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Oxford Playhouse - What's On Guide - Autumn 2026

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What’s On Autumn 2026


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Welcome Welcome to a new season at Oxford Playhouse, with unforgettable stories, brilliant performances and plenty of reasons to come together. We’re delighted to welcome back our Associate Partner Headlong with August Wilson’s Fences, in its first major revival in over a decade. We also join forces with Fuel for Inua Ellams’ award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, brought to the stage through Touring Together, our collaboration with venues across the country. The triennial Oxford Greek Play returns with Euripides’ Iphigenia at Aulis, while the new year sees us present the national tour of The King’s Speech, a major new stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film. Two Oxford Playhouse Artistic Patrons also return. Michael Palin takes audiences beyond the cameras with In the Philippines, while, by popular demand, Stewart Lee brings back Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf. There’s much more to discover, from comedy, opera, drama and studio shows to entertainment for the whole family. Our Youth Theatre and Adult Company are beginning their year-long projects, with plenty more opportunities to get involved - find out more on page 49. And very soon The Playhouse will be filled with seasonal cheer and plenty of silliness as our festive pantomime takes to the stage. Discover the magic of Snow White – a new title for Oxford Playhouse, written by Sarah Henley and directed by Artistic Director Mike Tweddle. Younger audiences can enjoy Little Robin Red Vest at the Burton Taylor Studio, based on Jan Fearnley’s beloved Christmas classic. We’re thrilled to announce that in February 2027, we will stage a new Oxford Playhouse production of Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love, directed by Mike, following this year’s acclaimed Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. This is an opportunity to see Rattigan’s rarely performed, penultimate play brought vividly to life, marking 50 years since the playwright’s death. Whatever brings you through our doors this season, we hope you’ll discover something to inspire, surprise and entertain you. We look forward to welcoming you.

Mike Tweddle Artistic Director & CEO

Marianne Jacques Executive Director

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Our Highlights An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime

Snow White Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027 We invite you into a world of laughter and wonder this festive season. Step into the enchanted West Oxford Wood as Snow White takes you on an adventure where ancient forest magic meets a world of image-enhancing technology. See page 22

Filskit Theatre

Little Robin Red Vest Wed 2 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027 Based on the timeless Christmas classic by Jan Fearnley, this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving is ideal for children aged 2-6 and their families. Enjoy a tale with original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton. See page 24 4

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


An Oxford Playhouse Production

Terence Rattigan’s

In Praise of Love

Sat 13 Feb – Sat 6 Mar 2027 Rattigan’s rarely performed, penultimate play is given a major new staging by Oxford Playhouse. With the playwright's characteristic emotional precision, this is a profound portrait of a family facing up to the truth. See page 37

A Leeds Playhouse Production in association with Oxford Playhouse

Little Shop of Horrors Thu 22 – Sat 31 Jul 2027 Sink your teeth into this electrifying new production with a gloriously dark heart, blending Broadway musical wit with retro B-movie chaos and the camp horror of the iconic 1986 film. Packed with unforgettable songs by Alan Menken and Harold Ashman, it’s a killer cult classic with a bite! See page 45

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Wed 30 Sep – Sat 3 Oct A Headlong, Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester production

August Wilson’s

Fences Directed by Daniel Bailey

‘Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.’ Troy Maxson has cheated death once, but the past keeps closing in. On Pittsburgh’s streets, he cracks jokes and spins stories, yet at home, the pressure is building. His wife, Rose, holds the family together. She sees a changing world and hopes their son Cory might step into it with more freedom than Troy ever had. But when dreams collide, and tempers flare, the Maxsons edge towards a reckoning that could reshape everything they know. From one of America’s most influential 20th-century writers comes a story of ambition. Set in the 1950s, this vital new production is directed by the award-winning Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch, West End) and produced by Oxford Playhouse associate partner Headlong. Bringing this portrait of grief, love and what it means to be a family in post-war Black America to life are Ray Fearon (Othello - RSC, Fleabag, Coronation Street) as Troy, Madeline Appiah (In the Long Run, The Winter’s Tale - RSC, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical - West End) as Rose, alongside Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, Josh Tedeku, Simon-Anthony Rhoden and Everal A Walsh.

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“A powerful piece of theatre.” The Reviews Hub (A Raisin in the Sun, 2024)

Wed – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 12+ Content advisories: Contains themes of death, injury and implied sexual assault; occasional strong and racially explicit language, including the n-word.

AD TT CAP

Post-Show Talk Thu 7.30pm

See Access Diary on page 59 for information

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Mon 5 Oct

Daniel Kitson: Thrum

We are delighted to welcome back Daniel Kitson with his new comedy show Thrum. There’s the sound of somewhere else and the permanence of a plant pot and the ubiquity of a phrase and the heartbreaking brevity of a very long time. There’s figs and worms and an old dog rejecting a blanket. There’s a woman, on a train, wearing a badge. There’s the first beep of a smoke alarm and there’s a daffodil in December. There’s a hand in bed and stuff on the stairs and a massive tree in storage on a farm in Kent. There’s nothing to say and the thought of rotting and the smell of tobacco. There’s a duty to act and there’s a resistance to growth and a new place up the road and a completely redundant volume control. There’s a toilet in Hong Kong and a coffee shop in Melbourne and the passage of light through a building and deliberately making things much more difficult than they actually need to be. And. There’s music, more or less throughout, at least two funny voices and upwards of three jokes. 7.30pm Age guideline 16+ Content advisories: Contains strong language.

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SOLD OUT

Become a Friend to secure tickets with priority booking next time see page 2.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


Tue 6 Oct

Between The Covers Live! Celebrating Agatha Christie

Between The Covers Live! returns to celebrate Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time. Marking 50 years since her death, discover why the undisputed Queen of Crime continues to captivate readers worldwide, with more than two billion books sold in over 100 languages. Host Amanda Ross is joined by bestselling author, actor and director Ben Miller (Professor T, ITV) and bestselling crime writer Lucy Foley, whose new novel Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is the first authorised new Miss Marple mystery. Together, they’ll explore Christie’s enduring influence, discuss their own writing and reveal their favourite Christie novels. Joining the panel are special guests Nigel Havers, one of Britain’s best-loved actors, and James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited. Signing sessions with the stars will give audiences the perfect excuse to treat themselves! 7.30pm Age guideline 12+

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Fri 9 & Sat 10 Oct

Oxford Opera Company

The Marriage of Figaro The award-winning Oxford Opera Company return with Mozart’s joyful masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro – a fast-paced tale of love, wit and mistaken identities that remains as entertaining and relevant today as when it premiered in 1786. Directed by Katie Blackwell and conducted by John Warner, the team behind last year’s sold-out Tosca, this fresh new production is sung in English with surtitles, in a brand-new translation by George Robarts and accompanied by the Oxford Opera Orchestra. Expect laughter, romance and unforgettable music in one of opera’s greatest masterpieces. Especially for families the Saturday matinee is a condensed version – the perfect introduction to opera for younger audiences.

“Oxford Opera Company at its best.” Ox in a Box (Tosca, 2025)

Fri & Sat 7.30pm Family Matinee Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 12+ for evening shows. The family matinee is suitable for all ages.

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oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


Sun 25 Oct

Fri 6 Nov

Michael Palin:

The Annual Charles Simonyi Lecture

In the Philippines Fresh from his latest television series and companion book, Oxford Playhouse Artistic Patron Michael Palin shares the story of one of his most ambitious journeys. Through stunning photography, behind-the-scenes footage and rarely seen moments from filming, Michael takes audiences beyond the television cameras as he travels across the Philippines, a country of extraordinary beauty, history and resilience. Warm, witty and endlessly curious, Michael Palin: In the Philippines offers audiences the chance to hear untold stories from the journey and reflections from nearly 40 years of travelling the world for television.

Venki Ramakrishan Join Marcus du Sautoy and Venki Ramakrishan for this year’s Charles Simonyi Lecture, Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality. Humans have long been fascinated by ageing and mortality, and recent scientific advances have revealed more about the biological processes that drive them. Nobel Prize-winning scientist and bestselling author Venki Ramakrishnan will explore the science of ageing, promising approaches to extending healthy life, and the social and ethical questions raised by the quest for longer lifespans.

7.30pm

5pm

Age guideline 12+

Age guideline 12+

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Tue 13 – Sat 17 Oct Fuel in association with Touring Together

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto By Inua Ellams Directed by Roy Alexander Weise ‘There are powers that bind the world together, softer than spirits yet stronger than stone, that tie the river to the tree, the tree to rain clouds, rain clouds to the land, and people to each other.’ The award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship forged between an enslaved woman and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria. Inua Ellams, winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright and artist. He has published four poetry collections, and his plays include the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles (Fuel/National Theatre, UK and International Tour), An Evening with an Immigrant (Burton Taylor Studio) and his retelling of Three Sisters (National Theatre).

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“Such an ambitious piece and so life-affirmingly realised. Go.” The Independent on Barber Shop Chronicles

Tue – Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 14+

AD TT See Access Diary on page 59 for information

Pre-Show Talk Members of our 14-25s scheme are invited to our special pre-show event on Fri 16 Oct from 5.30pm. To book your place and find out more, visit our website.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Wed 21 – Sat 24 Oct University of Oxford student company: Lighthouse Productions

The Seagull By Anton Chekhov New English language version by Simon Stephens ‘Yes, but the theatre! We can’t live without the theatre.’ Anton Chekhov’s darkly comic masterpiece explores love, ambition and artistic rivalry through four intertwined lives: aspiring actress Nina, fading star Irina, the symbolist playwright Konstantin, and the obsessive-compulsive writer Boris. When Irina visits her brother Sorin’s isolated estate, unfulfilled ambitions are thrown into sharp relief. Celebrating the play’s 130-year anniversary, University of Oxford student company Lighthouse Productions reimagines The Seagull for the 21st century with an acclaimed translation by Olivier Award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens. A live original score, striking bird-inspired choreography and puppetry transform this timeless classic into a bold, visually arresting theatrical experience for contemporary audiences. Reviews for Lighthouse Production’s Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons (Burton Taylor Studio, 2026):

“Exciting and thought-provoking.” The Cherwell

“An outstanding show.” The Oxford Blue

Wed - Sat 7.30pm Sat 2pm Age guideline 15+

This translation was originally produced by the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London on 3 October 2017.

Content advisories: Contains strong language; discussions of suicide, child loss and death; depictions of attempted suicide with a replica gun, sexual assault. Includes strobe/ flashing lights, haze, loud noises, blood and smoking.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Tue 27 – Sat 31 Oct

The Gang of Three By Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward Brilliant Minds. Brutal Ambitions. Deep in the heart of the corridors of power, the Labour Party’s Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland clash over the soul of British socialism and their own relentless ambitions. Set against the backdrop of economic crisis, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the personalities, principles and private tensions that shaped a generation of politics. Smart, provocative and fiercely entertaining — this is political theatre at its most compelling.

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“Quick witted political drama.” The Stage

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“Inside an old boys club of Labour intrigue.” The Guardian

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“Couldn’t be more relevant.” Daily Express

Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains strong language.

CAP

Post-Show Talk Wed

See Access Diary on page 59 for information

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Wed 4 – Sat 7 Nov Oxford Classical Drama Society

The Greek Play

Iphigenia at Aulis By Euripides New translation by Alexander Lafferty, Evelyn Watterson and Nathaniel Denton To spill blood for his nation, a father is called to first sacrifice his own. The Greek fleet gathers at Aulis, ready to reclaim Helen from the Trojans. Yet the winds refuse to blow. After weeks of waiting, their prophet reveals the cause: the goddess Artemis is enraged by Agamemnon’s killing of her sacred deer. If the Greeks are to sail for Troy, she demands the sacrifice of a virgin. Agamemnon sends for his wife, asking her to bring their young, unwed daughter. Two and a half thousand years on, Iphigenia at Aulis presents one of the most psychologically wrought tales from ancient myth, and asks: how can any of us – a father, a citizen, a nation – come to justify acts of violence – to others, to ourselves? The triennial Oxford Greek Play reimagines Euripides’ final tragedy in a Celtic world, brought to life by a live traditional céilí band performing an original score. Performed by Oxford students in English and Ancient Greek with surtitles.

Wed – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains discussions and depictions of violence, human sacrifice, war, misogynist and nationalist ideologies.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 1865 305305

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Mon 9 – Wed 11 Nov

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf Oxford Playhouse Artistic Patron Stewart Lee returns by popular demand. Sharing the stage with a tough-talking Man-Wulf, a werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity, Lee faces a ferocious comedy challenge. Stewart Lee is in danger of being left behind. He's approaching sixty with debilitating health conditions, his TV profile has diminished, and his once BAFTA Award-winning style of stand-up seems obsolete. But can he unleash his inner Man-Wulf to position himself alongside today’s biggest comedy names? Expect Lee’s trademark blend of razor-sharp wit, self-deprecation and satire in a show that skewers modern stand-up, celebrity culture and the absurdities of contemporary life.

“The world's greatest living stand-up comedian.” The Times 7.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains strong language.

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oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


Thu 12 Nov & Tue 13 Apr

Fri 13 Nov

Sindhu Vee:

Seann Walsh:

Swanky

This is Torture

Someone once asked Sindhu Vee a very stupid question. She wants to tell you about it.

Following his sell-out 2023 tour, awardwinning comedian Seann Walsh brings his new stand-up show, This is Torture to Oxford.

From the award-winning star of Live at the Apollo comes a brand-new stand-up show about falling through the cracks you didn’t make, avoiding the friendships you don’t want, and embracing the self-love you definitely need. Now one of the most exciting and sought-after comedy talents around, she returns with her most sophisticated, intimate and swanky show yet.

HHHH “Exceptional.” The Scotsman

“Gleefully wicked.”

Known for his high-energy delivery, frantic exasperation and razor-sharp observations, Seann is one of the UK's most acclaimed comedians. Don't miss the chance to see him live as he leaves audiences in stitches and on their feet across the country.

“A cracking good show.” The Telegraph

“Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation.” The Guardian

Sunday Times Thu 12 Nov

7.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains strong language.

SOLD OUT

Become a Friend to secure tickets with priority booking next time see page 2.

7.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains strong language and adult content.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

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Mirror, mirror on the wall... which panto is the most magical of them all? This festive season, Oxford Playhouse invites you into a world of laughter and wonder with the spectacular pantomime Snow White – a wicked adventure for the whole family. Step into the enchanted West Oxford Wood as Snow takes you on an adventure where ancient forest magic meets a world of image-enhancing technology. Standing in her way is Queen Narcissa and her all-knowing mirror, MiRi, whose hunger for power and endless admiration fuels her contempt for the natural world. When the glamorous queen discovers a magical resource that preserves her beauty, she becomes determined to mine every last piece of the forest. Can Snow and some unlikely friends outwit the Queen and restore the balance? With dazzling dance numbers, spectacular songs and plenty of hilarious jokes, it’s one adventure you won’t want to miss! Gather your friends and family and start a Christmas tradition to remember. Perfect for all ages, expect boos, cheers and magical moments aplenty!

“The most fun you’ll have this Christmas.” Ox in a Box (Dick Whittington, 2025)

“Quirky, highly entertaining show.” The Stage (Sleeping Beauty, 2024)

See website for full performance schedule. School and group tickets available. Please contact our Box Office for more information on discounts. Age guideline 5+

AD TT CAP

DF

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Wed 2 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Based on the timeless Christmas classic by Jan Fearnley Adapted and directed by Victoria Briggs in association with Filskit Theatre

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Burton Taylor Studio Create magical family memories and introduce your little ones to the joy of live theatre. One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left. That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest. Adapted from the award-winning Jan Fearnley’s bestselling book, this show is ideal for children aged 2-6 and their families. With original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, join us for this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.

Performance Schedule Wed 2 Dec

10am

Thu 3 Dec

10am

2pm

Fri 4 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Sat 5 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

2pm

Sun 6 Dec No performances Mon 7 Dec No performances Tue 8 Dec

10am

12pm

Wed 9 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Thu 10 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Fri 11 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Sat 12 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Sun 13 Dec No performances Mon 14 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Tue 15 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Wed 16 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Thu 17 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Fri 18 Dec No performances Sat 19 Dec

10am

12pm

Mon 21 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Tue 22 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Wed 23 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Thu 24 Dec

10am

12pm

Fri 25 Dec Sat 26 Dec

No performances No performances

Sun 27 Dec

10am

12pm

Mon 28 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Tue 29 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Wed 30 Dec

10am

12pm

3pm

Thu 31 Dec

No performances

Fri 1 Jan

No performances

Running time 55 minutes

Sat 2 Jan

10am

12pm

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Age guideline 2 to 6.

Sun 3 Jan

10am

12pm

All shows use integrated Makaton sign language and are Relaxed performances, ideal for audiences who benefit from a calmer, more relaxed environment.

3pm

Sun 20 Dec No performances

3pm

Tickets Off-Peak | Peak To view our full range of pricing options and make a booking, please visit our website. 25


Fri 8 Jan

Showstopper!

The Improvised Musical With sixteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers return to Oxford having delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. Using audience suggestions as inspiration, the cast creates a brand-new musical comedy live before your eyes, transforming ideas into an all-singing, all-dancing production with hilarious results. Guaranteed to impress, these extraordinary performers pack every show with drama, dazzling choreography and unforgettable melodies – and every moment is completely improvised.

7.30pm Age guideline 12+ Content advisories: Contains some mild swearing and sexual innuendo may occur.

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oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


Sat 9 Jan

Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughter as Oxfordshire Mind and Jericho Comedy take over Oxford Playhouse for their Annual Comedy Gala! Featuring top-tier comedians and an electrifying atmosphere, this event supports a vital cause. Line-up to be announced, past shows have included comedy stars like James Acaster, Rachel Parris, Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Ivo Graham, Ed Gamble, and Adam Kay. Every ticket helps raise essential funds for Oxfordshire Mind, supporting crucial mental health services. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of comedy – grab your tickets now before they’re gone!

2.30pm & 7.30pm Age guideline 16+ Content advisories: Contains strong language.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Wed 13 – Sat 16 Jan A Barn Theatre Production

The King’s Speech By David Seidler The world is listening... A country on the precipice of another terrible war. An abdicated king. A constitutional crisis. And the only man who can provide hope for the nervous British public is Bertie – a man who is shy, unprepared for monarchy and, worst of all, has a debilitating speech impediment. With the future of the monarchy, and Britain itself, on the line, a historic radio address looms over a man who can barely stammer through full sentences. Desperate, Bertie and his family turn to an unconventional speech therapist from Australia to turn him into the king Britain can believe in. As royal protocol meets unorthodox challenges, what emerges is an unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship. Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, this exciting new production from the acclaimed Barn Theatre blends humour, heart and high stakes in a beloved drama about duty, courage and finding one’s voice.

HHHH

“Deeply layered.” The Guardian (Haywire, 2025)

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“Energetic and whole-hearted performances.” StageTalk Magazine (The Last Five Years, 2025)

Wed – Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 12+

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Tue 19 – Sat 23 Jan OXOPS

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler Adaptation by Christopher Bond Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Revenge is a dish best served hot. Oxford Operatic Society (OXOPS) is delighted to bring Stephen Sondheim’s cut-throat musical masterpiece Sweeney Todd to The Playhouse stage. Audiences will be transported into an epic tale of classism, oppression and revenge. This thrilling new production strips the story back to its raw emotional core. Against an industrial landscape, an ensemble cast brings London’s darkest corners vividly to life as one man's search for justice spirals into an unforgettable tale of vengeance and mental turmoil. Attend the tale this January and experience Sondheim’s extraordinary score, razor-sharp wit and a tragic warning of what happens when society pushes its people over the edge.

“Mesmerising and entertaining.” Ox in a Box (Jesus Christ Superstar, 2025)

“Endearing and heart-warming.” Daily Info (Funny Girl, 2024)

Tue – Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 12+ Content advisories: Contains some adult topics, mature themes and disturbing imagery.

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean and Judy Manos. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Tue 26 – Sat 30 Jan An Emma Rice Company, York Theatre Royal, and Nottingham Playhouse co-production

Tristan & Yseult

Adapted and directed by Emma Rice Written by Carl Grose and Anna Maria Murphy First created in 2003, the original Kneehigh and Emma Rice production of Tristan & Yseult became one of the most influential productions of the 21st century. Now, this celebrated production returns to the UK for the first time in ten years, offering a rare opportunity to experience a modern masterpiece live on stage once again. Based on an epic ancient tale from Cornwall, it explores forbidden desires, broken hearts, grand passions, and tender truths. Visceral, playful, and heartbreakingly beautiful, this extraordinary production blends myth, music, movement, and storytelling into an unforgettable theatrical experience.

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“A fizzing, intoxicating cocktail.” The Stage

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“I’ve never loved a night in the theatre more.” The Times

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“I loved it with a passion.” The Guardian Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 8+ Content advisories: Contains strobe lighting, smoke/haze and some loud noises. It also features smoking, implied sexual activity and implied violence.

AD TT See Access Diary on page 59 for information

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Wed 3 – Sat 6 Feb University of Oxford student company: Crazy Child Productions

City of Angels Book by Larry Gelbart Music by Cy Coleman Lyrics by David Zippel Lights. Camera. Murder. Step into the dazzling Golden Age of Hollywood, where glamorous movie stars, smoky jazz clubs and shadowy alleyways set the stage. Successful novelist Stine struggles to adapt his latest work for the silver screen. As words ripple from his typewriter, the lines between writer and creation dangerously blur. A brooding private investigator; a missing heiress, a seductive femme fatale. The two worlds of fiction and reality begin to merge into one story spiralling out of control. Presented by University of Oxford student company Crazy Child Productions, City of Angels is a dazzling musical thriller driven by Cy Coleman's exhilarating jazz score. Blending razor-sharp comedy with mystery and romance, this acclaimed Broadway and West End hit won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and remains one of musical theatre's most inventive celebrations and critiques of classic cinema.

“Clear, engaging and consistently funny.” The Last Act Critic (Creditors, 2026)

“Does not disappoint.” The Oxford Blue (Creditors, 2026)

“Some of the best of Oxford’s musical and dramatic talent, brought together by a brilliant directorial team.” The Oxford Student (Guys and Dolls, 2026)

Wed – Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains adult themes and gun shots.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

This amateur production of City of Angels is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

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Sat 13 Feb – Sat 6 Mar An Oxford Playhouse Production

Terence Rattigan’s

In Praise of Love Directed by Mike Tweddle What if silence is the greatest proof of love? Witty, poignant and exquisitely observed, Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love is a profound portrait of a family facing up to the truth. Written with Rattigan’s characteristic emotional precision, it asks how far we’ll go to protect the people we love the most. 1970s London. Celebrated literary critic Sebastian and his wife Lydia, a refugee from wartime Estonia, present a picture of a tired marriage. When an old friend arrives and their son starts questioning their motives, a carefully maintained web of loyalty and deception begins to unravel. Following the critically acclaimed Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (2026), Oxford Playhouse is proud to produce this landmark drama for Spring 2027. Directed by Artistic Director Mike Tweddle and marking the 50th anniversary of the playwright’s death, this is an opportunity to see Rattigan’s rarely performed, penultimate play brought vividly to life. Reviews from the Oxford Playhouse production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?:

HHHHH

“Mike Tweddle’s visionary production.” What's on Stage

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“An astonishing piece of unmissable stagecraft.” The Reviews Hub Wed – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains discussion of terminal illness and death, the Holocaust, forced migration, racist language, strong language and representation of alcohol consumption.

AD TT CAP

Post-Show Talk Wed 24 Feb

See Access Diary on page 59 for information

IN PRAISE OF LOVE © 1973 The Sir Terence Rattigan Charitable Trust Copyright agent: Alan Brodie Representation Ltd

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Mon 8 – Sat 13 Mar David Pugh presents the Chelmsford Theatre Production

Pride & * Prejudice (*sort of)

By Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen Following its triumph in the West End, where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy and the Evening Standard Award, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) returns to Oxford by popular demand and is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. This multi-award-winning production features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. A joy for Austen and non-Austen fans alike! It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.

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“Austen would have loved this smart, laugh-out-loud show.” The Daily Telegraph

HHHHH

“It’s a blast: Austen turbocharged with utter theatrical audacity.” The i Mon – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 12+ Content advisories: Contains strong language, flashing lights, haze, smoking and gunshots.

AD TT See Access Diary on page 59 for information

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

David Pugh & The Tron Theatre Company, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Blood of the Young's production with co-producers Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage and Oxford Playhouse’s original 2021 West End production was directed by Isobel McArthur & Simon Harvey.

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Thu 18 Mar

The Waste Land:

An Evening of T.S. Eliot The Waste Land, probably T.S. Eliot’s most famous poem, was published in 1922. Rich in classical and cultural references, it is often seen as a response to the devastation of the First World War. Yet beneath its haunting imagery lies wit, humanity and a surprising sense of hope. This special event, directed by actor, director, author and classicist Giles Taylor, features acclaimed actor Nathaniel Parker performing The Waste Land alongside Eliot’s celebrated The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Together, Nathaniel and Giles will offer an engaging guide to one of the most influential and enduring works of modern literature – exploring the poem’s many layers, illuminating the references, themes and ideas that continue to fascinate readers more than a century after its publication.

7.30pm Age guideline 12+

40

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Thu 25 Mar

ChopLogic_HeroOnly_127×79mm_v1.indd 1

Rhys James: Chop Logic Rhys has made a discovery that could fix everything. It’s been staring him in the face the whole time, in a mirror held behind his head. If he can ignore his own problems for long enough, he might just be able to solve yours. A fast, forensic show of big ideas and gag-dense overthinking from one of the nation’s sharpest stand-ups. Star of TLC’s Mock The Week and BBC Radio 4’s Rhysearch, also seen furrowing his brow on QI, Live At The Apollo and his viral U&Dave lecture, I Stalk Strangers Online.

HHHH

“Scintillating stand-up.” The Times

Sat 27 Mar

28/07/2026 16:02

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club returns with a captivating evening of live music, narration, rare archive images and footage, celebrating the legendary venue’s rich history. From its humble beginnings as a basement jazz bar, through to internationally acclaimed music venue, Ronnie Scott’s has showcased jazz icons including Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis. Featuring music from the jazz-greats who have graced its stage, this unique production offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s most celebrated jazz clubs.

“Oustanding players.” The Observer

7.30pm

7.30pm

Age guideline 14+

Age guideline 12+

Content advisories: Contains strong language.

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

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Sat 20 Mar ACE dance and music

TWAWSI The World As We See It Human life is fleeting, the world is still unfolding… Redefining dance from the African Diaspora, ACE dance and music’s new double bill presents two powerful contrasting visions of our world today. Rooted in the realities faced by millions across the globe, Echoes of Dust, choregraphed by Serge Aimé Coulibaly captures the chaos of conflict. Driven by a fierce soundscape and fusion of African and contemporary dance, shattered world’s surge with athleticism and endurance – a testimony to human resilience and courage. In stark contrast, Vincent Mantsoe’s Letlalo takes you to a distant place; travelling to far flung corners of the earth, where spirituality and harmony shape everyday life. Two choreographers with extraordinary heritage and seven diverse dancers re-write the rules and embody a state of unity and deep connection rarely seen in our divided world. TWAWSI offers a luminous oasis of coexistence – the world as we see it...

HHHHH

“Technically masterful, emotionally charged, and performed by dancers working at the absolute height of their craft.” London Pub Theatres

“A masterpiece of emotional and spiritual exploration.” VoiceMag on Unknown Realms

7.30pm Age guideline 7+

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Thu 22 – Sat 31 Jul A Leeds Playhouse Production in association with Oxford Playhouse

Little Shop of Horrors Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken Directed by Jamie Sophia Fletcher A Killer Cult Classic with Bite!

Oxford Playhouse is delighted to be in association with Leeds Playhouse to stage this bold new production of Little Shop of Horrors – mischievous, monstrous and full of heart. Directed by Jamie Sophia Fletcher, this electrifying production sinks its teeth into the show’s gloriously dark heart, blending Broadway musical wit with retro B-movie chaos and the camp horror of the iconic 1986 film. Down on Skid Row, timid florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn’s life changes when he discovers a mysterious plant he names Audrey II. This wisecracking, R&B-singing carnivore promises fame, fortune, and the girl of his dreams – but demands one small thing in return: blood. As Audrey II grows, so does its appetite, and its plan for domination begins to unfold. Packed with unforgettable songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the legendary duo behind Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, this cult favourite combines dark comedy, bold visuals and irresistible tunes for a wildly entertaining visit to the theatre. Early Bird Group Discount Groups of 10+ can enjoy an additional discount of 20% (usually 10%), with larger groups of 40+ receiving 40% off (usually 20%), when paid in full by Sat 31 Oct 2026. To make a group booking, please contact the Box Office. Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Age guideline 11+

AD TT CAP See Access Diary on page 59 for information

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Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith. Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization. By arrangement with Music Theatre International.

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FAMILY

Sat 26 Sep 11am & 2pm

The Mushroom Show By Scratchworks Theatre Company

Meet Augustine Fogwoode and her mushroom friend Goldie who are on a fun-filled fungi adventure. Discover mushrooms’ amazing powers through interactive games, music and laughter. An award-winning family show celebrating science, community and creativity, presented as part of the Tiny Ideas Festival.

FAMILY

Age guideline 5+

Sat 3 Oct 11am, 1pm & 3pm

HAY!

Presented by Lyngo Theatre Hay! is the only word in the show but it means so much – the stuffing in Geenie’s scarecrow, the sound she makes when he comes to life and his first word when he sees all the natural wonders of the world. A show filled with puppetry, clowning, song and dance about growing up, embracing diversity and discovering how to live your dreams, spread your wings and fly like the birds. Age guideline 3+

Mon 28 & Tue 29 Sep Evenings 7.30pm & Tue 2.30pm

Chauntecleer & Pertelotte: A Beasty Babel Fable

THEATRE

By Dougie Blaxland

Loosely based on Chaucer’s Nun’s Priest’s Tale, Live Wire Theatre presents Chauntecleer & Pertelotte which tells the absurd story of a jilted hen taking outrageous revenge on a faithless cockerel. Winner of Best New Play at Brighton Festival, this two-actor romp animates 24 humans and animal characters with Chaucerian language and the nonsensical charm of Stanley Unwin and Kenneth Williams, delivering ‘comedic and literary gold’ at breakneck speed. Age guideline 16+ 46

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THEATRE

Wed 30 Sep & Thu 1 Oct 7.30pm

A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy Created by Cian Binchy in collaboration with Shaun Dunne and Leah Moore Presented by Access All Areas Renowned autistic artists Cian Binchy (The Level, ITV) and Anna Constable (EastEnders, Imposter 22) bend the lines of fantasy and reality in a darkly comic universe.

“Utterly fascinating and wildly creative.” The Guardian Age guideline 14+ | CAP

R

Content advisories: Contains loud music, shouting, haze, audience participation, strong language, and discussions of mental health, sex, violence, autism, drugs, alcohol, and clowns.

Fri 2 Oct 7.30pm

Comb

STORYTELLING

By Charlotte Mooney

‘I saw a banshee once... just outside of Galway...’ Comb is a tangled ride into Celtic, Slavic and Siberian mythology and the perils of obsessive research. Featuring sentient puddles, gods, mermaids and a healthy respect for nits, it’s a playful lament for stories and people we have lost. Age guideline 12+

THEATRE

Tue 6 & Wed 7 Oct 7.30pm

Cancer B*tch! By Hannah Ali Khan

Molly has cancer, but she’s like, totally fine. More than fine in fact, because her doctors told her she has a nice cancer no chemo, no hair-loss, no sickness. But several months later, Molly's no closer to knowing if she’s cancer-free. But that’s fine. She’s fine. Everything’s fine - right? Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains detailed discussion of cancer, discussion of medical procedures and hospitals, references to death, and swearing.

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THEATRE

Thu 8 & Fri 9 Oct 7.30pm

ROSALIE

Written and performed by Helena Payne

A new one-woman play inspired by Rosalie Chichester 1865-1949: Environmentalist, Photographer, Explorer, Collector, and unapologetic eccentric. Directed by the award-winning Scott Le Crass, this new offering by Pleasure Dome Theatre sheds light on one of history’s most fascinating individuals. Age guideline 14+

THEATRE

Content advisories: Contains references to sexism and misogyny, classism, mental illness, ableism, animal cruelty and animal death, death and dying.

Mon 11 - Wed 13 Jan 7.30pm

Three Little Windows By Tony Green

Abingdon Drama Club present three new plays dealing with the consequences of fate, and telling the stories of... The Noonday Chimes, where a traumatised author seeks the help of a doctor; Little Birds, where a captured wartime flier hides a terrible secret and Bridgers, where a frightened new mother seeks to fulfil a desperate promise. Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains discussion of suicide, violent death, and post-traumatic stress.

Thu 14 – Sat 16 Jan 7.30pm

An Iliad

THEATRE

By Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare Based on Homer’s The Iliad translated by Robert Fagles Directed by PJ Escobio, Starring Matt Posada An Iliad is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. The ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. The setting is the present moment on an empty stage. The lone figure onstage is a storyteller, possibly Homer, possibly one of the bards who followed. He is fated to tell this story throughout history. Age guideline 14+ Content advisories: Contains themes of war and violence, including vivid descriptions of battle and loss.

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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 60+

Social Thursdays Thu: 17 Sep, 8 Oct, 12 Nov 10.30am to 12pm 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, designed to further explore the themes and stories presented on our Main Stage. Book a place by contacting our Box Office or email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

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Take Part 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. To learn more about the work delivered by KEEN, visit their website: keenoxford.org

For session dates and to book a place, please email: keen@keenoxford.org

Ages 18+

Artist Coffee Mornings Tue: 13 Oct, 16 Feb, 22 Jun 6.30pm to 7.15pm Main Foyer, Oxford Playhouse

A free opportunity for local theatre artists to connect with other creatives in the region over a hot drink and a pastry. Join us to share news about your own projects, identify potential collaborations with other artists, and hear the latest updates and opportunities from the Oxford Playhouse team. To register your free attendance, please email artistdevelopment@oxfordplayhouse.com

50

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Launched earlier this Summer Playhouse Youth Theatre We have recently welcomed 20 young people, aged 12 to 16, into a newly restructured Youth Theatre. Led by Lucy Findlay, our Youth Theatre is a space for making, where participants are treated as artists as they collaborate on an original piece of theatre over the course of the year. There will be several opportunities to see our Youth Theatre perform as they develop their ideas and shape their story, ahead of their final performance in our BT Studio in July. We’ll be recruiting for our next cohort of Youth Theatre artists in summer 2027.

Playhouse Adult Company Applications for our hugely popular Adult Company closed in August, and our 25 selected members, aged 26+, have now begun their new year-long project. Over the autumn, our Adult Company will take part in a series of skills masterclasses, exploring a range of methods for performance and storytelling, before beginning rehearsals in the spring for their end-of-year production on our Main Stage. We’re thrilled to see the ambition of our Adult Company continue to grow under the leadership of Emma Webb, building on the success of their sold-out productions, The Visit (Jul 2026) and The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Jul 2025). Applications for our next Playhouse Adult Company, running from September 2027 to July 2028, will open in summer 2027.

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Our Supporters Oxford Playhouse Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of its core funders:

St John’s College Oxford

Trusts and Foundations The Atlas Fund | The Aurelius Charitable Trust | Backstage Trust | Beard Charitable Foundation | The Beeching Trust | The Bouttell Bequest | Doris Field 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 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

Business Club

Corporate Supporters

Volunteers Over 100 volunteers give up their time for Oxford Playhouse. Thank you!

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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

Donors

Director’s Circle Richard & Felicity Dick Richard Gladstone

Saphié Ashtiany & Prof Paul Davies Louise Armstrong Lady Helen Baker Ed & Anna Bernard B J Birch Lesley Brown Martin Cattermole Keith Crawford Dr Cecile Deer Sara Everett Philippa Farrow Jean Flemming Alan Grafen Heywood & Patrick Hadfield John & Margaret Leighfield Geoffry Lescott Elizabeth Light John May M J Morris Niamh & Cian Power Diana B Renton Sue Staunton Tim & Marion Stevenson Alan & Margaret Trinder Graham Upton & Bebe Speed Dr Louise Upton John West J Willis

Gold Patrons Prof Sir Richard & Lady Elizabeth Brook Dr John Deech & Baroness Deech Alex Duncan Debbie & Stephen Dance Prof Raymond Dwek CBE FRS & Mrs Sandra Dwek David Renton Alison Deer Squillante Joe Pillman & Jackie Watson We are also incredibly grateful to those who have supported us but prefer to remain anonymous. Thank you!

Silver Patrons Prof Sir Clive & Lady Margaret Booth Anthony Budgen Tabitha and David Claydon Gillian Coates Ellie & Tim Darling Matthew Derbyshire Dr Sos Eltis Nick & Shona Fisher Flonoe Roland & Sue Fuggle Prof Michael Goldsmith Tim Kidd Chris Knight Greg Lovett Colin & Annette Mayer John Parrott Christopher Pownall Elizabeth Skerritt Kay Symons & Graham Harding Prof Anne Trefethen Dr Trudy Watt

Registered Company No.2397373 Registered Charity No.900039

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Deepen your relationship with Oxford Playhouse and be a part of something special Silver Patron • Invitation to two Patron events a year

SILVER

Gold Patron

a year

• All the benefits of Silver Patrons, plus...

£600 £50 per month

• Access to The Lucy Group Patrons Room pre-show and interval

• Acknowledgement in our brochure, website, programmes and foyer areas • Behind the scenes updates

• A seat plaque in the auditorium

a year

£150 per month

• The opportunity to book House Seats for sold out performances • All the benefits of a Friends Membership including Priority Booking and discounts

• All the benefits of a Friends Membership including Priority Booking and discounts

Visit oxfordplayhouse.com/patron, call 01865 305315, or email development@oxfordplayhouse.com 54

GOLD

£1,800


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.

G27

G23

CIRCLE FIRST FLOOR

G5

G1

F27

F1

E27

E1

D27

D1

C27

C1

B27

B1

A27

A1

W27

W22

U26

STALLS

View from Row A, Circle

GROUND FLOOR

U23

U6

U18

U1

U7

T27

T1

S27

S1

R26

R1

Q27

Q1

P26

P1

N27

N1

M26

M1

L27

L1

K26

K1

J27

J1

H26

H1

G26

View from Row K, Stalls

G2

F25

F3

E25

E4

D24

D5

C23

C6

B22

B7

A21

A8

View from Row A, Stalls

STAGE oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

55


See More, Spend Less Become a Friend BECOME A FRIEND

Enjoy theatre for less as an Oxford Playhouse Friend. For just £60 a year, you’ll benefit from: • Priority Booking • Up to 50% off the top two price bands during week-long productions • Bonus discounts of 25% on shorter runs • No transaction or exchange fees • 20% off at our bars • Special offers from Oxford Playhouse sponsors and partners • Regular e-newsletters For more information see page 2.

14-25s SCHEME

14-25s Scheme Are you aged 14-25? Join our free 14-25s Scheme and enjoy access to £5 tickets for selected shows. To sign up and find out more, visit our website.

Group Bookings GROUP BOOKINGS

• 10% off tickets for groups 10+ • 20% off tickets for groups 40+ Available Mon – Thu for most week-long shows, subject to availability. Top two price bands only.

School Bookings SCHOOL BOOKINGS

Discounted tickets are available for school and college groups from £15 per ticket, plus one free teacher ticket with every 10 tickets booked. Available Mon – Thu for most week-long shows, subject to availability. For Snow White: Tickets from £15 with every 16th ticket free. Group and School bookings are not bookable online. Email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com or call the Box Office directly on 01865 305305. Payment must be made in one transaction.

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Useful Information Opening Times

Venue Addresses

Book online 24/7: oxfordplayhouse.com

Oxford Playhouse Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW

Box Office (in person and by phones) • Monday - Saturday: 12 noon – 6pm • Sundays & Bank Holidays: Usually closed, on performance days we open one hour before the start time. • Box Office will close 15 minutes after the start of the evening performance.

Burton Taylor Studio Gloucester Street Oxford OX1 2BN

Transaction Fee A non-refundable transaction fee applies per booking (not per ticket): • Main Stage productions: £2.75 • Burton Taylor Studio professional productions and Take Part events/workshops: £1.50 This fee does not apply to Friends, Patrons, 14-25s Scheme, 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. Age Guidelines Age guidance is provided for all performances. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult or young person aged 16 or over. Concessions & Discounts We are committed to making theatre accessible to as many people as possible. Concessions are available for people who are Under-18, Full-Time Students (ID required), Universal Credit recipients, NHS Staff, and Equity/BECTU/Stage Directors UK members. Selected midweek matinees also offer discounts for people aged 65 and over. All discounts are subject to availability and apply to selected performances only. Terms & Conditions For our full terms and conditions of sale, please visit oxfordplayhouse.com/terms-conditions Follow us on Social Media

Stay in Touch

@OxfordPlayhouseTheatre @OxfordPlayhouse Oxford Playhouse @OxfordPlayhouse

Sign up to be the first to hear about new shows, workshops and exciting announcements.

Registered Company No.2397373 | Registered Charity No.900039 | VAT No.282538973

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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 Box Office team on 01865 305305 or email access@oxfordplayhouse.com. General Access Our main entrance is at street level on Beaumont Street and is 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. Unfortunately, the Circle, Lucy Room and Top Room are not currently wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair Spaces Within Stalls, end of rows E and L and centre of row T. 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 Auracast is our newly installed audio system which can help increase the sound level straight to your hearing aid, cochlear implants and headphones/earbuds. Please ask for a device upon arrival to the Box Office, the system will work in any seat in our main house auditorium.

CAP

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 trained signer, who stands at the side of the stage and interprets the show for patrons who use sign language.

AD TT

58

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.

R

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.

DF

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.

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Access Diary Date

Time(s) Venue

Access

Page

A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy

Wed 30 Sep

7.30pm Burton Taylor Studio CAP R

47

Thu 1 Oct

7.30pm Burton Taylor Studio CAP R

47

August Wilson’s Fences

Thu 1 Oct

7.30pm Main Stage

Sat 3 Oct

2.30pm Main Stage

7 CAP AD TT

7

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto Thu 15 Oct

7.30pm Main Stage

Sat 17 Oct

2.30pm Main Stage

AD TT

13

The Gang of Three

Thu 29 Oct

7.30pm Main Stage

CAP

17

Little Robin Red Vest

Wed 2 Dec – Sun 3 Jan All perfs Burton Taylor Studio

R

25

Snow White

13

Fri 4 Dec

10am

Main Stage

Wed 9 Dec

2pm

Main Stage

Thu 10 Dec

6pm

Main Stage

Fri 11 Dec

6pm

Main Stage

R

23 23

23 DF

23 23

Sat 12 Dec

11am

Main Stage

AD TT

Thu 17 Dec

2pm

Main Stage

CAP

23

Sat 2 Jan

2pm

Main Stage

AD TT

23

Sat 2 Jan

6pm

Main Stage

CAP

23

Wed 27 Jan

7.30pm Main Stage

Sat 30 Jan Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Tristan & Yseult

Little Shop of Horrors

33

2.30pm Main Stage

AD TT

33

Sat 27 Feb

7.30pm Main Stage

AD TT

37

Tue 2 Mar

7.30pm Main Stage

CAP

37

Wed 10 Mar

7.30pm Main Stage

CAP

39

Sat 13 Mar

2.30pm Main Stage

AD TT

39

Tue 27 Jul

7.30pm Main Stage

Wed 28 Jul

7.30pm Main Stage

CAP

45

Sat 31 Jul

2.30pm Main Stage

AD TT

45

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Diary Date Day

Production

Venue

Page

September 2026 26 Sat 11am & 2pm 28 Mon 7.30pm 29 Tue 2.30pm & 7.30pm 30 Wed 7.30pm 30 Wed 7.30pm

The Mushroom Show Chauntecleer & Pertelotte: A Beasty Babel Fable Chauntecleer & Pertelotte: A Beasty Babel Fable August Wilson’s Fences A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy

Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio

46 47 47 7 46

October 2026 1 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 1 Thu 7.30pm 2 Fri 7.30pm 2 Fri 7.30pm 3 Sat 11am, 1pm & 3pm 3 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 5 Mon 7.30pm 6 Tue 7.30pm 6 Tue 7.30pm 7 Wed 7.30pm 8 Thu 7.30pm 9 Fri 7.30pm 9 Fri 7.30pm 10 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 13 Tue 7.30pm 14 Wed 7.30pm 15 Thu 7.30pm 16 Fri 7.30pm 17 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 21 Wed 7.30pm 22 Thu 7.30pm 23 Fri 7.30pm 24 Sat 2pm & 7.30pm 25 Sun 7.30pm 27 Tue 7.30pm 28 Wed 7.30pm 29 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 30 Fri 7.30pm 31 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

August Wilson’s Fences A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy August Wilson’s Fences Comb HAY! August Wilson’s Fences Daniel Kitson: Thrum Between The Covers Live! Cancer B*tch! Cancer B*tch! ROSALIE The Marriage of Figaro ROSALIE The Marriage of Figaro Once Upon a Time in Sokoto Once Upon a Time in Sokoto Once Upon a Time in Sokoto Once Upon a Time in Sokoto Once Upon a Time in Sokoto The Seagull The Seagull The Seagull The Seagull Michael Palin: In the Philippines The Gang of Three The Gang of Three The Gang of Three The Gang of Three The Gang of Three

Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

7 46 7 47 46 7 8 9 47 47 48 10 48 10 13 13 13 13 13 15 15 15 15 11 17 17 17 17 17

November 2026 4 Wed 7.30pm 5 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 6 Fri 5pm 6 Fri 7.30pm 7 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 9 Mon 7.30pm 10 Tue 7.30pm 11 Wed 7.30pm 12 Thu 7.30pm 13 Fri 7.30pm

Iphigenia at Aulis Iphigenia at Aulis The Annual Charles Simonyi Lecture: Venki Ramakrishan Iphigenia at Aulis Iphigenia at Aulis Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf Sindhu Vee: Swanky Seann Walsh: This is Torture

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

19 19 11

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

19 19 20 20 20 21 21

60

Time(s)

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Date Day

Time(s)

Production

Venue

Page

20 21 23 24 25 27 28 29

7pm 7pm 11am 10am 11am & 7pm 10am & 2pm 11am & 4pm 11am & 4pm

Snow White Snow White Snow White Snow White Snow White Snow White Snow White Snow White

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22

Snow White Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Snow White Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White

Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage

22 26 24 22 24 22 24 24 22 22 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 24 24 22 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 24 24 22 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 22 24 22

Fri Sat Mon Tue Wed Fri Sat Sun

December 2026 1 Tue 10am & 2pm 2 Wed 10am & 2pm 2 Wed 10am & 2pm 3 Thu 10am & 6pm 3 Thu 10am & 2pm 4 Fri 10am & 7pm 4 Fri 10am, 12pm & 3pm 5 Sat 10am, 12pm & 3pm 5 Sat 11am & 4pm 6 Sun 11am & 4pm 8 Tue 10am 8 Tue 10am & 12pm 9 Wed 10am & 2pm 9 Wed 10am, 12pm & 3pm 10 Thu 10am & 6pm 10 Thu 10am, 12pm & 3pm 11 Fri 10am & 6pm 11 Fri 10am, 12pm & 3pm 12 Sat 10am, 12pm & 3pm 12 Sat 11am & 4pm 13 Sun 11am & 4pm 14 Mon 10am, 12pm & 3pm 15 Tue 10am & 2pm 15 Tue 10am, 12pm & 3pm 16 Wed 10am & 2pm 16 Wed 10am, 12pm & 3pm 17 Thu 10am & 2pm 17 Thu 10am, 12pm & 3pm 19 Sat 10am, 12pm & 3pm 19 Sat 2pm & 6pm 20 Sun 11am & 4pm 21 Mon 10am, 12pm & 3pm 21 Mon 11am & 4pm 22 Tue 10am, 12pm & 3pm 22 Tue 11am & 4pm 23 Wed 10am, 12pm & 3pm 23 Wed 11am & 4pm 24 Thu 10am & 2pm 24 Thu 10am & 12pm 26 Sat 2pm & 6pm

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Diary Date Day

Time(s)

Production

Venue

Page

27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31

10am & 12pm 11am & 4pm 10am, 12pm & 3pm 11am & 4pm 10am, 12pm & 3pm 11am & 4pm 10am, 12pm & 3pm 11am & 4pm 11am & 4pm

Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Snow White

Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage

24 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 22

January 2027 2 Sat 10am, 12pm & 3pm 2 Sat 2pm & 6pm 3 Sun 10am & 12pm 3 Sun 11am & 4pm 8 Fri 7.30pm 9 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 11 Mon 7.30pm 12 Tue 7.30pm 13 Wed 7.30pm 13 Wed 7.30pm 14 Thu 7.30pm 14 Thu 7.30pm 15 Fri 7.30pm 15 Fri 7.30pm 16 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 16 Sat 7.30pm 19 Tue 7.30pm 20 Wed 7.30pm 21 Thu 7.30pm 22 Fri 7.30pm 23 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 26 Tue 7.30pm 27 Wed 7.30pm 28 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 29 Fri 7.30pm 30 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Little Robin Red Vest Snow White Showstopper! The Improvised Musical Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala Three Little Windows Three Little Windows The King’s Speech Three Little Windows The King’s Speech An Iliad The King’s Speech An Iliad The King’s Speech An Iliad Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Tristan & Yseult Tristan & Yseult Tristan & Yseult Tristan & Yseult Tristan & Yseult

Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Burton Taylor Studio Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

24 22 24 22 26 27 48 48 29 48 29 48 29 48 29 48 31 31 31 31 31 33 33 33 33 33

February 2027 3 Wed 7.30pm 4 Thu 7.30pm 5 Fri 7.30pm 6 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 13 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 14 Sun 7.30pm 15 Mon 7.30pm 16 Tue 7.30pm 17 Wed 7.30pm 18 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 19 Fri 7.30pm 20 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

City of Angels City of Angels City of Angels City of Angels Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

35 35 35 35 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

62

Sun Sun Mon Mon Tue Tue Wed Wed Thu

oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305


Date Day

Production

Venue

Page

Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

March 2027 1 Mon 7.30pm 2 Tue 7.30pm 3 Wed 7.30pm 4 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 5 Fri 7.30pm 6 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 8 Mon 7.30pm 9 Tue 7.30pm 10 Wed 7.30pm 11 Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm 12 Fri 7.30pm 13 Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm 18 Thu 7.30pm 20 Sat 7.30pm 25 Thu 7.30pm 27 Sat 7.30pm

Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) The Waste Land: An Evening of T.S. Eliot TWAWSI - The World As We See It RhyS James: Chop Logic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

37 37 37 37 37 37 39 39 39 39 39 39 40 43 41 41

April 2027 7 Wed 8 Thu 13 Tue 17 Sat

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

The Rachel Parris Songbook Jon Culshaw: Me, Myself and Others Sindhu Vee: Swanky Ed Byrne: No Dramas

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

July 2027 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sat 26 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 31 Sat

7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors

Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage Main Stage

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Time(s)

Sun 7.30pm Mon 7.30pm Tue 7.30pm Wed 7.30pm Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm Fri 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sun 7.30pm

21

45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45

For all other productions please visit oxfordplayhouse.com

For a full list of access performances see page 59

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HHHHH

“Mike Tweddle’s visionary production.” WhatsOnStage on Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

HHHHH

“An excellent night of theatre.” Curtain Call Reviews on Breaking the Code

HHHH

“Big on laughs, tunes and individuality.” The Stage on Dick Whittington

HHHH

“One 24-carat scene after another.” The Guardian on Macbeth

“A wonderful venue, perfect size, friendly staff and very good prices.” Audience comment

“Accessible, great acoustics, lovely ushers, comfortable seats, cosy venue.” Audience comment

“Grateful for the many magical experiences.” Audience comment

“It is part of British cultural heritage.” Audience comment

“Every production I have seen at the Playhouse has fulfilled my expectations.” Audience comment

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