Oxford Playhouse 70th Anniversary Events
Celebrate 70 golden years of drama, comedy and sparkling entertainment with some very special shows and some very special friends.
In October 2008, Oxford Playhouse celebrates seven decades in its Beaumont Street home. Many of Britain's legendary actors, dancers and entertainers have delighted audiences over the years. The roll call includes John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, Sybil Thorndike, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Alan Badel, Barbara Jefford, Felicity Kendal, Prunella Scales, Timothy West, Jeremy Irons, Sinead Cusack, Rowan Atkinson, Roy Kinnear (and Rory Kinnear) and many, many more.
The theatre has also been a hotbed of university talent, launching the careers of Tyrone Guthrie, Peter Brook, Kenneth Tynan, Dudley Moore, Mel Smith, Rowan Atkinson, Maria Aitken and others - not to mention Edward Heath, Joanna Trollope and Shirley Williams who also trod the boards as students.
Oxford Playhouse has a major place at the heart of British theatre history. Join us in an entertaining tribute to one of the oldest and most popular repertory theatres in the country.
Quick Links
The 70th anniverary gala events have now passed.
Throughout the coming year there will be more events to celebrate Oxford Playhouse's 70th anniversary including an exhibition on Playhouse history in the top room. Look out for changing displays events, talks and memorabilia at the theatre. Check out this section for lastest news.
Vox pOP: Your memories
Do you remember your first visit to Oxford Playhouse? Do you have a behind-the-scenes story to tell? Did you meet a celebrity? Do you think you hold the record for most loyal supporter/most visits/oldest fan? How has the theatre changed? What does the theatre mean to you? Have you made friends through the Playhouse, met any of the stars, fallen in love, changed your life?
We'd love to hear your stories, funny or sad, new or old. Email your memories to Stuart Allen and we will feature the best online - up to a total of 70, one for every year of Oxford Playhouse here in Beaumont Street.
Want To Know More?
If you interested in Playhouse history, you might like to read Oxford Playhouse: High and Low Drama in a University City by Don Chapman, which gives a comprehensive account of the theatre's history. Don, former arts critic for the Oxford Mail and Oxford Times, has researched the Playhouse for more than a decade. His book was published in October 2008 by University of Hertfordshire Press to coincide with the Playhouse 70th Anniversary and is available, priced £19 from bookshops and the Playhouse foyer.
Press Links
- Coverage from BBC Oxford including video/audio interviews.
- 70th News from Oxford Mail
- Feature by Giles Woodforde for Oxford Times pdf
