Spring 2026
• Invitation to 2+ Patron events a year
• Access to The Lucy Group Patrons Room pre-show and interval
• Acknowledgement in our brochure, website, programmes and foyer areas
• Behind the scenes updates
• All the benefits of a Friends Membership including Priority Booking and discounts
• All the benefits of Silver Patrons, plus...
• A seat plaque in the auditorium
£1,800 a
• An exclusive invitation to a season briefing with our Artistic Director and CEO, Mike Tweddle
• The opportunity to book House Seats for sold out performances
• All the benefits of a Friends Membership including Priority Booking and discounts
Welcome
... to our hugely exciting Spring 2026 Season.
A season packed full of thrilling theatre. We are immensely proud to be staging a new Oxford Playhouse production, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – without doubt a masterpiece of 20 th century drama. Directed by Mike Tweddle, this landmark production signals an exciting new chapter for Oxford Playhouse, reaffirming its position as a producer of high-quality theatre.
Other standout drama includes the RSC production of Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife, in a new adaptation by Laura Wade; a thrilling reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by our associate partners Headlong; and Susan Hill’s legendary and chilling The Woman in Black. Meanwhile Fuel’s new production, Nowhere, is a powerful story of identity and belonging. Later in the spring, we look forward to Zoo Co and Improbable’s pioneering and funny Perfect Show For Rachel and Rifco Theatre Company’s new musical, Frankie Goes To Bollywood.
We hope this brochure will also whet your appetite for the brilliant line up of comedy, dance, children’s theatre, spoken word, studio shows and Take Part activities that we have on offer. We have a range of pricing options in place to help make regular trips more affordable, including £15 tickets across most theatre, £5 tickets for ages 14-25, and Friends discounts on many shows. Book early for the best seats at the best prices!
Our Young Company, an acting group of young people aged 17 – 25, are busy working on their next main stage show. Education, Education, Education, a satirical and heartfelt look at the school system during the 1990s will be performed in March.
And before that, we have another tribute to the 90s with this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington. Settle into our comfy, colourful seats for the ultimate mood booster that is an Oxford Playhouse pantomime. Upbeat entertainment for anyone aged 5 – 105!
We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford Playhouse.
Mike Tweddle Artistic Director & CEO
Marianne Jacques Executive Director
Fri 21 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime
Written and Directed by Toby Hulse
All aboard for London Town!
Join us for the unmissable festive tradition that is an Oxford Playhouse pantomime.
Crafty brothers Liam and Noel Rattagher are conjuring up a masterplan to take over the world by making everything bland! Can our hero, Dick Whittington, stop them and keep Britannia cool? Maybe, with the help of a magical cat and a gang of unlikely sidekicks.
Get ready for a feel-good tale of friendship and laughter, packed with panto sparkle, vibrant Britpop and 90s cool. Written and directed by Toby Hulse and created by the award-winning team behind Sleeping Beauty and Jack & The Beanstalk - it’s the purrrfect festive treat for children over 5 and their families and friends.
Age guideline 5+
For the full performance schedule, visit the website.
Reviews from Sleeping Beauty, 2024...
“Quirky, highly entertaining show.”
The Stage
“Homegrown,
Ox in a Box
hearty and hilarious.”
An
Oxford
Where’s
Playhouse Production Father Christmas?
Written by Helen Eastman
Directed by Samuel Rayner
Burton Taylor Studio
It’s never too early to introduce your little ones to the magic of theatre!
With more presents than ever to deliver, the elves are wrapping as fast as they can. They’re nearly ready for the big day, but where has Father Christmas got to? And will he be back in time to deliver all the presents?
Join us in the present wrapping room for stories, songs and activities... and maybe you’ll even meet Father Christmas himself... if you can find him!
From the team that created last year’s sell out show Hurry Up Father Christmas! comes this delightful, interactive, festive adventure for children aged 3 to 6 and their families and friends.
“A gorgeous way to start the festivities!”
Heart Radio (Hurry Up Father Christmas!, 2024)
Running time 60 minutes
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Age guideline 3 to 6.
For the full performance schedule, visit the website.
Tickets
Off-Peak Adult £16 | Children £12
Peak Adult £20 | Children £16
Free lap tickets are available to book for babies under 12 months. Please contact the Box Office directly to book.
R All performances are Relaxed
An Oxford Playhouse Production
Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Directed by Mike Tweddle
One evening. Two couples. No place to hide.
Welcome to the small hours at George and Martha’s – the alcohol is flowing, the gloves are off, and the games are just getting started.
Edward Albee’s multi award-winning play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a wild, gripping and darkly funny exploration of the lies we tell to protect ourselves.
Disillusioned university professor George and his wife Martha invite an unwitting younger couple, Nick and Honey, into their home. It’s not long before things spiral, dragging everyone into the heart of a tempestuous relationship. What starts as a spur of the moment nightcap turns into psychological show down.
Edward Albee’s masterpiece of raw intensity and searing insight is directed by Oxford Playhouse Artistic Director Mike Tweddle. Don’t miss one of the most explosive nights in modern theatre.
“An excoriating theatrical experience, surging with shocks of recognition and dramatic fire.”
Newsweek (1962 Broadway premiere of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?)
Evenings 7pm, Matinees 1.15pm
Tickets from £15
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language, representation of heavy alcohol consumption and domestic violence.
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
See pages 10 & 11 for more information.
Interview with Oxford Playhouse Artistic Director
Mike Tweddle on directing Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
What drew you to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? as your first main stage drama at Oxford Playhouse?
I’ll never forget the first time I read this play or the first time I saw it performed. It’s one of those rare dramas that can make you laugh out loud one moment and sob the next. The audience is completely pulled in. It all happens in one room, in real time, so you feel like you’re going through everything the characters are experiencing. At its heart, the play shows both the best and the worst of humanity. It captures how our instinct for love and connection sits alongside our capacity for cruelty and destruction. And I think it reminds us that by facing our hardest truths, we can start to heal.
This is the first production you’re directing for Oxford Playhouse - what makes it the perfect play to start that journey?
Since I took up the role of Artistic Director & CEO two years ago, I’ve seen that Oxford has a wonderfully curious and adventurous audience who want to experience bold and distinctive theatre. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? delivers that in abundance. The opportunity to give audiences an exhilarating and moving experience is exactly why I love directing theatre.
We were delighted to be able to secure the rights with the Edward Albee Estate for this new production - it hasn’t been at The Playhouse for 25 years, so it’s long overdue! Starting our new in-house producing chapter with one of the greatest 20 th Century plays felt absolutely right.
The play was first staged in 1962 - why do you think Edward Albee’s writing remains so powerful 60 years on?
The play delves into psychology, politics, history and science, exploring how new ideas can threaten the old order. It also examines fear, both personal and societal, and how it can fuel animosity and deception. The language is extraordinaryaccessible, witty and full of heart, yet audaciously poetic and theatrical as well. It’s one of the funniest plays I’ve read, but it also hits you with an emotional punch that takes your breath away.
For someone new to Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, why should they come and see it?
This play demands four actors at the top of their game - passionate, powerful, fearless - alongside brilliant designers of set, costume, sound, music, and lighting, to create a captivating experience on our stage. The team we’ve assembled for this production is outstanding. Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or it’s your first visit to Oxford Playhouse, I hope you’ll leave feeling that you’ve been on a theatrical roller coaster that you won’t easily forget!
Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virigina Woolf? plays from Friday 20 February to Saturday 7 March 2026.
“There is one 24-carat scene after another... It’s like eating the richest steak possible.”
The Guardian on Mike Tweddle’s production of Macbeth
“A thrilling fresh look at Arthur Miller’s masterwork... an outstanding update.”
The Stage on Mike Tweddle’s production of A View From the Bridge
Performance Schedule
Fri 20 Feb 7pm
Sat 21 Feb 7pm
Sun 22 Feb No performances
Mon 23 Feb 7pm
Tue 24 Feb 7pm
Wed 25 Feb 7pm
Thu 26 Feb 1.15pm
Fri 27 Feb 7pm
Sat 28 Feb 1.15pm 7pm
Sun 1 Mar No performances
Mon 2 Mar No performances
Tue 3 Mar 7pm
Wed 4 Mar 7pm
Thu 5 Mar 1.15pm 7pm
Fri 6 Mar 7pm
Sat 7 Mar 1.15pm 7pm
Ticket Levels: Preview | Off-Peak | Peak
To view our full range of pricing options and make a booking, please visit our website.
Booking Information
Friends 50% off
Fri 20 Feb, 7pm | Tue 24 Feb, 7pm Thu 26 Feb, 1.15pm | Tue 3 Mar, 7pm
14-25s £5 Tickets
Fri 20 Feb, 7pm | Tue 24 Feb, 7pm Tue 3 Mar, 7pm
School Rates (Excl. Fri & Sat perfs)
£15 per person with every 11th ticket free.
Group Rates (Excl. Fri & Sat perfs)
Groups 10+ 10% off top 2 bands
Groups 40+ 20% off top 2 bands
Access Peformances
Audio Described Sat 28 Feb, 1.15pm
Touch Tours TT Sat 28 Feb, 11.45am
Captioned CAP
Wed 4 Mar, 7pm | Thu 5 Mar, 1.15pm
Pre-Show Talk with Creatives Wed 4 Mar
Post-Show Talk Tue 3 Mar
Both the pre- and post-show talks are free to attend; however, you’ll need a ticket for one of the main performances in the run.
Michael Rosen: Getting Through It
Poetry legend Michael Rosen presents his new one-person show Getting Through It, formed of a double-bill of monologues.
In The Death of Eddie, Michael explores his experience after the unexpected death of his son from meningitis at the age of 18. In the second part, Many Kinds of Love, Michael recounts his time in intensive care after contracting COVID-19. Told with Michael’s signature positivity, humour and poetry, Getting Through It is a powerful testimony to the spirit of recovery.
“Powerful, deeply personal yet universally relatable.”
LondonTheatre1
7.30pm
Tickets £26
Age guideline 15+
Content warning: References to illness and death.
Oxfordshire Mind & Jericho Comedy
Oxfordshire Mind
Comedy Gala
The Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala, hosted by Jericho Comedy, returns for another year of big laughs and brilliant talent. Expect a stellar mix of top comedians and exciting new voices in a feel-good celebration packed with punchlines, improv and comedy gold.
Jenny Eclair will headline the matinee performance, with the full line-up to be announced soon – but with previous acts including James Acaster, Rachel Parris, Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Ivo Graham, Ed Gamble, Adam Kay and Dom Joly, this year promises another top-tier bill guaranteed to leave you grinning. Big names. Bright talent. Huge laughs. An unforgettable night of comedy - don’t miss it!
2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets Matinee £26 | Evening £30
Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Includes strong language.
RBM Comedy
Mark Simmons:
Jest To Impress
Winner Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2024
Mark Simmons is on tour with Jest To Impress, a brand-new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.
As seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV.
HHHH
“Master of the crisp, clean, one-line zinger.”
Evening Standard
7.30pm
Tickets £24
Age guideline 13+
Simon Evans is Staring at the Sun
Simon Evans is back! Waaaay back...
With growing evidence that we are living in a Computer Simulation – and a pretty glitchy, off-brand simulation at that –and the approaching watershed of the AI Singularity looming like a weirdly pixelated cumulo-nimbus on the horizon, BBC Radio 4 stalwart and veteran of a quarter century of highly acclaimed stand-up comedy Simon Evans is squinting at an uncertain future, and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth.
Scotsman
7.30pm
Tickets £22
Age guideline 14+
Black Is The Color Of My Voice
Written by Apphia Campbell
After previous sell-out performances, Apphia Campbell’s powerful production returns to The Playhouse stage. Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, this acclaimed play features many of Simone’s most iconic songs, all performed live. Black is the Color of My Voice tells the story of a gifted jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the sudden death of her father; from a young piano prodigy expected to follow a religious path, to a world-renowned vocalist at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement.
HHHH
“Moving portrayal of determination and survival.” The Times
7.30pm
Tickets from £15
Group tickets available
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: References of violence and racism.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
The Ronnie Scott’s Story
Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to The Playhouse stage to celebrate The Ronnie Scott’s Story
Featuring music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s over its incredible history, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids, this is a unique evening celebrating the world’s most famous jazz club, its music, and its history.
“Outstanding players. For poise, balance and swing they’re a joy to listen to.” The Observer
“Full-on brilliance.” The Guardian
7.30pm
Tickets £29
Group discounts available
Age guideline 12+
by Shawn Pearce Photography.
Photo
Nowhere
Written and performed by Khalid Abdalla
Directed by Omar Elerian
‘Welcome to Nowhere.
I’m going to share with you how I got here And what ‘here’ actually means to me.’
In this intricate and playful solo show, inspired by his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 2011, and his experience of the counter-revolution that followed, actor and activist Khalid Abdalla (United 93, The Kite Runner, Netflix’s The Crown) takes us on a surprising journey into his own history, set against a cartography of seismic world events.
From the histories of colonialism and decolonisation; friendship and loss; protests and uprising against regimes across the world; to the violence in Gaza following the events of October 7th 2023, Khalid brings together the personal and the political in an act of anti-biography that asks how we got here and how we find agency amidst the mazes of history.
HHHH“Radical and urgent — an audacious solo show that feels like more than theatre.” The Guardian “Exquisitely beautiful, perfectly observed.” The Stage
OPINION “I was profoundly moved by Nowhere, which is a genre-defying and urgent piece of work. Merging personal and political histories, Khalid Abdalla asks provocative, searching questions about how to create peace and belonging in an ever more volatile world. A masterclass in socially-engaged, contemporary performance.”
Mike Tweddle, Artistic Director and CEO
Thu – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Scenes of violence, strong language and distressing themes; flashing lights, haze, loud music.
BSL Sat 2.30pm Post-Show Talk Fri
University of Oxford Student Company: Fennec Fox Productions
Company
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by George Furth
‘Everything’s different, nothing’s changed. Only maybe slightly rearranged.’
Hell is other people. They’re always inviting Bobby over for dinner, always so glad to see him. On his 35th birthday Bobby is ready for things to change, but how can a man who has it all settle for only some of it?
Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s kaleidoscopic comedy musical playfully delves into the tricky game of growing up and settling down.
Featuring much loved numbers including You Could Drive A Person Crazy,
The Ladies Who Lunch and the iconic Being Alive, University of Oxford student company Fennec Fox Productions, themselves on the brink of change, revive Company for a new generation.
Wed – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Student tickets £12
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes references to drug use and sex.
Originally Produced and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
David Pugh and Cunard present The Royal Shakespeare Company production
The Constant Wife
By Laura Wade
Based on the comedy by W Somerset Maugham
Starring Kara Tointon
It’s 1927 and Constance is a very unhappy woman. “Nonsense” says her mother “she eats well, sleeps well, dresses well and she’s losing weight. No woman can be unhappy in those circumstances.” Constance is the perfect wife and mother, and her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his mistress, who just happens to be her best friend.
Following a sold-out run-in Stratford upon Avon and adapted by Olivier Award-winner Laura Wade (Home, I’m Darling; TV’s Rivals) from Somerset Maugham’s glittering comedy, this sparkling production will star Kara Tointon (TV’s Mr Selfridge and Winner of Strictly Come Dancing). Directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey and featuring original music composed by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum
“Sharp, sophisticated, fabulous and extremely funny.”
The Guardian
“Frothily radical Twenties comedy.”
The Times
OPINION “Laura Wade’s adaptation has ensured this overlooked play has a sparkling new life, full of sharp wit and immaculate style. I loved watching it at the RSC so we’re delighted that it’s touring in 2026.”
Katy Snelling, Director of Programming and Creative Partnerships
Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 8+
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm
The Woman in Black
By Susan Hill
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt
The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story returns to Oxford.
Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a woman in black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping production is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, The Woman in Black continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter.”
Daily Telegraph
“This pitch-black staging of Susan Hill’s thriller is irresistibly eerie.”
Time Out
“The Woman in Black remains one of British theatre’s biggest – and scariest – hits.”
The Guardian
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Age guideline 12+
Improbable Sessions: Music to the Dance
We know we “Dance to the Music”, but can we Music to the Dance? Sometimes, can dance lead and music follow?
After their transcendental debut last year, Improbable Sessions returns to Oxford Playhouse with incredible musicians improvising sumptuous music before your very ears. To celebrate 20 years of Dancin’ Oxford they will be joined by a dancer who will improvise movement in the moment to create a joyful one-of-a-kind evening of dance, music and ideas.
“The performance created a wholly unique dialogue between sound and ideas that left the audience captivated.”
A Young(ish) Perspective (Improbable Session, 2025)
7.30pm | Tickets from £15
Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Richard Chappell Dance BLOOM
To celebrate 20 years of Dancin’ Oxford, three compelling dance works come together to offer a bold reflection on the world we live in today.
At the heart of the evening is Challacombe Chronicled, celebrating Dartmoor’s natural beauty and rich history through captivating movement by Richard Chappell Dance, powerful poetry by Saili Katebe, and live folk music by Ben Moss.
Known for their work in contemporary dance and the underground club scene, Ekledio’s critically acclaimed Splice sees two dancers find the balance between limitation and possibility. Set to music by multi award-winning musician Floating Points.
Completing the programme is The Skeleton is White by Divija Melally. Drawing on her background in contemporary and South Asian classical dance, Melally explores how the present modern world affects our relationships to each other and our environment.
7.30pm | Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 12+
Michelle de Swarte:
The Afters
Michelle de Swarte comes to Oxford with her trademark razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred storytelling. After the main event’s highs and lows, Michelle wonders what to do after the party. She’s heading to the afters for some brutally honest oversharing about life before social media, and whether tarot card readers replace actual therapy.
Star and writer-creator of BBC’s critically acclaimed Spent, Michelle de Swarte has also been seen in The Baby, Backstage with Katherine Ryan and The Duchess, as well as Live at the Apollo
“All hail the new Queen of Comedy.”
Sunday Times Style
7.30pm | Tickets £24
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language.
Off The Kerb
Avalon UK
Mike Wozniak:
The Bench
Mike Wozniak comes to Oxford with his new show in which a story about a bench will be prominent. Previous experience of or strong opinions about benches not required. Let Mike worry about that.
As seen on Taskmaster, Man Down and host of Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.
Moore Enterprising Ltd
Alfie Moore:
Acopalypse Now
The Four Horsemen of Rising Crime, Global Warming, AI and Culture Wars are galloping towards us. Are we on the road to hell? And can we avoid the potholes? In his brand-new tour show ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie has the antidote to the breakdown of law and order, fake news and the price of baked beans.
He’s encountered more than his fair share of egotistical dictators in his policing career and learnt when pragmatism, and more than a dash of laughter, can defuse even the most menacing showdown. Join Alfie as he’s saddles up to see off those bullies on their pesky ponies. Doomsday is no laughing matter, but this show certainly is.
“Brilliantly funny .” David Mitchell
7.30pm | Tickets £26.50
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language.
7.30pm | Tickets £26
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language.
An Oxford Playhouse Young Company Production
Education, Education, Education
By The Wardrobe Ensemble
Directed by Paul Simpson
Friday 2 May 1997.
New Labour’s victory is freshly printed across Britain’s front pages; Katrina and the Waves are on the cusp of a 227-point victory at Eurovision; and less than two months ago, Geri donned the Union Jack dress at the Brit Awards. A new era of hope is sweeping the nation, and Things Can Only Get Better!
Except somebody forgot to tell the staff and pupils at Wordsworth Comprehensive. Muck-up day has sent the Year 10s feral, confiscated Tamagotchis are beeping in every classroom, and the school still doesn’t have any Acorn computers. Will Tony Blair’s promise of £3 billion for education bring a smile to somebody’s face in the staff room?
The Playhouse Young Company, our ensemble for those aged 17 to 25, return with The Wardrobe Ensemble’s comedic love letter to nineties Britain. This biting evaluation of the education system is delivered in a fast-paced intimate production with the audience sat on stage.
Fri & Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets £15
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language, political themes, loud music and sound effects, and depictions of head injury and falling from a height.
Post-Show Talk Fri
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare Director Holly Race Roughan Co-director Naeem Hayat
The world’s no longer what it seems.
Following their hugely successful A Raisin in the Sun in 2024 (“Consistently hits the mark.” HHHHH WhatsOnStage), Oxford Playhouse associate company Headlong returns to our stage.
Discover the magic of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen it before.
Fleeing a city ruled by harsh laws, four lovers enter a forest torn by a fierce battle between Oberon and Titania over a stolen child. As their feud deepens, chaos spreads, jealousy, manipulation, and Puck’s dark magic twist the night. Snow falls in summer, and dreams edge toward nightmare.
Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director, Holly Race Roughan, and co-directed by Naeem Hayat, former Resident Associate Director at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Contains language of violence, misogyny and racism, and scenes of a sexual nature.
BSL Thu 7.30pm
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm Post-Show Talk Wed 14-25 Social Event Fri 27 Mar from 5pm. For more details go to page 54.
Photography by Felicity McCabe, art direction by Studio Doug.
Musical Youth Company of Oxford
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Music and Lyrics by
Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Directed by Julie Todd
Musical Director Laura Marr
Choreographer Catie Simpson
It’s Fantasmagorical! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang lands in Oxford!
Don’t miss your chance to be whisked away on a magical, musical adventure as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies onto the Oxford Playhouse stage. Based on a story by Ian Fleming, and made into an iconic film, this much-loved musical is packed full of memorable melodies, including Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious and the title song itself. In this joyous production we follow Caractacus Potts and his children as they restore the wreck of an old racing car and discover its magical powers. Accompanied by the feisty motorcyclist Truly Scrumptious, they end up in a land of fantasy, where the scary Child Catcher is under orders from the hilarious Baron and Baroness Bomburst to round up all the children. Will they get out? Will Chitty live up to its reputation as a fantasmagorical machine? Come and find out for yourselves!
Brought to you by the award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford, this production is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, and ensure you leave the theatre with a song on your lips as these young people bring their energy, talent and joy to a visually stunning production.
“Breathtakingly good. Fun, heartfelt and ballsy, it was pure joy.” Ox In A Box (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, 2025)
Wed & Thu 7.30pm, Fri 5pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets from £15
Group discounts available
Age guideline 5+
Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing. Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams Based on the MGM Motion Picture. Licensed Script Adapted by Ray Roderick.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
A Northern Ballet Production
Little Red Riding Hood
Choreography and Direction by Mariana Rodrigues
Little Red Riding Hood is a kind little girl who loves her family. On the way to visit her grandmother, she meets a very hungry wolf in the woods — but is he really as ‘big and bad’ as the stories say?
Join Little Red on an enchanting adventure as she discovers the importance of kindness and makes some unexpected friends along the way. Designed especially for children and their families, Little Red Riding Hood gives little ones the opportunity to experience the magic of live ballet, music and theatre. With colourful costumes, lively characters and playful storytelling, it’s the perfect treat for the whole family!
Following sell-out performances across the UK and a series of hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, Northern Ballet’s productions for children continue to delight audiences year after year.
Tue 2pm & 4pm, Wed 11am & 1pm
Tickets from £15
Age guideline 3+
Relaxed Performance R Wed 1pm
25% off FRIENDS Tue 2pm
Norwell Lapley Productions
Tales from Acorn Wood
Based on the favourite stories by
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock?
And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? Join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show promises to be the perfect Easter holiday treat for children of all ages.
Thu 1.30pm, Fri 10.30am & 1.30pm Tickets
Tales from Acorn Wood
© Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2000, 2022 –Macmillan Children’s Books.
Thomas Hopkins, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright present the Hope Mill Theatre Production
Glorious!
Written by Peter Quilter
Directed by Kirk
Jameson
Starring Wendi Peters & Matthew James Morrison
Florence Foster Jenkins is about to blow your mind... and possibly your eardrums.
Glorious! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts, builds an unlikely friendship with her accompanist, Cosme, and defies her critics to follow her dreams.
Dubbed ‘the worst singer in the world,’ Glorious! is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances, and decidedly off-key voice.
Starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) as Florence Foster Jenkins and Matthew James Morrison (EastEnders), as Cosme McMoon, in this 20 th anniversary production, this hilarious show played to rave reviews at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and is the feel-good comedy we’ve been waiting for.
Glorious! is written by Peter Quilter (End of the Rainbow and the Oscar-winning film, Judy) and directed by Kirk Jameson (Song From Far Away, Madagascar: The Musical). HHHH
“Riotously funny revival taps into the gleeful silliness at the heart of Foster Jenkins’ story.”
The Stage
Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Oxford Theatre Guild
Murder in the Cathedral
By T.S. Eliot
‘Saints are not made by accident.’
A radical priest returns from exile to an uncertain welcome. Women gather by the Cathedral to seek sanctuary from an increasingly dangerous world. The church is in conflict with the state and shadowy forces seek to take matters into their own hands.
Written against the backdrop of the rise of fascism in the 1930s, T.S. Eliot’s powerful retelling of the final days of Thomas Becket is one of the most influential plays of the twentieth century.
The resolute Women of Canterbury are at the heart of the performance, their voices and watchful presence a constant reminder of the human cost of conflict, forcing us to bear witness to a nation in turmoil.
Following their acclaimed Pygmalion earlier this year, Oxford Theatre Guild, Oxford’s leading amateur theatre company, returns to The Playhouse with a bold and evocative production of Eliot’s thought-provoking and relevant masterpiece.
“A great evening’s entertainment that makes you laugh and think in equal measure.”
Ox In A Box (Pygmalion, 2025)
“A thoroughly delightful production.”
Daily Info (The Importance of Being Earnest, 2024)
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 12+
Ballet Black at 25
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black celebrates its 25 th Anniversary with a much-anticipated return to Oxford Playhouse.
This landmark double bill features Ingoma (2019), the choreographic debut of former Company dancer, Mthuthuzeli November. Inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike - a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement - Ingoma captures the suffering and resilience of Black miners and their communities, bringing rarely told stories to the ballet stage. The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production and now makes its Oxford premiere.
Alongside it comes a joyful new commission from Alvin Ailey royalty Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie Award winner, making her UK choreographic debut. Boykin, who says “I make work and create environments from personal and lived experiences,” creates a celebratory piece especially for Ballet Black’s 25 th year - a vibrant tribute to the company’s journey and a bold look towards its future.
Audiences can expect Ballet Black’s signature blend of powerful storytelling, striking choreography and rich global influences, in a programme that honours the past while celebrating the future. For 25 years, Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet - creating vital opportunities for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, while building a repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.
“Ballet Black consistently brings new and exciting work to Oxford Playhouse.”
Oxford Dance Writers (Ballet Black: SHADOWS, 2025)
7.30pm
Tickets from £15
Group discounts available
Age guideline 7+
UK Productions Ltd in association with Nottingham Playhouse
The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler
From the acclaimed novel by Christy Lefteri
‘I was scared of the bees at first, but now, they make me feel alive. They are like a society in complete harmony with itself. Not like people at all, but maybe what people have the potential to be.’
Nuri is a beekeeper, his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection - between friends, families, and strangers.
Winner of the Aspen Words Award, Christy Lefteri’s best-selling novel, one of The Times top three bestselling books of 2020, is adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler
HHHH
“Fast moving inventive production is epic in ambition and human in scale.”
The Scotsman
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Captioned CAP Thu 7.30pm
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm
Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm
Post-Show Talk Wed
Content warning: The production covers themes of war, violence, murder, loss of a child, references to sexual abuse, mental illness, and forced migration. The show also contains strobe lighting, flashing light, haze and sudden loud noises.
Photography by Manuel Harlan.
Zoo Co Theatre and Improbable
Perfect Show For Rachel
Rachel is a theatre-loving, enigmatic, learning-disabled 35 year-old who loves Kylie, heckling her sister, and seeing people falling over. At the touch of a button she commands the action, each scene brought to life by a skilled cast ready for whatever she asks of them. From bar room brawls to a bourbon biscuit cabaretget ready, this is Rachel’s Perfect Show.
Perfect Show For Rachel was developed with Rachel to create a show on her terms. Exploring what theatre can be and who gets to make it, this groundbreaking production is as joyful and funny as it is pioneering. Created by Zoo Co Theatre, a multi–award-winning company championing access, in collaboration with Improbable — a pioneering company of improvisers and theatre-makers, and winners of Producer of the Year at The Stage Awards 2023.
All performances are Relaxed Performances. They include creative and live captioning, plus integrated BSL, making the show accessible for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. Some improvised scenes may feature only creative captions or integrated BSL.
HHHHH “Why can’t more theatre be like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love.” The Guardian
OPINION “Brimming with life, vibrancy and cheeky laugh out loud games and music, this show truly celebrates what it means to be inclusive and imaginative. Rachel and the team had me smiling from ear to ear!”
Beth Sedgwick, Community Programme Manager
Wed – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language, flashing lights may be used during this performance.
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm
Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm
Post Show Talk Thu
Rifco Theatre Company
Frankie Goes to Bollywood
Get ready to be swept away into the dazzling world of Bollywood!
From the makers of Britain’s Got Bhangra comes a new British musical that dives into the dazzling, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced and women are expected to play by the rules.
At the heart of the story is Frankie, a British woman with little interest in fame –until a chance encounter sweeps her from suburbia into the Bollywood spotlight. As the cameras roll and expectations rise, Frankie must ask herself: Can she become a star without losing who she is?
With spectacular choreography, lavish costumes, and a cast of bold, unforgettable characters, this is a joyful, moving tale of ambition, identity, and finding your voice.
Featuring original songs by Bollywood hitmaker Harry Anand, this is Rifco Theatre Company’s most ambitious production yet – a feel-good celebration of love, courage, and self-discovery. HHHH
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Thu 8 – Sat 10 Jan 7.30pm
Wilde Without the Boy
The award-winning Wilde Without the Boy is Gareth Armstrong’s staging of ‘De Profundis’, Oscar Wilde’s searing letter to his gay lover, written from Reading Gaol. It’s followed by a staging of Wilde’s brilliant poem
The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
STORYTELLING
Thu 15 Jan 7.30pm
Sláine: The Horned God
Back by popular demand. A tale of Ancient Celtic heroes and villains, monsters and mystery. Set in a time which is not a time, when Britain was rife with magic and mischief, the original graphic novel is brought to life through traditional storytelling, for modern audiences.
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Fantasy violence, allusions to adult themes.
Age guideline 12+ Fri 16 Jan 7.30pm
Joz Norris:
You Wait. Time Passes.
After a multi-award-winning, 5-star critically acclaimed sellout smash hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Joz Norris has finally completed his life’s work and he’s ready to unveil it to the world, whatever the cost. But what exactly is it? And now that he’s done it, what will he do next?
HHHHH Chortle
Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Includes strong language.
Sat 17 Jan 11am & 2pm
Half Moon presents A Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals production
Jack & The Beanstalk (Sort of)
Kid Carpet hates panto. The Noisy Animals love it. Cue chaos, songs, grannies and a runaway beanstalk in this loud, lo-fi, high-energy family show.
Age guideline 3 to 10
Mon 16 Mar 7.30pm
When Jack Hare Stole the Sun King’s Crown
As cold days melt, flowers begin to bloom, hares box in the fields and nests fill with eggs, away from the rising sun, beware of what still lurks in the cold shadows.
Award-winning storyteller Jason Buck combines traditional storytelling and ancient mythologies, for modern audiences, to celebrate the spring festivals.
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Includes animal death and ghosts.
Wed 18 – Fri 20 Mar 7.30pm
Outside the Box –
A Live Show About Death
Written and performed by Liz Rothschild
This funny, moving, provocative and uplifting storytelling show draws on decades of life and work. If you are mortal, this show is for you. It might just change your life – and your death.
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Includes repeated references to death, bereavement and life.
Sat 21 Mar 11am & 2pm
Half Moon presents A Hoglets Theatre production
The Tale of the Loneliest Whale
Written by Andy Curry
An exciting deep-sea adventure filled with beautiful puppets, hilarious sea creatures, original songs, and plenty of audience interaction — celebrating friendship, difference, and the beauty of being yourself.
“A fantastic piece of children’s theatre.”
Broadway Baby Age guideline 4+
THEATRE
Tue 31 Mar – Thu 2 Apr 7.30pm
Motherhood
Written and performed by Claire
Nelson
What happens when doing the right thing isn’t the right thing anymore?
A hard hitting, tender and funny show following a mother’s journey into her son’s collision with knife crime.
Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Includes references to knife crime and death.
Wed 15 – Fri 17 Apr 7.30pm
Evangeline
By Nia Williams
Evangeline is a showbiz survivor. This new musical traces her rocky career, from her discovery in a cardboard box to her West End rise and fall.
Guy Brigg plays Ms Teeth ‘n’ Tits and all the other eccentric characters in her rollercoaster story.
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Includes some strong language and references to addiction and domestic violence.
Wed 22 - Fri 24 Apr 7.30pm
An Adequate
Abridgement of Boarding
School Life as a Homo
Written by Ned Blackburn
Meet Johnny, 18, at an all-boys boarding school, struggling to fit in and in an intense relationship with rugby golden boy, Harry. It is life through the lens of a young queer man navigating Grindr, hyper-masculinity and institutional shame.
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Includes strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, partial nudity.
THEATRE
Sat 25 Apr 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Hickory Dickory Dock
Mrs Hickory and her cat Dickory love clocks. One day they find an enormous box delivered on their doorstep. Why is it so big? And what is that little squeaking sound inside?
A slapstick glove puppet adventure with that wonderful song you’ve all been waiting for...
Presented by Garlic Theatre
Age guideline 3 to 8
Take Part
Oxford Playhouse offers year-round activities for all ages –at the theatre, in the community, and with partners around the county. From young people starting their creative journey, to adults nurturing lifelong passions, schools inspiring students, and community partners offering inclusive workshops –our programme engages, educates and empowers through creativity and storytelling.
Ages 26+
Playhouse
Adult Company
Summer Term
Thu: 8 Jan – 16 Jul 5.30pm to 8pm Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
Our Adult Company welcomes theatre makers of all generations, providing a space to explore and develop performance skills, build confidence and form lasting friendships. Participants will spend the early parts of this two-term project building skills in voice, movement and expression, before beginning rehearsals for their Summer Term performance on the Playhouse Main Stage.
Ages 60+
Social Thursdays
Thu: 15 Jan, 26 Feb, 19 Mar 10.30am to 12noon Main Foyer, Oxford Playhouse
Enjoy free creative activities and build new friendships at our welcoming and supportive Social Thursdays Join us for a programme of talks, dance, singing, playreading, crafts and much more. For more information, visit our website for a full schedule or email community@oxfordplayhouse.com
For Teachers Teachers’ Night
Thu 5 Mar 6pm Lucy Room, Oxford Playhouse
An opportunity for secondary school Drama and English teachers to meet the Playhouse team, our Teachers’ Night is a great space to network, share best practice and learn more about how our theatre can support classroom learning in your setting. Guests will be invited to stay to watch a performance of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
For more information and to book a place, please email learning@oxfordplayhouse.com
Ages 11+
KEEN Drama Workshops
Mon: dates TBC 6.30pm to 7.15pm KEEN, St Clement’s Centre, Oxford
Explore imaginary worlds and build bold characters with our free, inclusive drama workshops created in partnership with KEEN. Perfect for all ages and abilities to have fun and be expressive through performances. This term’s project will see participants work with the creative team behind Perfect Show For Rachel, as they prepare their own end-of-term sharing.
To learn more about the inclusive work delivered by KEEN, visit their website: keenoxford.org
For session dates and to book a place, please email: keen@keenoxford.org
Take Part
Ages 14 to 25
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 14 to 25s Event
Fri 27 Mar From 5pm
Lucy Room, Oxford Playhouse
Members of our 14 to 25s Scheme are invited to a social with behind-the-scenes access to the upcoming production of Headlong’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Join us from 5.30pm for exclusive activities, pizza and refreshments before the show and a space to hang out with other scheme members in the interval.
Tickets £12 (includes access to event and ticket to see the show)
Limited spaces available and only to 14-25 members, so earlybooking advised. Please email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com to book your place.
Recruiting in Spring 2026 Playhouse
Youth Theatre
Summer Term
Tue: 28 Apr – 14 Jul 5pm to 7.30pm
Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
Our platform for young people aged 12 to 16 to develop their passion for performance, learn new skills and build confidence and friendships. Our Summer Term sessions, Apr to Jul 2026, will see participants devise and rehearse an original performance to be shared in the BT Studio at the end of term. Booking opens in March 2026
If you would like more information before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com
Recruiting in Spring 2026 Playhouse Young Company
Summer Term
Wed: 15 Apr – 15 Jul 5pm to 7.30pm Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
A collaborative ensemble of young people aged 17 to 25 with a commitment and passion for creating theatre and developing performance skills. In preparation for an end-of-term performance in the BT Studio, participants will spend Summer Term sessions developing their devising skills whilst creating characters and narratives for their own original piece of theatre.
Booking opens in March 2026
If you would like more information before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com
For more information on our Take Part activities and bursary placements, please contact our Box Office on 01865 305305 or visit oxfordplayhouse.com/take-part
Please note: Top Room, Circle Bar, Lucy Room and BT Studio are only accessible by stairs.
Our Supporters
Oxford Playhouse Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of its core funders:
Trusts & Foundations
The Atlas Fund
The Aurelius Charitable Trust
Backstage Trust
The Beeching Trust
The Bouttell Bequest
Doris Field Charitable Trust
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
The Emmanuel Kaye Foundation
The Hugh Fraser Foundation
The Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust
MacFarlane Family Foundation
Mactaggart Third Fund
The Pharsalia Charitable Trust
Mr and Mrs J A Pye’s Charitable Settlement
The Robert and Margaret Moss Charitable Trust
The Schuster Charitable Trust
Still Point Fund
Theatres Trust
The Thompson Family Charitable Trust
The William Delafield Charitable Trust
Anonymous (but greatly appreciated)
Building and Technical Supporters
Creative Learning and Production Supporter Volunteers
Over 100 volunteers give up their time for Oxford Playhouse. Thank you!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Business Circle Members
St John’s College Oxford
Thank You
Every ticket you buy supports Oxford Playhouse.
As a charity we also rely on the generosity of Friends, Patrons, and donors to put world class productions on our stage, reach out to the local community and develop local artists. If you can, please consider making a gift so our work can continue to flourish in the future. For further information please contact development@oxfordplayhouse.com
Patrons of Oxford Playhouse
Director’s Circle
Richard & Felicity Dick
Richard Gladstone
Gold Patrons
Prof Sir Richard &
Lady Elizabeth Brook
Alex Duncan
Debbie & Stephen Dance
Prof Raymond Dwek CBE FRS
& Mrs Sandra Dwek
Chris Jones & Sara Everett
David Renton
Alison Deer Squillante
Prof Anne Trefethen
Joe Pillman & Jackie Watson
We are also incredibly grateful to those who have supported us but prefer to remain anonymous. Thank you!
Silver Patrons
Debbie Austin
Sir Jonathan &
Lady Helen Baker
Prof Sir Clive &
Lady Margaret Booth
Anthony Budgen
Dr Onima Chowdhury
Dr Tim & Katharine Clayden
Ellie & Tim Darling
Matthew Derbyshire
Sos Eltis
Nick & Shona Fisher
Roland & Sue Fuggle
Prof Michael Goldsmith
Alan Grafen
Kay Symons &
Graham Harding
David & Sue Jackson
Chris Knight
Greg Lovett
John Parrott
Christopher Pownall
Elizabeth Skerritt
Dr Trudy Watt
Registered Company No.2397373
Registered Charity No.900039
Donors
Saphié Ashtiany & Prof Paul Davies
Louise Armstrong
Ed & Anna Bernard
B J Birch
Lesley Brown
Martin Cattermole
Mark Charter
Professor David Coleman
Keith Crawford
Dr Cecile Deer
David Dunne
Sarah Jones
Tim Kidd
Geoffry Lescott
Jane & Graham Mackay
John May
M J Morris
Elizabeth Paris
Brian W Plater
Niamh & Cian Power
Diana B Renton
Sue Staunton
Lady Jennifer Stringer
Alison Townsend
Micaela Tuckwell
Dr Louise Upton
Edward Whinney
J Willis
Join today for just £60 a year
A Friends membership makes regular theatregoing more affordable, allowing you access to the best seats at the best prices. You’ll also benefit from priority booking, no booking or exchange fees and discount at our bars.
Benefits:
• Priority Booking
• No booking or exchange fees
• Up to 50% discount on selected shows
•10% off at OP bars
•10% discount on selected courses and classes
• Membership card
• Special offers from OP partners
• Regular e-newsletter
Gift Membership
Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of theatre with a Friends membership for a friend or family member. Buy online or call the Box Office — we’ll do the rest.
Seating Plan
Possible limited view. Please call the Box Office for further information.
These seats can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs. Please call the Box Office for further information.
Rows A to C are sometimes removed for staging and are therefore not always available – please check with the Box Office when booking.
CIRCLE
STALLS
View from Row A, Circle
View from Row K, Stalls
View from Row A, Stalls
Booking Information
Opening Times
Online booking is available 24/7 at oxfordplayhouse.com
In Person and Phones:
Monday: 10am – 6pm
Tuesday - Saturday: 12 noon – 6pm
On performance days, Box Office will close 15 minutes after the start of the evening show.
Venue addresses:
Oxford Playhouse
Beaumont Street
Oxford OX1 2LW
Age Policy
Burton Taylor Studio
Gloucester Street
Oxford OX1 2BN
We offer age recommendations for every performance. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult or young person aged 16+.
Tickets and Discounts
We aim to make our productions accessible for as many people as possible. We offer an allocation of £15 tickets available on most week-long productions. We also offer an allocation of £5 tickets for ages 14 -25.
Become a Friend
To make your theatre going more affordable, why not become a Friend of Oxford Playhouse? With discounts on shows and at our bars, no booking or admin fees, and the benefit of priority booking, you’ll be able to access the best seats at the best prices!
Flexible Pricing
Ticket prices may vary for productions based on demand. Flexible pricing helps support the theatre and allows us to ensure we can continue to bring the very best work to our stages. Book early to access the best prices.
Concessions
We offer concessions for people under-18, full-time students (ID required), Universal Credit recipients, NHS Staff, and Equity/BECTU/Stage Directors UK members. We also offer discounts for 65 and over on selected mid-week matinee performances. All discounts apply to selected performances and are subject to availability.
Access
We offer discounted tickets for customers with access requirements and their companion/ carer on the vast majority of shows. Please get in touch with our Box Office to discuss your specific access requirements and to book tickets. Please see pages 62 and 63 for a list of scheduled access performances.
Groups Bookings
Discounts are available for those booking more than 10 tickets for the same performance. Available on the top two price bands only. Not bookable online. Email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com. Payment must be made in one transaction. Available Mon - Thu performances only.
Booking Fee
All Main Stage bookings will incur a non-refundable £2.75 booking fee. Burton Taylor Studio professional productions and Take Part events/workshops incur a £1.50 fee. This is applied per booking, not per ticket. This fee does not apply to Friends, Patrons, 14-25 members, access patrons, school and group bookings, community tickets, Burton Taylor Studio student productions, merchandise, house programmes, gift vouchers/tokens, or any events or workshops priced under £10.
Schools and Colleges
We offer discounted tickets for school and college bookings. From £15 per ticket and one free teacher ticket with every 10 tickets booked. Available Mon – Thu for most week-long shows. Subject to availability. For Dick Whittington: Tickets from £15 (+ every 16th ticket free).
General T&Cs
Full terms and conditions are available on our website. Once purchased tickets are non-refundable. Everyone must have a valid ticket to enter the auditorium. If you provide seven days’ notice you may be able to exchange tickets to another performance of the same show subject to availability. This will be subject to a £2 per ticket admin fee. We do not offer exchanges between different shows. Friends and Patrons are excluded from these fees.
Stay in Touch
Sign up to be the first to hear about new shows, workshops and exciting announcements.
Access Facilities
We want to make your visit to Oxford Playhouse and the Burton Taylor Studio as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We offer a range of access facilities. To find out more information about the accessibility of our venues please visit oxfordplayhouse.com/access, call the friendly Box Office team on 01865 305305 or email access@oxfordplayhouse.com
Our range of Access facilities include:
General Access Our main entrance is at street level on Beaumont Street and fully wheelchair accessible with automated doors. Our Box Office, Auditorium, The Gladstone Room and Foyer Bar are all fully wheelchair accessible. There is also an accessible toilet on ground level. Our Burton Taylor Studio is only accessible via two flights of stairs. If you require a stair climber, please let the Box Office know when booking.
Wheelchair Spaces Within Stalls, end of rows E and L and centre of row T.
Unfortunately, the Circle, Lucy Room and Top Room are not currently wheelchair accessible.
What’s On Guides are available in large print.
To request a copy, please email: access@oxfordplayhouse.com
To access our audio brochure, visit: oxfordplayhouse.com/access/audio-brochure
Sennheiser Infrared Headset System can help to boost the sound level straight to your hearing aid or headphones, if you are hard of hearing. Please ask the Box Office team at the time of booking, who can advise on the best places to sit for using the Sennheiser sets.
Captioned Performances convert spoken word into text that appears on a screen as the words are sung or spoken on stage.
British Sign Language (BSL) Performances feature a BSL interpreter, who stands at the side of the stage and interprets the show for D/deaf audiences.
Audio Described Performances (via headphones) offer a live narration describing the action in the pauses between the onstage dialogue, for those who are blind or partially sighted. Free Touch Tours also accompany these performances and are a chance to explore the set before the show begins.
Relaxed Performances are specifically set up to be more sensitive to audiences who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with autistic spectrum conditions, learning disabilities or young children. The house lights will be partially on, sound levels reduced, and audience members can come and go as they please and make noise if they want to.
Dementia Friendly Performances are carefully tailored for those living with dementia and their friends, family or carers, so everyone can enjoy the show in a supportive, comfortable, and relaxed environment. Adaptations include reduced volume of music when dialogue is taking place.
Access Diary
