THERE'S a busy week ahead at

Chipping Norton Theatre with a mixture of entertainment to appeal to a wide range of arts lovers.

Beat a path to the door for a dose of ballet, music and art as well as a flower show with a difference.

BALLET Central is a company of young performers in their last year at the Central School of Ballet in London, gathering experience before heading off into the top dance companies all over the world.

As part of its 20th anniversary tour, the troupe is stopping off at Chipping Norton next Thursday, June 23, bringing a number of interesting works, directed for the first time by international dance artist, choreographer and Central School of Ballet graduate Fergus Logan.

The programme will include new works from David Nixon, artistic director of the Northern Ballet Theatre, Cathy Marston and Sara Matthews as well as a revival of part of a Gillian Lynne ballet and some new choreographers.

There will be newly commissioned scores from international dance composer Philip Feeney and music ranging from Benjamin Britten to Talking Heads.

Expect classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz works and contemporary pieces. The show starts at 8pm.

Former Royal Ballet Company stars Stephen Wicks and Mark Welford turned their talents to a new vocation after their dancing careers and opened Bloomsbury Flowers ten years ago.

Their stage show Blooming Marvellous 'treats the audience to a few lessons in flower design while regaling you with stories from the worlds of flowers and ballet'.

It is never the same twice and as well as giving lessons on flower arranging, the boys offer advice in a question and answer session and challenge audience members to try their hand at arrangements against the clock.

Fun for all ages, the show comes to town on Saturday, June 25 at 8pm.

A special exhibition by famous artist David Hockney is currently installed in The Theatre Gallery.

His 39 etchings, illustrating six Brothers Grimm fairy tales for a new book are on show all month.

Theatre spokeswomen Rebecca de la Bedoyere explained: "Hockney has given each fairytale his own interpretation. Rather than illustrate the stories literally, he has chosen vivid images to encapsulate a mood or detail."

Viewers will recognise Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltzchen but other stories are less well known.

The Theatre Gallery is open from 10am to 1pm and during performances and films. Admission is free.

Jacqui Dankworth and Her Musicians are promising another great night out at The Theatre. The daughter of John Dankworth and Cleo Laine is making a return visit to Chippy for another night of 'bliss inducing, awe-inspiring' jazz. The much-praised singer goes on stage on Saturday (18/6) at 8pm.

Contact its box office for ticket details on 01608 642350 and visit its website at www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk for details.