Oxford Playhouse - What's On Guide - Summer 2023

What’s On Summer 2023

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Welcome

Welcome to the summer season with Oxford Playhouse, packed full of great drama, outstanding dance, family entertainment, laugh out loud comedy, great student and community drama – we’ve even thrown in an evening of alternative cabaret!

We’re thrilled to be a co-producer for a reimagining of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, in partnership with the brilliant Inspector Sands, China Plate and Royal & Derngate Northampton. Expect passion, humour and pathos in this inventive retelling of Heathcliff and Catherine’s love story.

If you’re looking for a feelgood show, don’t miss the hysterical and tender homage to all fans of ABBA , The Way Old Friends Do. Written by and starring Ian Hallard, and directed by Mark Gatiss, the show also stars Sara Crowe (Private Lives, Four Weddings and a Funeral) and James Bradshaw (Dr Max from Oxford’s very own Endeavour). Poignantly, the show features the talent and voice of the much-missed Paul O’Grady.

You don’t need to get on a plane to travel this summer - join us at The Playhouse for the rip-roaring drama Around The World in 80 Days. A raggle-taggle band of circus performers recreate the madcap adventures of Phileas Fogg on his race around the world. And there’s more great drama in the gripping courtroom thriller The Verdict, starring Jason Merrells, Richard Walsh and Reanne Farley.

The perfect introduction to Dickens comes from the Children’s Touring Partnership production of Unexpected Twist. Inspired by Oliver Twist, two stories are crafted into one by the brilliant Michael Rosen, adapted by Roy Williams. Expect beatboxing, rap, hip hop, catchy songs, and general exuberance!

And there’s plenty for younger audiences too, with our very own Oxford Playhouse production of Mind The Monsters playing in the Burton Taylor studio theatre at the beginning of the school holidays, everyone’s favourite dragon in the shape of Zog, and last but not least the YouTube sensation and Olivier Award nominated Blippi in The Wonderful World Tour. Get ready to shake those wiggles out!

On your next visit you might notice a few changes to our bar and café area. We’ve recently refurbished and opened up The Gladstone Room, to add extra seating on the ground floor. We’ve also relaunched our Friends scheme to make regular theatregoing more affordable. At just £60 a year, there’s never been a better time to join.

We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford Playhouse. In the summer months the auditorium air-conditioning comes into its own, so everyone can keep their cool!

The OP Team

Image: Nick Guttridge

Ballet Black: Pioneers

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is excited to present award-winning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work co-commissioned with The Barbican..

Will Tuckett’s Then Or Now, originally created in 2020, blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we belong?

Mthuthuzeli November makes his third mainstage commission for the Company, Nina: By Whatever Means, a love letter to musician, performer and activist, Nina Simone, that combines ballet, jazz and the blues in a moving and inspiring piece of dance theatre. Inspired by the singer’s activism and artistry, November weaves a skilful picture of Simone’s turbulent and influential life to take us on an emotional and empowering journey.

Founded in 2001, Ballet Black is an award-winning, neo-classical ballet company, dedicated to providing a vital platform for young, aspiring dancers of Black and Asian descent.

7.30pm

Tickets from £10 Age guideline 7+ Caution: Themes of racism and fleeting domestic violence in Nina: By Whatever Means

The Guardian

The Telegraph

FRIENDS

50% off

Post Show Talk Tue £5 tickets for 14 – 25s

Tue & Wed

Tue & Wed

“These are individuals who you want to watch.”

“Ballet Black makes a thoroughly convincing case that this is indeed the future of dance.”

iNews

“The piece feels above all like a call for respect across any and all divides.”

Nick Mohammed

The Very Best & Worst of Mr Swallow

Double Emmy award-nominee and star of Ted Lasso, Nick Mohammed takes his critically acclaimed alter ego Mr. Swallow on his first UK tour with a mix of new, old, very old and previously unusable material. Expect noise, maths, magic and the whole of Les Mis!

Nick Mohammed is one of the UK’s most celebrated comedians, actors and writers. Nick has received feverish critical acclaim for his previous Mr. Swallow shows Dracula!, Houdini and The Vanishing Elephant and has wowed audiences as Mr. Swallow in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4’s Cats Does Countdown, with clips of his performances quickly going viral. He is the writer and star of Sky’s hit series Intelligence with David Schwimmer and has recently featured in a host of TV comedies including Stath Lets Flats, Inside No. 9 and This Time With Alan Partridge.

7.30pm

Tickets £22.50

Age guideline 14+

HHHHH “One of the most incontrovertibly hilarious hours in town.”

The Guardian

HHHHH “Split-your-sides hilarious.”

Evening Standard

The Tiger Lillies From the Circus to the Cemetery

The Grammy nominated Godfathers of alternative cabaret return with a career spanning concert. Expect dark and deviant theatrics as they delve into their back catalogue, presenting their most famous songs alongside new surprises.

This unique, Brechtian street opera trio tour the world playing concerts and theatre shows such as The Tiger Lillies Christmas Carol, The Ancient Mariner and the West End hit Shockheaded Peter.

7.30pm

Tickets £25.50

Age guideline 14+ FRIENDS

50% off £5 tickets for 14 – 25s

The Guardian

The Times

HHHHH “The execution is impeccable throughout. Phenomenal.”

“In an ideal world, The Tiger Lillies would represent Britain in the Eurovision song contest.”

Wuthering Heights

After Emily Brontë

“We don’t in general take to foreigners here... unless they take to us first”

Created by Inspector Sands

Adaptation conceived and developed by Lucinka Eisler and Ben Lewis

Written by Ben Lewis

In an exciting new adaptation by innovative theatre company Inspector Sands, Emily Brontë’s turbulent tale is brought to life in surprising and relevant ways.

Taking the classic novel into sharp contemporary focus Inspector Sands bring their characteristic humour, passion, and pathos to the infamous love story of Heathcliff and Catherine. Haunted by their past, we follow the experience of a dysfunctional family portrait over several generations.

This not to be missed theatrical experience will contain violence, peril, social awkwardness, exhilarating music, high winds, and mud...

Tue – Fri 7.30pm

Thu & Sat Mats 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 14+

Post Show Talk Wed

British Sign Language

Thu 7.30pm

Audio Described Sat

“They are brilliant and reckless, precise and inventive, intelligent and frank.”

New York Theatre Guide on Inspector Sands

“Funny, breathtaking and moving.”

The Scotsman on The Lounge

Broadway Baby on The Lounge

Directed by Lucinka Eisler £5 tickets for 14 – 25s

An Oxford Playhouse, China Plate, Inspector Sands and Royal & Derngate Northampton co-production

“Has the uncanny ability to twist your heartstrings as often as it makes you laugh... wonderfully dark and surreal.”

James Seabright in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery and Park Theatre presents the Birmingham Rep production

The Way Old Friends Do

Written by Ian Hallard

Directed by Mark Gatiss

A new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens. In the late 1980s, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out: one as gay, the other - more shockingly - as an ABBA fan. Thirty years later, they reunite to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. Can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road; one full of platform boots, fake beards, and a distractingly attractive stranger?

Simultaneously tender and laugh-out loud funny, this heartfelt story will appeal to anyone who understands how it feels to be a fan: of ABBA or of anyone.

Written by and starring Ian Hallard (The Boys In The Band), this world premiere is directed by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who, The League of Gentlemen). Cast includes Donna Berlin (Doctors) James Bradshaw (Endeavour), Sara Crowe (Olivier Award winner for Private Lives), Andrew Horton (Jupiter’s Legacy) and Rose Shalloo (Malory Towers).

Featuring the voices of Miriam Margolyes and the much-missed, late Paul O’Grady

Mon – Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 12+

FRIENDS

50% off Mon

Reviews Hub

HHHH “A super trouper of a show.”

WhatsOnStage.com

HHHHH “So much to love, whether you’re an ABBA fan or not... hilariously funny and bang on the Money, Money, Money.”

An Evening and a Little Bit of a Morning with Mark Steel

Award-winning comedian and writer Mark Steel is back with his latest stand-up show. He’s come to terms with the fact he’s a heap of contradictions, trying to stay young whilst being unable to login to any website. He tries to be respectable and mainstream (in this show there’s even a piano and a bit of singing) until he can’t help breaking into a steaming rant. He’s going to try to keep it to a decent length, but it could so easily end up as an evening and part of the next day.

The critically acclaimed Mark Steel’s in Town was voted the sixth best radio comedy ever and Mark is a regular on BBC’s Have I Got News or You, QI and BBC R4’s News Quiz

Dr John Cooper Clarke: I Wanna Be Yours

The ‘People’s Poet’ shot to fame in the 1970s and became one of the most prolific artists of the Punk years.Today he performs as a stand-up solo poet and will do just that with new collection - I Wanna Be Yours JCC goes into fascinating detail about his early life in Manchester leading to punk superstardom, drug addiction, and the title of major poet he enjoys today.

“One of Britain’s outstanding poets.”

Sir Paul McCartney

7.30pm

Tickets from £32.50

8pm

Tickets £23

Age guideline 14+

Age guideline 14+

Caitlin Moran

What About Men?

As her brand new book is published, come and join Caitlin for the start of a new, urgent, but also often amusing conversation, “What about men?” - and bring your husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, nephews, boyfriends and best friends with you. Porn, violence,  Star Wars, fatherhood, sex, banter, Andrew  Tate, Jordan B Peterson’s lobsters, and what’s actually good about masculinity: it will all be discussed. We’re better together.

8pm

Tickets £28

Ticket & Signed Book (hardcover) £40

Age guideline 16+

Part of Oxford Festival of the Arts

Post Show Signing

Susie Dent

The Secret Lives of Words

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day in Susie’s very own ‘word surgery’. Discover the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne and bugbear as well as oddities such as the silent h in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly

Join Susie in her very own ‘word surgery’ as she includes some of her favourite words she’s picked up from the towns she visits.

Richard Osman

7.30pm

Tickets £26.50

Part of Oxford Festival of the Arts

“Wonderfully clever and funny.”

The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton production

Michael Rosen’s

Unexpected Twist

An Oliver Twisted Tale

By Roy Williams

Music by Yaya Bey and Conrad Murray

Directed by James Dacre

Designed by Frankie Bradshaw

A re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. Combining two stories in one; Rosen’s story and the Dickens classic that inspired it. Two stories that twist together, unexpectedly!

Shona and her class are studying the book, Oliver Twist. She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met.

This thrilling production is brought to life by The Children’s Theatre Partnership, whose shows have included Animal Farm and Holes. It’s directed by James Dacre, adapted for the stage by BAFTA award-winning Roy Williams with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray

Tue, Thu & Fri 7pm

Wed & Thu 2pm Sat 11am

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 8+

HHHH

WhatsOnStage

HHHH “Edgy and engaging.”

The Stage

FRIENDS

50% off Tue

£5 tickets for 14 – 25s

The Guardian

“Musical mash-up of Dickens and beatbox is the perfect combo.”

“Oliver is given a modern twist in this high-energy musical hybrid.”

The Great Gatsby

Adapted from the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald

‘I hope she’ll be a fool – that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’

Accompanied by a riotous live jazz band, this new, subversive adaptation of The Great Gatsby retells the Jazz-Age classic from a feminist perspective. Nick, a young and ambitious stockbroker, is befriended by the illusive millionaire, Jay Gatsby. At first enamoured with the lavish lifestyle of the nouveau-riche, Nick soon begins to see through the cracks in Gatsby’s façade, where deception and tragedy lie in wait.

Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York in the roaring twenties, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby tells a heart-breaking tale of social divides, excess and unfulfilled love that treads the line of dark obsession.

Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm

Fri 8pm

Thu & Sat 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 14+

FRIENDS

University of Oxford Student Company: Scar Theatre

The Hobbit

Based on the book The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Licensed by Middle-earth Enterprises

A new adaptation for stage by Alex Thomas and John Mann

London, 1940. At the height of the Blitz a boy and his grandfather take refuge in a small air raid shelter. And in this hole in the ground begins a story. A tale of one small person’s courage and perseverance as he embarks upon an unexpected journey which brings him face to face with unimaginable dangers: man-eating trolls, giant spiders, warlike goblins and the terrible dragon, Smaug.

But it is also a tale of comradeship, adventure and heroism. As the old man’s story unfolds, the world of rubble and bombed-out houses becomes the magical land of Middle Earth, as seen through the eyes of Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit. Dragged from his comfortable existence by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo accompanies Thorin Oakenshield and his company of dwarves as they journey to reclaim their treasure and their homeland.

Thu – Sat 7pm Sat 2.30pm

Tickets

Adults £16, Children £11

Age guideline 7+

The Verdict

Directed and designed by Michael Lunney

Starring Jason Merrells, Richard Walsh and Reanne Farley

The powerful bestselling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi Academy Award-nominated film starring Paul Newman.

Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic. He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win. Up against the unforgiving medical establishment, he courageously refuses an out of court settlement, believing it is negligence that has condemned a young mother. Smelling a cover up, he instead takes the case and the entire legal system to court...

Jason Merrells is known to millions for his roles in Agatha Raisin, Emmerdale, Casualty, Waterloo Road, Happy Valley and many more. He is joined by Richard Walsh (London’s Burning), Reanne Farley (River City), Vincent Pirillo, Nigel Barber, Okon Jones, Michael Lunney, Sarah Shelton, Jason Wilson, Teresa Jennings, Holly Jackson Walters, James Morley, Bruce Chattan, Anna Arthur and Dave Speck.

This phenomenal and gripping courtroom thriller has enjoyed standing ovations at theatres across the UK and Ireland.

Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 12+

Captioned CAP Wed

British Theatre Guide

“A brilliant production of a first-rate story... it cracks along with a few twists along the way.”

“This is a brilliantly staged, tautly written, and exceptionally acted ‘David and Goliath’ story that will have you gripped.”

Zog © 2010 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

Zog

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet... a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great!

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors and Stick Man) is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before! With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

Tue & Fri 4.30pm Wed, Thu & Fri 10am & 1.30pm Sat & Sun 10am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Tickets

Adults £17.50, Children £15.50

Age guideline 3+

Babies in arms under 24 months are free but need a free baby ticket (not available to book online).

HHHHH “A bright colourful musical to capture the magic of theatre.”

What’s Good to Do

HHHH “Zog and its five-strong cast are a delight. A roaring success!”

Reviewsphere

HHHH “A rip-roaring, song-filled fun-fest. My three-year-old sat utterly rapt through the entire performance”

South Wales Echo

Freckle Productions in association with Rose Theatre

Tilted Wig presents York Theatre Royal’s production

Around the World in 80 Days

By Jules Verne

Adapted and directed by Juliet Forster

Based on the novel by Jules Verne and adapted and directed by Juliet Forster, this brand-new, fun and colourful comedy drama tells the story of Around The World In Eighty Days as you've never seen it before.

A band of travelling performers embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world.

But this is a telling of two tales; fact meets fiction as we learn the incredible true story of American journalist Nellie Bly who emulated the character of Phileas in her record-breaking trip.

Watch the drama and hilarity unfold, as two tales intertwine in a riotous romp around the globe.

Tue, Thu – Sat 7.30pm Wed 5pm Thu & Sat 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 5 – 105!

British Sign Language

Wed £5 tickets for 14 – 25s

FRIENDS 25% off Tue & Sat Mat

HHHH “Best family theatre... captivates young and old.”

The Stage

HHHH “Fans of mischief-making, calamitous comedies will love it.”

Charles Hutch Press

HHHHH “Fabulous... a must-see show!”

Fairy Powered Productions

Mind the Monsters

Written by Ben Watson

Directed by Al Miller

A land that isn't so far away

Where the weather changes everyday

Meet Joy and Hope. Together they are Planet Brain's weather-watching mind-mappers. Join them and their friends The Overthinking Octopus, Perfect Pixie, The Aware-Wolf and others on an interactive adventure around the brain. Complete your monster training and help them ward off worries from the Head Goblin.

Make the mind monsters more mindful and Planet Brain full of happy thought clouds. Give your brain box a boost at the Burton Taylor Studio with this fun-filled fifty-minute fairy tale! So let's get those heads feeling happy and keep Planet Brain healthy.

Wed, Sat & Sun 10am, 1pm & 3.30pm

Tickets

Adults £12, Children £10

All performances are Relaxed R

Age guideline 3+

Reviews for Ben Watson's previous BT show

The History Of Everything

HHHHH “Hilarious Evening with Historical Twist.”

Remote Goat

HHHH “One to watch out for.”

Broadway Baby

HHHH “This superb performance is worth 60 mins of anyone’s day.”

Fringe Guru

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour

Blippi is coming to Oxford Playhouse for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour!

So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party.

Daytime performances

10am & 1pm

See website for full schedule.

Tickets from £17.50

Age guideline 2 – 7

Babies in arms under 24 months are free but need a free baby ticket (not available to book online).

Please email boxoffice@ oxfordplayhouse.com to book your lap ticket.

Children 24 months+ require a paid ticket.

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour Photo Experience

Meet Blippi in one of his very own MACHINES! After the performance, you and your family have the opportunity to take your photo with Blippi and one of his favourite machines.

The Photo Experience will start shortly after the end of the show. Please make sure to bring your camera, as you will want to capture every moment!

Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian. Every person over 18 months and adult requires their own ticket.

Tickets £12.50 per person

Please note, that photo experience tickets are not included in your performance ticket and need to be booked in addition.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

RUSH – A Joyous Jamaican Journey

In the 75th Anniversary Year of the arrival of the Empire Windrush join us for this incredible narrated musical as we tell the story of the Windrush Generation and Reggae and hear how this music took the world by storm.

Featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band. Get ready to enjoy the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Millie Small and many more.

If you missed the sell-out show in Summer 2022, grab your tickets now!

Fri 8pm, Sat 7.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 11+

British Sign Language

Sat

“This is a fantastic show, informative, hugely entertaining and the musicWOW! The two vocalists were outstanding and gave me chills with their amazing voices.”

Audience Member

“This is unmissable”

MEMBERS

Friend 50% £5 tickets for 14 – 25s

Stage Talk Magazine

Bridget Christie:

Who Am I?

Bridget Christie is hot, but not in a good way. The 51 year old critically-acclaimed stand-up leaks blood, sweats, and thinks that Chris Rock is the same person as The Rock.

The Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian and star of Taskmaster cannot ride the motorbike she bought to combat her mid-life crisis because of early osteoarthritis in her hips and RSI in her wrist; wonders why there are so many films, made by men, about young women discovering their sexuality, but none about middle-aged women forgetting theirs.

It’s a menopause laugh-a-minute with a confused, furious, sweaty lady who is annoyed by everything.

8pm

Tickets £23

Age guideline 14+

The Guardian

Little Wander in association with PBJ Management

HHHH “Making us laugh in surprising ways... a mini masterpiece.”

Bill Kenwright presents

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers

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 Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True

Tue – Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm

Tickets from £10

Age guideline 12+

This production contains haze, firearms, loud noises including gunshots, depictions of mental illness and drug used.

“Exhilarating...

One of the best musicals ever written.”

Sunday Times

“A triumphant evening... Unmissable and unbeatable.”

The Spectator

“Brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval.”

Daily Mail

FRIENDS

25% off Tue

Sat

Fri

Burton Taylor Studio

Thu 15 Jun

Fri 16 Jun

Shallow Resting Place

A tender, queer short play exploring the addictive nature of nostalgia, the consequences of romanticising the people we love and what it means to rediscover home.

Charlie and Sophia, seek shelter from the rain – with no phone signal and not a bus in sight, they’re forced to move beyond the small talk.

7pm

Tickets £10

Age guideline 16+

Part of Offbeat Festival 2023

A Caravan Named Desire

Discreet, professional, clean and tested. For a good time, come to the caravan. Your desire for hire.

Working from a caravan has its ups and downs. Clients come and go. Ask them no questions and they’ll tell you no lies, just take the money at the door. But something’s different about this new client.

HHHH

“This is a brilliant show.” “Truly heart-breaking.”

Everything Theatre

8pm

Tickets £10

Age guideline 14+

Part of Offbeat Festival 2023

Sat 17 Jun

This House Believes

In this new multi-genre musical, a young man from Tottenham finds himself amongst the aspirational political set of privileged students at Oxford University and becomes embroiled in scandal and betrayal –with fatal consequences.

6pm

Tickets £10

Age guideline 15+

Part of Offbeat Festival 2023

Take My Word present

Split Infinitive present

Dawn Productions present

Thu 22 – Sat 24 Jun

Fri 29 Sep Sat 30 Sep

Torch Theatre Productions

Oxford present an amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books

Queers

Queers celebrates a century of evolving social attitudes and political milestones in British gay history, as seen through the eyes of different individuals.

Curated by Mark Gatiss, this selection of thoughtprovoking monologues is being presented to mark 20 years of Oxford Pride as well as the 10 th anniversary of the 2013 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act.

See website for full schedule.

Tickets £12.50

Age guideline 16+ Contains strong language and adult themes.

Hauntings

Directed by Gareth Armstrong Music by Simon Slater

Hauntings is an evening of three tales of the supernatural from two of the world’s greatest writers of ghost stories, E.F. Benson and M.R. James.

The award-winning actor Gerard Logan will transport you to a dark, sinister world of the unexplainable.

HHHHH

“Logan is astounding... He takes a strong script and flies it to the stars.”

Edinburgh Festival 2016 Review

7pm & 9.30pm

Tickets £12.50

Age guideline 14+

Jack and the Beans Talk

Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eatImagine his surprise when he swaps his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky...

Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction.

11am, 2pm & 4pm

Tickets

Adults £10.50

Children £8.50

Age guideline 3 to 8

Part of Tiny Ideas Festival 2023

Garlic Theatre present

Take Part

Ages 5 and under Ages 11 to 15

Hey Diddle Diddle

Monday morning musical fun, to start your week with a dance and a song!

Kickstart your little one’s excitement for creativity and imaginative play with our Hey Diddle Diddle sing-along sessionsan introduction to music, dance, and performance skills. for early years children. With a new theme each week, you and your child are invited to play, laugh and learn in these fun, interactive sessions.

Mondays: 24 Apr – 10 Jul

(No sessions Mon 1, 8 & 29 May Bank Holidays) 11am to 11.30am

Ages 5 and under

Top Room, Oxford Playhouse

Buggy/pushchair space available in Foyer £7 per session (1 adult & 1 child)

Auditions for Panto Young Company

Would you like to be part of the magic of pantomime?

Young people from across Oxfordshire are invited to audition to perform alongside our professional cast in this year’s Oxford Playhouse Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk

If you’re passionate about acting, singing, and dancing, and would like to be on stage this Christmas, then why not take part in one of our group auditions, run by members of our pantomime Creative Team? Audition places are limited so make sure you book early! If selected, you will need to be available for rehearsals and performances from Mon 2 Oct 2023 through to Sun 7 Jan 2024 and be aged 11 to 15.

Sat 3 Jun

Daytime – a time slot will be allocated to you when you book

Ages 11 to 15

Top Room, Oxford Playhouse FREE (but booking essential)

Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and BT Studio are only accessible by stairs

Ages 11+

KEEN Drama Workshops

Our free inclusive drama workshops return for the Summer term at KEEN, St Clement’s Centre, Oxford.

These weekly drop-in sessions, led by OP’s Beth Sedgwick, provide a supportive opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to have fun and be expressive through performance. This term our participants will create bold characters and explore imaginary worlds, in preparation for an exciting performance to friends and family. Sessions are accessible to disabled and non-disabled participants to ensure everyone can comfortably get involved.

Mondays 6.30pm – 7.15pm

Ages 11+

KEEN Oxford (St Clement’s Centre, OX4 1GG)

FREE

Please book a place, email keen@keenoxford.org www.keenoxford.org

Ages 12 to 16

Playhouse Youth Theatre

Youth Theatre is a platform for young people to develop their passion for performance, learn new skills and build confidence and friendships in a supportive setting.

Youth Theatre members will spend this summer term building voice, expression and movement skills as well as rehearsing a scripted performance which will be presented in our Burton Taylor Studio theatre to a public audience in July.

If you would like more info before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Tuesdays: 18 Apr - 11 Jul

(No session Tue 30 May) 5pm – 7pm

Ages 12 to 16

Top Room, Oxford Playhouse

£75

Take Part

Ages 17 to 25

Playhouse Young Company

For the Summer term, our Young Company will work collaboratively to devise and perform an original piece of theatre, to be shared in our Burton Taylor Studio. This is a chance to widen your vocabulary of skills in voice, movement and expression, as well as explore techniques and devices for building bold and daring characters. Company members will work together in each session to shape and nurture their own individual creativity.

If you would like more information before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Wednesdays: 19 Apr – 12 Jul

(No session Wed 31 May)

5pm – 7.30pm

Ages 17 to 25

Top Room, Oxford Playhouse

Fee £75

Ages 26+

Playhouse Adult Company

If you have a passion for performance and are keen to work with a friendly group of all ages, then this company is for you!

During the Summer term, the Adult Company will build a foundation of key performance skills in voice, movement and expression whilst devising their own performance to be shared to a public audience in our Burton Taylor Studio.

If you would like more information before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Thursdays: 20 Apr – Thu 13 Jul

(No session Thu 1 Jun) 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Ages 26+

Top Room, Oxford Playhouse

Fee £75

Ages 7 to 11

Ages 12 to 16

Ages 50+

Play In A Week

Jack & The Beanstalk

Spend the week with us being creative, playing games and making new friends. You will be exploring the magic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, breaking down the story and rebuilding it in your own way, ready to present to parents and families in the BT Studio at the end of the week. Sessions will involve working together through exercises and activities, where everyone’s ideas are shared and celebrated.

If you would like more information before signing up, please email: participation@ oxfordplayhouse.com

Mon 7 Aug – Fri 11 Aug 10am – 1pm

Ages 7 to 11

BT Studio

£150

Comedy & Clowning

A fun-filled week where mistakes are an absolute must, Mark Curtis will be your guide through improvisation, gameplay and slap-stick skills as you discover your silly self.

Be prepared to work hard, play hard and laugh hard, discover new things about yourself and make new friends. There will be an informal sharing at the end of the week for family and friends. If you would like more information before signing up, please email: participation@ oxfordplayhouse.com

Mon 14 Aug – Fri 18 Aug 10am – 3pm

Ages 12 to 16

BT Studio

£150

Social Thursdays

A welcoming, supportive space for people later-in-life to come together, have a go at creative activities and build new friendships. A varied curated programme of activities, including talks, dance, singing, play-reading and much more designed for you to take part at your own pace. For more information email community@ oxfordplayhouse.com

Refreshments available during the session.

Thursdays: 8, 18 May, 8, 22 June 10.30am – 12noon

Ages 50+

Main Foyer, Oxford Playhouse FREE (Booking essential). For more information and to book, please email community@ oxfordplayhouse.com

Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and BT Studio are only accessible by stairs

Supporters

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

St John’s College Oxford

Supported by The Visitor Economy Renaissance Programme grant funding, secured by OxLEP Business

Platinum Supporter

Trusts & Foundations

The Atlas Fund

The Backstage Trust

Doris Field Charitable Trust

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Dr T M N Salvesen’s Charitable Trust

The Emmanuel Kaye Foundation

The Garrick Charitable Trust

The Hugh Fraser Foundation

The Lord Farringdon Charitable Trust

Mactaggart Third Fund

Mr & Mrs J A Pye’s Charitable Settlement

The Schuster Charitable Trust

Souldern Trust

Still Point Fund

Theatres Trust

The Thompson Family Charitable Trust Anonymous (but greatly appreciated)

Building and Technical Supporters

Gold Supporters

Business Club Members

Creative Learning and Production Supporter

Volunteers

Over 100 volunteers give up their time to help out at Oxford Playhouse. Thank you!

Thank You

By coming to the Playhouse, you help to keep theatre thriving – thank you. As a charity we also rely on the generosity of friends, members and donors to put productions on 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 future. For further information, contact development@oxfordplayhouse.com

Friends of Oxford Playhouse

Applause Friends

Rev Charlotte & William

Bannister-Parker

David & Marie-Jane Barnett

Danby & Sandy Bloch

Prof Sir Clive & Lady Margaret Booth

John Peter H Bradley

Brian Buchan

Antony W Budgen

Matthew Derbyshire

Alex Duncan

Marion Frostick

Simon & Alison Jeffreys

Greg Lovett

Keith McCullagh

Elizabeth Paris

Sue Staunton

Timothy & Marion Stevenson

Jens Tholstrup

Dr Trudy Watt

Ovation Friends

Prof Sir Richard and Lady Elizabeth Brook

Debbie Dance

Dr Sos Eltis

Richard Gladstone

John & Margaret Leighfield

Prof Colin & Annette Mayer

John Parrott

Will Schreiber

Anonymous

Standing Ovation

Edward & Anna Bernard

David & Sue Jackson

Anonymous

Donors £250+

00Productions

Louise Armstrong

Lady Helen Baker

Sir Christopher and Lady Wendy Ball

Pauline F Beighton

Edward & Anna Bernard

B J Birch

Valerie Boasten

John Peter H Bradley

Lesley Brown

Antony W Budgen

Prof John Carey

Martin Cattermole

Mark Charter

Dr Mark Crane

Karen David

David Dunne

Prof Raymond and Sandra Dwek CBE

Kathleen Emmens

Miss Patricia Freestone

Cllr. Dr James Fry

Alan Grafen

Kevin Green

Brian Griffiths

Guy Grimsley

Dr Sophie Hague

James Hammond

Nigel Harper

Alan Hodgetts

Simon Inch

Dr Jane Jackson

Sarah Jones

Sue Ledwith

Geoffrey Lescott

Kathryn Lewin

Peter Mackridge

John May

M J Morris

Elizabeth Paris

Brian W Plater

Diana B Renton

Steve Rumford

Prof John Simons

Sue Staunton

Michael Tappin

Jens Tholstrup

Dr Louise Upton

J Willis

St Aloysius First School

Donors £1,000+

Diana Acland

Saphié Ashtiany & Prof Paul Davies

Rev Charlotte & William Bannister-Parker

Prof Sir Clive & Lady Margaret Booth

Prof Sir Richard & Lady Elizabeth Brook

His Hon John Quentin and Her Hon Ann Campbell

Keith Crawford

Dr Cecile Deer

We are also incredibly grateful to those who prefer to remain anonymous and anyone who has supported us during the past year, but who we are unable to list here. Your help and solidarity has made an enormous difference during these most challenging of times. Thank you.

James Del Favero

Richard and Felicity Dick

Alex Duncan

Liesl Elder

Dr Sos Eltis

Richard Gladstone

David and Sue Jackson

Paul James

John & Margaret Leighfield

Jack Macpherson

Greg Lovett

John Parrott

Dr Michael Peagram

Timothy & Marion Stevenson

Alison Townsend

Alan Trinder

Joyce Wales

Edward Whinney

Dr Trudy Watt

Corporate Donations

Carter Jonas

Designers Guild

Lucy Group

Nicholsons

Tickets and Discounts

Oxford Playhouse strives to be a Playhouse for Everyone. For all week-long professional productions, we have an allocation of tickets available for just £10 each, to make theatregoing affordable. Please be sure to book early!

Across our performances, ticket prices may vary according to demand. Flexible pricing allows the theatre to be sustainable, to ensure we can continue bringing the best work to our stages. Please book early or to guarantee access to the best seats at the best prices (and a priority booking period), why not join as a Friend of Oxford Playhouse for just £60 a year. Friends and Patrons are also exempt from paying admin fees when exchanging tickets.

Please note, all tickets are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchange for another performance of the same production up to 48 hours ahead of the start time and subject to availability. A £2 admin fee applies per ticket (up to a max £10).

Discount Group Ticket Price Conditions

Friends

Up to 50% off opening night or Available on up to two tickets, on either the opening night Saturday matinees for week-long or the Saturday matinee, for almost every production, for all shows. Bonusdiscounts of 25% Friends & Patrons. Friends membership is priced at £60 a year, or 50% on most shorter runs. with Patrons levels starting at £500. For more information, (excludes £10 tickets) visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com/membership

Patrons £5 tickets available in advance You must be aged 14 to 25 and a member of OPTin! for selected shows, subject Membership costs £5. Join at the Box Office or visit to availability. www.oxfordplayhouse.com/membership

In Advance £4 off each ticket.

Available for most shows on full priced tickets of more than £10 for people 18 and under, Full Time University/College Students (must provide ID on collection), those inreceipt of Universal Credit, NHS Staff and Equity, BECTU and Stage Directors UK members. No further discounts available. £11.50 tickets for students and under 18s are available for student shows, and must be booked by the Sunday before the show starts.

Access Users £11.50 or £15 per ticket. Available for most shows for Access facility users, wheelchair users and one companion.

Schools & Colleges £11.50 or £15 per ticket

An allocation of tickets is available Monday to Thursday plus one free teacher seat for most shows. School tickets for Jack and The Beanstalk for every 10 seats booked. are from £13.

Group Rate 10% off for groups of 10 or more

For all groups of 10 or more. Not available online, email and 20% for groups of 40 or more. boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for group bookings. (Available Mon to Thu & Sat Payment must be made as one transaction. Matinee performances only).

Over 60s Matinee £4 off the full price.

£5 Tickets £5 tickets available in advance

Limited number available to anyone aged 60+ for most Thursday and Saturday matinee performances. Must be booked before the week of the show. Max 4 tickets per booking.

You must be aged 14 to 25 and a member. for selected shows, subject Membership cost £5. Join at the Box Office or visit to availability. www.oxfordplayhouse.com/membership

Booking Information

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 AA to C are sometimes removed for staging and are therefore not always available – please check with the Box Office when booking.

CIRCLE

View from Row A, Circle

View from Row K, Stalls

View from Row A, Stalls

Access Facilities

We want to make your visit to Oxford Playhouse as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We offer a range of access facilities. To find out more information about the accessibility of our venue please visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com/access, call the friendly Box Office team on 01865 305305 or email access@oxfordplayhouse.com

Our range of Access facilities includes:

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, with low level counters. There is also an Accessible toilet on ground level.

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. Our BT Studio is only accessible via two flights of stairs. If you require a stair climber, please let the Box Office know when booking.

What’s On Guides are available as audio recordings and Large-print copies on request. Please email access@oxfordplayhouse.com

Sennheiser infrared headset system can help to boost the sound level straight to your hearing aid and 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.

RUSH

Cover image: Around The World in 80 Days by Anthony Robling