From classic dramas and dazzling musicals to contemporary dance and thrilling nights out – there is something for everyone in our gift guide of theatrical treats.

For the experience seeker:

Prepare for one of the most explosive nights in modern theatre. Edward Albee’sWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a wild, gripping and darkly funny exploration of the lies we tell to protect ourselves. An Oxford Playhouse Production, directed by our Artistic Director Mike Tweddle and running from Fri 20 Feb to Sat 7 Mar, promises to be an unforgettable experience.

For the person who loves a reimagined classic:

Discover Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen it before with this new production of the classic tale by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong. Snow starts to fall in summer, day turns to night, and reality becomes illusion in this dark take on the magical play. See it on Tue 24 to Sat 28 Mar.

For the thrill-seeker:

Terrify your family and friends with The Woman in Black! On Tue 10 to Sat 14 Feb, the legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story returns to Oxford. One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping show is full of atmosphere, illusion and horror – perfect for the thrill-seeker in your life.

For the little ones:

Introduce children to the magic of theatre with two wonderful shows during the Easter holidays. Northern Ballet perform Little Red Riding Hood on Tue 7 and Wed 8 Apr, an enchanting adventure featuring colourful costumes, lively characters and playful storytelling. Then, on Thu 9 and Fri 10 Apr, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood are brought to life on stage with toe-tapping songs, puppetry and favourite characters.

For the thinker:

For those that enjoy a thought-provoking night out, look no further than acclaimed solo show, Nowhere on Thu 22 to Sat 24 Jan. Following sold-out runs in London and Edinburgh, actor and activist Khalid Abdalla (United 93, The Kite Runner, The Crown) takes us on a personal, political and surprising journey into his own history, set against seismic world events.

For the dance lover:

Celebrate 20 years of Dancin’ Oxford with Richard Chappell Dance’s BLOOM on Fri 13 Mar – three compelling dance works that offer a bold reflection on the world we live in today. Fans of contemporary dance will love this varied programme that celebrates nature, our relationship to the environment and the balance between limitation and possibility.

For the comedy fan:

There are plenty of laughs to be had at Oxford Playhouse in 2026! From stand-up nights with leading comedians, including Simon Evans on Sat 17 Jan and Michelle de Swarte on Sat 14 Mar, to comedic dramas such as W Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife on Mon 2 to Sat 7 Feb, a sparkling production from The Royal Shakespeare Company, starring Kara Tointon (TV’s Mr Selfridge and Winner of Strictly Come Dancing).

For the musical:

Musical treats at The Playhouse include Black Is The Color Of My Voice on Tue 13 and Wed 14 Jan, a solo show inspired by the life of and featuring many of the iconic songs by Nina Simone; Musical Youth Company of Oxford return for the family-favourite musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Wed 1 – Sat 4 Apr, and the dazzling musical bursting with Bollywood glamour, Frankie Goes To Bollywood, brings heart and soul to the theatre on Tue 2 to Sat 6 June.

For the bookworm:

If you love books, chances are you’ve read Christy Lefteri’s international number one bestseller, The Beekeeper of Aleppo. One of The Times top three bestselling books of 2020 and winner of the Aspen Words Award, this profound novel is brought to the stage on Tue 5 to Sat 9 May. Adapted by the writers behind the adaptation of The Kite Runner, it’s a compassionate and beautiful play that tells a story of connection – between friends, families and strangers.

For the person who likes something a bit different:

Perfect Show For Rachel is the epitome of uniqueness! The critically acclaimed show, which has been described as a “joyous celebration of theatre without the rules” (The Stage), sees Rachel – a theatre-loving, enigmatic, learning-disabled 35 year-old, commanding the action with a touch of a button, bringing each scene to life. From bar room brawls to a bourbon biscuit cabaret, no two shows are the same! Perfect Show For Rachel plays from Wed 13 to Sat 16 May.

Not sure what to pick?

Give the gift of theatre (and choice!) with an Oxford Playhouse gift voucher. Buy here.