Oxford Playhouse has a well-earned reputation as one of Britain's leading theatres. From its foundation in the 1920s to the present day, it has been associated with the launch of many stellar careers and productions; its repertory years saw companies which included such names as John Gielgud, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Ronnie Barker and Dirk Bogarde. Its association with the University of Oxford brought Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to our stage (in a memorable 1960s production of Dr Faustus). Other notable student performers include Rowan Atkinson and Dudley Moore, as well as future talents who were destined to grace a different kind of stage, like politicians Shirley Williams and Nigel Lawson, director John Schlesinger and writers Alan Bennett and Christopher Hampton.

Overcoming the difficulties and changes that have beset theatres across the country in recent years, the past decade has seen The Oxford Playhouse re-emerge as a vibrant presenting theatre, a key date on the national touring circuit, with strong support from its wide audience. We host a rich programme of drama, dance, music, music theatre and children's theatre, and we are taking an increasingly active role in producing, launching and commissioning new work.

We are proud of our association with Siobhan Davies Dance Company, whose award-winning work we have co-commissioned and premiered over the past five years. Recently, The Playhouse has also launched several tours from some of our best national companies, including the Royal National Theatre, Almeida Theatre, Out of Joint, the Young Vic and Donmar Warehouse's touring arm, Warehouse Productions.