Oxford Playhouse announces Autumn season programme
Oxford Playhouse have launched their Autumn 2021 season today, bursting with musical, comedy, dance and theatre talent for everyone to enjoy; kicking off with the smash hit SIX The Musical.
Top entertainment comes from renowned theatre company Told by an Idiot and Theatre Royal Bath productions with Charlie and Stan. Told by an Idiot’s shows celebrate the quirky in all of us, embracing life’s banana-skin moments. Inspired by the real-life double act that nearly was, this show is an hilarious and deeply moving homage to Chaplin and Laurel.
The creators of The Play That Goes Wrong have something a little different with Groan Ups following a gang of unruly 6-year-olds to adulthood. The comedy asks the real questions – do we choose who we become? Is the story of our lives already written? Do we ever really grow up? A new stage comedy of The Good Life from Fiery Angel, starring Rufus Hound, welcomes back Tom and Barbara with their neighbours Margo and Jerry for some uproarious adventures.
The Queens are back in town for the sensation that is SIX The Musical. The six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their stories of 500-year-old romantic heartbreak in 21st century style.
The true story of a northern working-class man who takes part in some of the most momentous events of the 1930s is celebrated in The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff from Northern Stage and The Young ‘Uns.
Exciting dance works feature this season with Rambert2 bringing new global talent together in a programme of technical virtuosity and raw energy, the Alexander Whitley Dance Company’s Anti-Body exploring the human form and the technological drive to transcend it and the world premiere of Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell, a dance theatre event not to be missed.
The family programme for the very young, brings some of the most popular characters in children’s literature and entertainment to Oxford. Inspired by the hit TV phenomenon is Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, while a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book character arrives in an award-winning show Stick Man.
On the digital stage, there are two new productions. Going the Distance, co-produced by Oxford Playhouse with the Lawrence Batley Theatre, The Dukes and The Watermill Theatre, is about a community’s attempt to save its theatre during lockdown. Their attempts to mount a fundraising production, ‘Wizard’ (inspired by but definitely not based on The Wizard of Oz) makes for a brand-new comedy about a little theatre with a huge challenge. An energetic and uplifting exploration of the climate crisis is the focus of Can I Live? Written and performed by Fehinti Balogun and filmed by Complicité, it is a call to arms for anyone curious about what we can do to help.
The panto is back this Christmas as Oxford Playhouse presents Robin Hood. The traditional pantomime with popular songs, topical gags and great choreography brings the magic and sparkle of the festive season to the city as we all cheer the heroes, boo the bad guys and sing-a-long with favourite tunes.
Playing in the Burton Taylor Studio at Christmas is a new show for younger audiences, Home in Time for Christmas. Kaylas’ mum is often away but always sends postcards, but when she discovers she won’t make it back for Christmas, Kayla decides to go and find her. Kayla, and her teddy Snowy, go on an adventure making friends with the animals they meet. Will they find Mum and get back for Christmas?
For more information and to book tickets, please click here.
