Summer 2026
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Welcome
Welcome to summer at Oxford Playhouse.
We’re delighted to bring together a season of world-class artists, much loved classics and bold new voices — all here in the heart of Oxford. Whether you’re seeking great drama, laughter, dance or family adventures, there’s something extraordinary waiting for you.
Summer drama includes a powerful stage adaptation of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, a story of love and survival in a fractured world; alongside spy comedy in a fast-paced new adaptation of Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana. There is playful invention in Perfect Show For Rachel from Zoo Co and Improbable, sparkling wit and elegance in The Marquise by Noël Coward, and music and puppetry in the highly acclaimed version of Shakespeare’s narrative poem Venus & Adonis, continuing our special partnership with Sir Greg Doran.
We are thrilled to welcome back Ballet Black, celebrating their 25th anniversary with a landmark double-bill blending powerful storytelling with striking choreography; and there’s another chance to experience the stunning Songs of the Bulbul from Aakash Odedra — a work of rare beauty and grace.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood from Rifco Theatre Company, with fantastic choreography and original musical score, is the perfect feel-good summer show, as is the riotous The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Families can also enjoy Zog by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the brilliant Horrible Histories and CBeebies’ Nick Cope’s Family Show.
We’ve also got a wonderful line-up of creative opportunities for all ages to Take Part in across the summer months with our Masterclass Series as well as our Young Company auditions for this year’s pantomime.
Comedy lovers are in for a treat with Suzi Ruffell, Ivo Graham, Alfie Moore, and Michelle Wolf. We’re also delighted to welcome back Anton Lesser for an evening celebrating Thomas Hardy through words and music, in A Beautiful Thread.
Looking ahead to autumn, the blockbuster musical Blood Brothers by Willy Russell returns to captivate audiences once more.
We can’t wait to share this summer season with you.
Mike Tweddle Artistic Director & CEO
Marianne Jacques Executive Director
Thomas Hopkins, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright, SAMS Entertainment present the Hope Mill Theatre production
Glorious!
Written by Peter Quilter Directed by Kirk Jameson
Florence Foster Jenkins is about to blow your mind... and possibly your eardrums.
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.
HHHH“Riotously funny revival taps into the gleeful silliness at the heart of Foster Jenkins’ story.” The Stage
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Social Thursdays Thu 10.30am
See page 54
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.
Following their acclaimed Pygmalion last year, Oxford Theatre Guild, Oxford’s leading amateur theatre company, return with a bold and evocative production of Eliot’s thought-provoking and relevant masterpiece.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Oxford Theatre Guild
Suzi Ruffell:
The Juggle
A brand-new tour from confessional multi-award-winning comedian Suzi Ruffell
It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless; a success but not a sell-out. A gentle parent but not a pushover. To be smashing life and make it look easy. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started.
HHHH
“A fabulously funny show from a class act.”
Evening Standard
7.30pm
Tickets £21
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
Mon 27 Apr
Riff Off
The University of Oxford’s top a cappella student groups battle it out in the must-see, must-hear, vocal event of the year.
Riff Off is the perfect opportunity to see students performing hits in genres ranging from pop and rock to bossa nova and jazz.
As The Oxford Commas, Out Of The Blue, The Oxford Belles, The Oxford Gargoyles, The Oxford Alternotives, and In The Pink try to prove, once and for all, who reigns supreme over the city’s student a cappella scene.
7.30pm
Tickets from £15
Student tickets £12
Age guideline 14+
Wed 27 May
Ivo Graham: Orange Crush
What is the best orange thing in the world? Aperol spritz? Sunsets? Claudia Winkleman? You probably never stopped to consider your favourite orange thing, but you’re darn sure thinking about it now. And no one has considered it more than Ivo Graham.
Ivo has always loved orange things. Baked beans. Sriracha mayo. The Tiger Who Came To Tea. But in 2025, a series of emotional days in his favourite colour pushed him to commit harder than ever: colour-coordinating his life for his daughter, his mother, his football team, and, he hopes, your entertainment. Come help this orange lunatic make his orange list, in a show about hats, haters, hometown heroes, and whether Hare Krishnas beat Hobnobs.
7.30pm
Tickets £19.69
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
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 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
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
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 25th 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)
OPINION “A visit from Ballet Black is always a highlight in The Playhouse calendar, and this 25th Anniversary double bill brilliantly reaffirms the company’s bold artistic voice, blending strikingly original choreography with powerful storytelling and electrifying performances. Thoughtful, exhilarating and a compelling celebration of the company’s unique creative vision.” Marianne Jacques, Executive Director
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+
Content warning: Contains 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.
Captioned CAP Thu 7.30pm
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm
Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm
Post Show Talk Wed
Social Thursdays Thu 10.30am
See page 54
Zoo Co Theatre and Improbable
Perfect Show For Rachel
Meet the O’Mahony sisters. Flo is an award-winning theatre director. Rachel is an enigmatic, learning-disabled 35-year-old who loves Kylie and seeing people fall over. So, they decided to create Rachel’s perfect show: fast paced, funny, and different every night.
Created by Zoo Co Theatre, a multi-award-winning company championing access, in collaboration with Improbable. Expect physical comedy, live music, home movies, dancing and a lot of Rachel soaking her sister with a watergun in this critically acclaimed, award-winning show. As Rachel creates the show on her own terms every night, the cast have to be ready for anything - including fart jokes, becoming singing biscuits, bar room brawls and being fired on the spot. This is ‘an absolute joy to watch’ (A Young(ish) Perspective).
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.
“Why can’t more theatre be like this? Open, relaxed, fun and full of love.” The Guardian
OPINION “Fresh, inventive and full of heart, this show stands out for its thoughtful approach and genuine sense of fun. Rachel and her team have crafted an experience that feels both purposeful and delightfully entertaining.” Mike Tweddle, Artistic Director & CEO
Wed – Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language, flashing lights may be used during this performance.
BSL Wed – Sat
Relaxed Performances R
Wed – Sat
Audio Described Thu 7.30pm
Touch Tour TT Thu 6pm
Post Show Talk Thu
Wed 20 – Sat 23 May
University of Oxford student company: Cross Keys Productions
Our House
By Tim Firth
Music and lyrics by Madness
Welcome to the House of Fun.
Packed with the unmistakable wit and vitality of Madness, Our House is a joyful, high-octane musical celebrating love, family and the choices that shape our lives. Set against the the backdrop of 1980s London, it blends sharp storytelling with irresistible music and movement, including a live, dancing band on stage.
On the eve of his 16th birthday, Joe Casey makes a split-second decision that sends his life down two very different paths. What follows is a fast-moving, heart-warming and often hilarious story that asks a simple question: what might have happened if you’d chosen differently?
University of Oxford student company Cross Keys Productions present this Olivier Award-winning musical by Tim Firth, bringing to life the unforgettable songs of Madness. With hits including House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, My Girl, It Must Be Love, Night Boat to Cairo and Our House, this lively, nostalgic show is packed with energy, fun and heart.
Reviews from previous University of Oxford student productions:
“Striking
stage moments.”
The Reviews Hub (Jekyll & Hyde, Mar 2025)
“A thoroughly enjoyable experience throughout.”
A Young(ish) Perspective (Into the Woods, Feb 2025)
Wed - Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Student tickets £12
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Contains discussions of sex, crime, violence, and death; production may contain flashing lights.
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk
This summer, we’re delighted to be bringing Cardboard Adventures’ MakeBeth to Oxfordshire schools.
With live music, puppetry and plenty of hands-on creativity, MakeBeth transforms Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy into a joyful, laugh-out-loud, cardBARD adventure.
Throughout the performance pupils will make the witches, become the moving trees of Birnam Wood, and even help Lady MacBeth with that damned spot!
Using Cardboard Adventures’ trademark sustainable cardboard design, this playful, interactive, craft-along cardboard retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is made especially for audiences aged 7 to 11 by Cardboard Adventures and Shakespeare’s Globe in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse.
For further information about this project, or to express interest in future opportunities for your school, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com
To find out more and to support our work with schools and young people please visit oxfordplayhouse.com/take-part
This innovative project is delivered free to local state primary schools thanks to the support of major funding from St John’s College Oxford, The Lucy Group and the MacFarlane Family Foundation, with additional funding from The Doris Field Charitable Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, the MacTaggart Third Fund, The Pye Charitable Settlement and Richard Gladstone.
Hambletts
A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words & Music
Starring Anton Lesser
In A Beautiful Thread, Oxford Playhouse favourite, Anton Lesser (Endeavour, Wolf Hall, Game of Thrones) tells the story of Thomas Hardy’s life – as dramatic as any of his books –in Hardy’s own words, through his sublime poetry, letters, and great novels, including Far From the Madding Crowd, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure.
Anton Lesser and Lucia Bonbright bring a hugely varied cast to dazzling life: highlighting Hardy’s often overlooked humour, his modernity, the astonishing timespan he lived through, and his global reach, from Wessex to Hollywood. Adapted by Deirdre Shields, his extraordinary writing shines bright as ever. Music of shimmering beauty weaves around the words, from classical to contemporary folk, arranged by David Le Page, performed by Orchestra of the Swan.
7.30pm
Tickets £32
Age guideline 14+
The Theatre Chipping Norton and Selladoor Worldwide present Reduced Shakespeare Company
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield
The worldwide comic phenomenon returns with this updated and reinvented rollercoaster ride through all 37 of the Bard’s plays. Grab your tickets now for a wild and irreverent show that leaves audiences breathless with laughter.
After nine years in London’s West End, two TV specials, and performances in over 20 countries, the Reduced Shakespeare Company are reinventing this classic masterpiece for the next generation of audiences.
“Irreverent, fresh and fun.”
Ox in a Box
“Laugh-a-minute thrills.”
Banbury Guardian
Thu – Sat 7.30pm
Tickets from £15
Group discounts available
Age guideline Suitable for all ages
Rifco Theatre Company and BEAM Hertford
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 young 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 unforgettable characters, Frankie Goes to Bollywood 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.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £15 School &
Theatre Royal Windsor Production
The Marquise
By Noël Coward
Directed by Philip Wilson
Noël Coward’s witty romantic comedy gets a vibrant 1930s twist!
When the widowed Count Raoul tries to marry his daughter to the son of his best friend, he believes he has devised a perfectly sensible plan. But with both young lovers secretly pining for others, their entangled affections soon cause chaos.
Just as their scheme to break free begins, the Countess, Raoul’s former love, the spirited Marquise Eloise de Kestournel, bursts back into their lives. Wielding her wit and charm, she turns their carefully laid plans upside down, reminding everyone that love truly can conquer all.
This is a sparkling and sophisticated tale of old secrets, impulsive passion and eternal youth.
The production features a remarkable ensemble of acclaimed stage and screen talent, led by BAFTA Award winner Juliet Aubrey as the Marquise Eloise de Kestournel, alongside Simon Shepherd as Raoul de Vriaac and Tristan Gemmill as Esteban el Duco Santaguano, who together bring Coward’s world to life with charm, wit and irresistible chemistry.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm
Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 16+
Captioned CAP Wed 7.30pm
Venus & Adonis
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Greg Doran
Puppets designed and created by
Lyndie Wright
Former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and renowned Shakespearean, Greg Doran, revives his celebrated production of Venus & Adonis, Shakespeare’s great narrative poem.
Animated by a team of world-class puppeteers this unique production blends comedy, tragedy and Shakespeare’s incredible poetry to bring the famous story of Venus and her obsession with the handsome Adonis thrillingly to life in a rich, theatrical experience.
Drawing inspiration from the bewitching artistry of Japanese Bunraku puppets and the Jacobean Court Masque, this spellbinding production tells the story using marionettes, rod, shadow and table-top puppets.
This is an exclusive and rare opportunity to witness, close at hand, this powerful erotically-charged story of unrequited love.
HHHH “Shakespeare’s racy verse turned into a terrific puppet show.” Daily Telegraph
“Witty, erotic and ingenious.” The Guardian
OPINION “It’s always a special treat to work with Greg Doran and we’re delighted to welcome him back to Oxford with this extraordinary show ahead of an international tour.”
Katy Snelling, Director of Programming and Creative Partnerships
Wed – Sat 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains mature themes and imagery.
Captioned CAP Sat 2.30pm
Post-Show Talks Thu & Fri
Originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Little Angel Theatre.
Photo by Lucy Barriball 2017 © RSC
Sherlock Holmes and the Napoleon of Crime
A new adaptation by Alex Thomas
Based on the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Magdalen College School returns with this electrifying production of Sherlock Holmes and the Napoleon of Crime, performed by its pupils and featuring original songs, spectacular action, and a healthy dose of mystery.
London, 1883. Polly Langdale, an aspiring journalist, is looking for her first big story. She pursues Dr John Watson and his friend, the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes. Through her investigation, we follow the duo from their first meeting to a thrilling denouement, where Holmes comes face to face with the villainous Professor Moriarty, ‘The Napoleon of Crime’.
Thu – Sat 7pm, Sat 2pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group tickets available
Age guideline 10+
Content warning: Contains mild violence, kidnapping and threat of violence; flashing lights, smoke and loud noises.
MCS Drama
OXOPS
The Rhythm of Life: A Celebration
of Musical Theatre
Travel from Oz to Seville, step onto 42nd Street and raise the barricade in an exhilarating performance with OXOPS (Oxford Operatic Society). The Rhythm of Life is a high-energy staged concert celebrating the best of musical theatre from Gilbert & Sullivan to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein to modern West End and Broadway hits. Featuring music from Wicked, Les Misérables, Chicago and more, the show is packed with iconic songs that have defined musical theatre for decades.
This year OXOPS celebrates eighty years of bringing musical theatre to Oxford. Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre devotee or just looking for a genuinely uplifting experience, join us for a performance packed with music, movement, and moments you’ll be humming long after the curtain falls.
Fri 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets £19.50
Age guideline 10+
Aakash Odedra Company, in association with Manchester Camerata
Songs of the Bulbul
Birdsong is fleeting—like dance, it exists only in the present, vanishing as soon as it is sung.
Another chance to see award-winning UK choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra as he returns to the Main Stage, following a sold-out show last summer. Inspired by an ancient Sufi myth of a captive bulbul (or nightingale), the songbird’s melody becomes a metaphor for the fleeting nature of dance and an artist’s life. Blending Kathak and contemporary movement, the work explores freedom, devotion, and resilience through virtuosic rhythm, moments of stillness, and an intimate dialogue between body, breath, and music.
Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance draws together Sufi Kathak, orchestral and Indian classical traditions, and Islamic poetry.
Tracing a journey from freedom to captivity and the soul’s longing for divine love, Songs of the Bulbul asks whether we, like the caged bird, remain bound to the material world, or soar toward liberation and enlightenment.
“Songs of the Bulbul has the confidence of a performer who has found his place. It is a song of beauty and light and life.”
The Guardian
“A work of exquisite beauty and sadness... the kind of theatrical moment that stays with you forever.”
The Scotsman
7.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Contains flashing lights, loud sounds and sudden noises.
Michelle Wolf:
Best Job in the World
A brand-new stand-up show from the chaotic mind of a mother of two, typing this with one hand while the other holds someone or something.
Michelle delivers a hilarious deconstruction of society, gender roles and testicles — metaphorically, for the love of God. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh and discover the best job in the world. With four acclaimed specials and an Emmy nomination, she’s known for razor-sharp appearances on The Daily Show (Comedy Central), The Break with Michelle Wolf (Netflix), Have I Got News for You, QI and Would I Lie to You?
“Influential, daring and brilliant.”
Rolling Stone
7.30pm
Tickets £34
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
Gigspanner Big Band
The Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music, known for electrifying, virtuosic performances that captivate traditionalists and adventurous listeners alike.
Originally formed as a trio by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the band has expanded to include acclaimed duo Edgelarks, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers. Blending deep roots knowledge with bold innovation, they push folk beyond genre boundaries.
HHHH
“A faultless cavalcade.”
The Guardian
7.30pm
Tickets £34
Age guideline 12+
An Oxford Playhouse Adult Company Production
The Visit
By Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Translated by Maurice Valency Directed by Emma Webb
In the struggling town of Güllen, hope arrives. Claire, once dismissed, now returns; impossibly wealthy and promising prosperity — hospitals restored, schools revived, lives rebuilt. But her generosity carries a chilling condition. With vengeance in her heart, she delivers an ultimatum forcing the town to confront its past. As temptation tightens its grip, morality wavers. Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s The Visit is a searing tale of politics, past loves, and revenge. Salvation has never seemed so sinister.
Performed by The Playhouse Adult Company, our multi-generational ensemble for those aged 26 and over, this performance transforms the Main Stage into an intimate studio space placing the audience at the heart of the action.
Fri 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets £15
Age guideline 14+
Birmingham Stage Company
Horrible Histories
Terrible
Tudors & Awful Egyptians
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!
So, it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
Terrible Tudors
From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience!
Awful Egyptians
From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!
“An explosion of joy and excitement!”
The Times
Terrible Tudors: Wed 10am, Thu 10am, Fri 6.30pm & Sat 2.30pm
Awful Egyptians: Wed 1.30pm, Thu 6.30pm & Sat 6.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 6+
6.30pm
Theatre Royal Windsor Production
Our Man in Havana
By Graham Greene
Adapted for the stage by Clive
Francis
Directed by Philip Wilson
Our Man in Havana, adapted by Clive Francis from Graham Greene’s novel, follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba.
Struggling financially to support his spoiled daughter, Wormold is recruited by MI6 agent Hawthorne to be a spy. Lacking any actual spy skills or intentions, Wormold fabricates an entire network of fictional agents and reports, using his imagination and local bar conversations.
His absurd reports, claiming to depict secret weapons, are taken seriously by MI6, leading to real-world consequences as the Cuban government grows suspicious.
Jack Ashton (Call The Midwife) leads a cast of four actors who play over 30 characters to bring 1950s Havana vividly to life in this wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp!
“Clive Francis’s ingenious stage version... highlights the comedic and absurd aspects of Greene’s story.”
The Scotsman
“Tremendous fun.” The Herald
“Francis’s adaptation fillets the novel into a four-handed fast moving farce.” The Guardian
Tue – Sat 7.30pm
Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Group discounts available
Age guideline 14+
’s classic, feel-good story is brought to roaring,
Zog is the keenest dragon in Madam Dragon’s school. He’s also the most accident-prone, flying into trees, and even setting his own wing alight. Thankfully, a kind girl comes along to patch up his scratches and scrapes - but can she help him with his biggest challenge yet, so that he can finally win a golden star?
This charming smash-hit show features joyful songs by Joe Stilgoe with beautiful puppets by Little Angel. It is a holiday treat for children and adults alike.
Tue 4.30pm, Wed – Fri 10.30am & 1.30pm Sat 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Tickets Adults £23, Children £21
School & Group discounts available
Age guideline 3+
Relaxed Performance R Thu 1.30pm
Zog ©
2010 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.
Nick Cope’s Family Show
Come and join Nick Cope for a brand-new family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more.
Nick has been writing and recording his beautiful, totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years. Performing live with his guitar and stunning animations, he has played to sell-out crowds all over the country.
Over the past few years, his fanatical following of little and not so little fans has grown immeasurably, thanks to the phenomenal success of the CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast
“Charming musical fun for children and parents alike from a musician with real song writing pedigree.” Radio Times
11am
Tickets £21
Age guideline 3+
Michael SpicerHope All’s Well
Michael Spicer, the online sensation who brought you the award-winning viral hit The Room Next Door, brings another hilarious and brilliantly entertaining satirical stage show packed with sketches, short films and stories about why we’re witnessing such a gigantic political and global sh*tshow, featuring characters from his BBC Radio 4 show No Room as well as some old friends too.
“Huge comedy talent . ”
Radio Times
7.30pm
Tickets from £26
Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
Wed
9 Sep
Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show
Following critically acclaimed seasons in London and Edinburgh, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, present an evening of wonderfully unscripted cutting-edge comedy.
Expect a show full of fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laugh out loud surrealism as these two masters of Comedy Improvisation join forces with Mike McShane and a host of very special guests to create cascades of laughter and joyful silliness.
HHHH “Always impressive. ”
British Theatre Guide
7.30pm
Tickets £30
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
Mike Wozniak:
The Bench
Mike Wozniak returns to Oxford with his 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 Junior Taskmaster. As heard on Three Bean Salad podcast.
“A comic of adorably skewwhiff charm.”
The Times
7.30pm
Tickets £26.50
Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Take a step back into the 1940s with the official Glenn Miller Orchestra, for the definitive musical celebration of legendary big band leader, Glenn Miller. The concert features all of Miller’s most iconic hits: from Moonlight Serenade, and American Patrol - through to Tuxedo Junction, Pennsylvania 6-5000, In the Mood... and much more.
Directed by veteran band leader and conductor, Ray McVay, and with a mix of impeccable musicianship, infectious energy, and authentic vintage style, The Glenn Miller Orchestra remains the ultimate way to enjoy this timeless music.
5pm
Tickets £32
Group discounts available Age guideline 7+
Bill Kenwright Ltd
Blood Brothers
By Willy Russell
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End and has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’ as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval”
(The Daily Mail).
The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience of gripping drama and soaring music.
Tue – Sat 7.30pm Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm
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.’
Our associate company Headlong returns to the stage with August Wilson’s landmark play Fences. From one of America’s most influential 20th-century writers comes a story of ambition for our time. Set in the 1950s, this vital new production is directed by the award-winning Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch, West End).
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.
“A powerful piece of theatre.”
The Reviews Hub (A Raisin in the Sun, 2024)
“Urgent, fascinating... a moral thriller.”
WhatsOnStage (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2026)
Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group tickets available
Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Contains themes of death, injury, and implied sexual assault. There is occasional strong and racially explicit language, including use of the n-word.
Captioned CAP Sat 2.30pm
BSL Thu 7.30pm
Audio Described Sat 2.30pm Touch Tour TT Sat 1pm
The Gang of Three
By Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky
Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward
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.
HHHH
“Wholly satisfying.”
The Stage
HHHH
“Inside and old boys club of Labour intrigue.”
The Guardian
“Terrific play, ... If you can grab a ticket, go!”
Financial Times
Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
School & Group tickets available
Age guideline 14+
Fri 20 Nov 2026 –Sun 3 Jan 2027
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.
Join Snow White on her journey through an enchanted forest brimming with magic, mischief and music. Along the way, you’ll encounter unforgettable characters and plenty of surprises.
With dazzling dance numbers, spectacular songs and heaps of hilarious jokes, this is 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 tickets available, please contact our Box Office for moreinformation on discounts.
Age guideline 5+
BSL Fri 4 Dec 10am & Thu 10 Dec 6pm
Dementia Friendly DF Wed 9 Dec 2pm and Touch Tour TT
Sat 12 Dec 11am & Sat 2 Jan 2pm Thu 17 Dec 2pm & Sat 2 Jan 6pm
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.
Tickets £12.50 | £10.50 | Age guideline 12+
Content warning: Contains 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.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, partial nudity.
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.
Tickets £11.50 | £9.50 | Age guideline 3 to 8
Celebrating
Tue 23 Jun 7.30pm
Running Commentary
Written and performed by P Burton
Morgan
After a decade of no exercise (besides child-rearing and reaching for cake) 41-year-old P finds themselves newly single and hungry to get fit. Cue Rocky montage, but with a middle-aged red-faced mum. With witty wordplay and open-hearted tenderness this solo poetry show is a silly, sexy, sweaty romp - don’t forget to stretch first.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains mild references to disordered eating.
THEATRE
Wed 24 Jun 7.30pm
Work in Progress
Riot Act 2
By Alexis Gregory
POETRY
Riot Act 2 is created word for word from playwright and performer Alexis Gregory’s interviews with three LGBTQ+ activists. It follows his acclaimed queer solo piece, Riot Act which toured internationally and was adapted for screen. Catch an early peek at this work in progress staging.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Contains adult themes and strong language.
Fri 26 Jun 6.30pm
Scratch Night
Join us for a night of work in progress plays by queer writers. Discover new work and get to feed into their development.
Tickets £10 | £8 | Age guideline 16+
Content warning: Contains adult themes and strong language.
THEATRE
Mon 20 & Tue 21 Jul
Evenings 7.30pm & Tue 2.30pm
Macbeth
Moonhawk Theatre’s Macbeth dismantles the classic tragedy by tearing apart convention in this politically charged adaptation. Through minimalist design and a harrowing score, we invite you through shadowed corners of desire and ambition. Fierce, urgent, uncomfortably close to now.
Content warning: Contains loud noises and jump scares; haze and smoke; drug use and smoking tobacco imitations; violence (including involving minors); suicide; mental health crisis; explicit sexual content; strobe and flashing lights.
COMEDY
Tickets £12.50 | £10.50 | Age guideline 16+ Fri 24 Jul 7.30pm
Ralph Jones: An Hour
You’ll Never Get Back
Oh hello. You all right? Ralph Jones (written for The News Quiz; HHHHH The New Current) would love you to come and feast at his table of character comedy. It’s absolutely heaving with people who would love to meet you. Pull up a chair. Stick a fork in.
Tickets £12.50 | £10.50 | Age guideline 13+
Content warning: Contains strong language.
Wed 16 & Thu 17 Sep 7.30pm
Saria Callas
A bottle of red in, Saria reminisces about the school bus parties, the wannabe prayer-caller and the secret acts of rebellion at the all-girls’ school. From Seemia Theatre, former OP Evolve Artists Saria Callas is a bold play about aspirations and freedom whilst growing up where it is forbidden for women to sing.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 14+
Content warning: Contains partial nudity; themes of transphobia and queerphobia; themes of misogyny and religious oppression; themes of war and conflict.
Mon 28 & Tue 29 Sep Evenings 7.30pm & Tue 2.30pm
& Pertelotte:
A Beasty Babel Fable
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 human and animal characters with Chaucerian language and the nonsensical charm of Stanley Unwin and Kenneth Williams, delivering “comedic and literary gold” at breakneck speed.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 16+
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
Renowned autistic artists Cian Binchy (The Level, ITV) and Anna Constable (Imposter 22) bend the lines of fantasy and reality in a darkly comic universe, with shark chases, a rap about Devon, and some lovely cardboard cut-outs.
A co-production with the award-winning Access All Areas.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 14+
Content warning: 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
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.
Tickets £14 | £12 | Age guideline 12+
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 12 to 16
Panto Young Company Auditions
Sat 30 May Time slot will be allocated when you book Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
Open to young people aged 11 to 15 with a passion for acting, singing and dancing, join us at our Snow White auditions to be considered for a place in this year’s Panto Young Company
Our chosen Young Company members must be available for rehearsals and performances between October 2026 and January 2027. For more information, visit our website. Places are free to sign up, but early booking is recommended as places are limited.
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.
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 12 to 16 Playhouse
Youth Theatre
Tue: 28 Apr – 14 Jul 5pm to 7.30pm Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
Develop your passion for performance, learn new skills and build confidence in our Youth Theatre.
Our Summer Term project will see participants devise and rehearse their own piece of original theatre, ahead of a public performance in the Burton Taylor Studio at the end of term.
Fee £110 for the term*
Take Part
Secondary School Teachers’ Night
Thu 18 Jun 6.30pm
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 Venus & Adonis For more information and to book a free place, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com
Ages 60+
Social
Thursdays
Thu: 16 Apr, 7 May, 4 Jun 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
Ages 18+
Masterclass Series
Movement & Physical Theatre – Tue 28 Jul
Directing – Wed 29 Jul
Improvisation – Thu 30 Jul
All sessions 10am to 3pm Top Room, Oxford Playhouse
Introductory workshops in professional skills used by creatives across the industry, designed for both beginners and those looking to revisit foundational techniques, and delivered by an exciting industry practitioner.
Join us for one or come and take part in all three.
Fee £50 per session*
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 | 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
Creative Learning and Production Supporter
Oxford Playhouse Sponsors
Business Circle Members
Volunteers
Over 100 volunteers give up their time for Oxford Playhouse. Thank you!
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
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
Debbie Austin
Prof Sir Clive &
Lady Margaret Booth
Anthony Budgen
Tabitha and David Claydon
Gillian Coates
Ellie & Tim Darling
Matthew Derbyshire
Sos Eltis
Nick & Shona Fisher
Flonoe
Roland & Sue Fuggle
Prof Michael Goldsmith
Kay Symons &
Graham Harding
Chris Knight
Greg Lovett
John Parrott
Christopher Pownall
Elizabeth Skerritt
Prof Anne Trefethen
Dr Trudy Watt
Registered Company No.2397373
Registered Charity No.900039
Donors
Saphié Ashtiany & Prof Paul Davies
Louise Armstrong
Sir Jonathan &
Lady Helen Baker
Ed & Anna Bernard
B J Birch
Lesley Brown
Martin Cattermole
Keith Crawford
Dr Cecile Deer
Philippa Farrow
Jean Flemming
Alan Grafen
Heywood & Patrick Hadfield
Chris Jones & Sara Everett
Tim Kidd
Geoffry Lescott
John & Margaret Leighfield
Elizabeth Light
John May
M J Morris
Elizabeth Paris
Niamh & Cian Power
Diana B Renton
Sue Staunton
Lady Jennifer Stringer
Alison Townsend
Micaela Tuckwell
Dr Louise Upton
Edward Whinney
J Willis
• 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
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 Snow White: 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 £2.50 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
May 2026
