling. Again: not cool), vintage finds in cosy fireside nooks and stunning artworks (we had a Dali sketch next to us) which is all for sale.

I’m thrilled that the couple and of course the team, under head chef Jonny Pons, recently scooped a Good Food Gastropub award. Talented Jonny and co are spoilt for choice with local riches such as exceptional cuts from Paddock Farm and cured meat from Chippy’s Salt Pig. Their skill more than does these justice in this, Daylesford country. And, if our meal sounds too meaty for you, the vegetarian options are amazing, too, and check out the Christmas and NYE menu for pure food porn.

More info

Call 01608 658 327 or visit