From operas, comedy shows, films, dramas and even pantomimes - there's always something great going on in Oxfordshire
What’s coming up in the Oxfordshire performing arts scene?
August Update
With 5 cinemas and up to 50 theatres, there is always something great going on here in Oxfordshire, from operas and comedy shows to local film screenings, theatrical performances and even pantomimes. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, now is the time to immerse yourself in the local performing arts scene, and with plenty of world class venues throughout the county you are sure to be entertained.
You may already be familiar with the two main theatres, The Oxford Playhouse and The New Theatre, however there are many smaller venues which offer jampacked programmes, including The Old Fire Station, the Creation Theatre and The North Wall Arts Centre. As you can imagine, the performance calendar is full of events which showcase the culture and creativity of the county, and in this guide, we bring you our pick of the best.
Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE! The Queens are back by popular demand
Tue 24 Aug – Sun 5 Sep
Blood Brothers Live
Tue 31 Aug - Sat 4 Sep 2021
This theatre is a centre for creativity, designed to encourage everyone to connect to the world through stories, art, and visual displays. With local groups, nationally acclaimed theatre companies, musicians and stand-up comedians all performing at The Old Fire Station, this has proved to be a very popular space.
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Boris the Musical 3: The Johnson Supremacy
8th - 9th SeptemberThe next instalment of this comedy from the Blowfish Theatre follows Boris as prime minister in a thrilling example of perfect satire.
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Learning to Fly
17th SeptemberThis captivating mix of comedy, music and theatre tells the story of James and his elderly neighbour as they strike up a remarkable friendship.
As one of the leading contemporary art spaces in the UK, Modern Art Oxford has an excellent reputation for its bold event programme which promotes diversity and inclusion. With a focus on visual and contemporary arts, the space has been used as an exhibition and performance space for some of the most influential figures including Yoko Ono, Mike Nelson, and Kiki Smith.
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City as Studio
7th AugustThe young creatives at Modern Art Oxford will take over the space with a series of short films inspired by life in the city of Oxford. Embrace the chance to explore filmmaking, performance, photography, and sound. 7th August
The UNESCO World Heritage site in Woodstock hosts a variety of events, from festivals and shows through to outdoor plays and films. Whether you are looking to explore Britain’s favourite palace, the gardens or even the various filming locations, you are sure to find plenty to do when you attend an event here.
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The Luna Open-Air Cinema
12th -15th AugustAn unforgettable big-screen experience in the gardens of the palace
The team at Creation Theatre bring to life classic stories and tales in the most extraordinary spaces, including everywhere from industrial estates to Oxford’s iconic covered market. Expect the unexpected and enjoy fun, quirky and fast-paced versions of your favourite classics from Oxford’s Creation Theatre.
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Bicycle Boy
4th - 8th AugustThis pedal powered family musical explores themes of sustainability, as the hero of the story races against the clock to find the hidden present.
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School of Creativity Summer Holiday Workshops
9th August – 3rd SeptemberThe ideal activity for the summer holidays, these week long workshops will see those aged 6-16 bring classic texts to the stage.
With 8 acres of stunning landscaped gardens, a gallery, garden shop, museum and café, Waterperry Gardens is a great place to visit. The gardens are just a stones throw from Oxford and a variety of events are held throughout the year, with the Waterperry Opera Festival always popular.
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Waterperry Opera Festival
12th-21st AugustThis ten-day open-air opera festival will host various productions, workshops, and pop-up performances in a Covid-safe outdoor space. 12th-21st August.
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Richard II
10th and 11th SeptemberThe UK tour visits Waterperry with a mesmerising blend of Shakespeare’s text, modern electronic music, and artistic movement.
This is the fourth-oldest working theatre in the UK, and it is situated in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. With a varied programme of comedy, music, drama and interesting talks, there is an event for everyone.
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Little Shop of Horrors
6th October – 9th OctoberThe sci-fi smash hit musical has entertained theatre goers for more than 30 years, and this charming tongue in cheek comedy is brought to you by the Reading Operatic Society.
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Saturday, Sunday, Monday
20th-23rd OctoberA classic comedy by renowned Italian playwright Eduardo De Filippo is performed by the Henley Players. Follow a weekend in the Italian house of Rosa and her husband Peppino, as quarrels, conflicts and passion escalate.
This historic building is home to the Sinodun Players, a society which was previously presided over by Dame Agatha Christie. Today, the building is home to a popular theatre and cinema, with regular events available, including:
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A Daughter’s a Daughter
22nd – 25th SeptemberA stage production from the Sinodun Players of Agatha Christie’s intense family drama set just after WW2.
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Under Milk Wood
20th NovemberAn astonishing solo performance by Guy Masterson celebrating life in the small Welsh seaside town of Llareggub.
This venue is known for offering a host of contemporary performances, comedy nights and family-friendly events. The following are our pick of an action-packed events list from this contemporary theatre.
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NW Inventors
17th-19th AugustDrama & Storytelling children’s workshop - A three-day workshop which explores storytelling and drama skills, with games, fun exercises, and thought-provoking stories.
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Who Cares
28th-29th SeptemberAdapted from real-life stories this performance by award-winning theatre company LUNG explores the social care system and its impact on family life.
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The Great Gatsby
7th October - 9th OctoberAn adaptation of the novel by F. Scott Fitzerald, this witty retelling of Jay Gatsby and his Long Island mansion parties.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
This theatre, arthouse cinema, concert hall and gallery aims to bring a unique array of events to the Chipping Norton community, and for a little theatre it is certainly very popular.
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Mr Stink Open Air Theatre @ Cornbury Park
11th August 2021Hosted by the Chipping Norton theatre team,0 the best-selling Mr Stink book by David Walliams is brought to life in the stunning Cornbury Park.
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Rapunzel
17th November – 9th JanuaryLet your hair down and enjoy a traditional family pantomime from the Chipping Norton Theatre
Oxford Playhouse
Known as the theatre for everyone, with live performances, dance, comedy and drama, the Oxford Playhouse is championing creativity from the heart of oxford.
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Six
24th August – 5th SeptemberThe Tudor wives of Henry III take to the stage and tell their tales of heartbreak in this 21st Century celebration of girl power.
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Groan Ups
13th -18th SeptemberA brand-new comedy about growing up, this performance follows unruly six-years olds on their journeys to adulthood.
Burton Taylor Studio
This intimate theatre space in the city centre is the coolest, smallest space to enjoy comedy, theatre and family shows in the centre of Oxford.
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How to be Amazingly Happy
21st – 22nd SeptemberFollow Victoria on her quest to happiness, as she wanders what to do with her life.
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Kaleidoscope
25th SeptemberInspired by the developing senses of young babies, this performance brings to life the colours of your baby’s world for all ages to enjoy.
For more than 185 years there has been a theatre on George Street, and the New Theatre with its decadent art-deco interior has proved to be popular since it opened in 1934.
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical
23rd-28th AugustThis award-winning musical is back, with fans of the Oscar-winning film sure to enjoy the heart-warming story of three friends on a journey of self-discovery.
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This is Going to Hurt (Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor) 22nd September
Presented by award-winning comedian Adam Kay, this electrifying performance promises stand up comedy and music as he shares entries from this riveting diary.
Whether you live in Oxfordshire or are planning a staycation to the county, we hope this list has provided some great event ideas. As a hub of history and culture, the theatres and venues throughout Oxfordshire are sure to offer something for everyone. To find out more about events in Oxfordshire, please contact our local team.
