It's the opening night of our production, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. We are so proud to open it to audiences this evening.

So much work has gone into creating this brilliant drama over the last few months - made right here in Oxford. The production previews from tonight and will then run through until Saturday 7 March. Following a thrilling dress rehearsal last night, we're delighted to give you an exclusive first look at the production...

Albee’s searing drama is an unflinching portrait of marriage under pressure. One evening, two couples, and no place to hide. This multi-award-winning play is a wild, gripping exploration of the lies four people tell to protect themselves. It is an opportunity to experience one of the great dramas of the last century, right here in Oxford.

The production stars four actors at the top of their game. The cast includes award-winning actor and RSC Associate Artist, Katy Stephens (The Histories Cycle, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Titus Andronicus) as Martha, alongside Matthew Pidgeon (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Wolf Hall) as George, Leah Haile (The Winter’s Tale, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Honey and Ben Hall (The Day of the Jackal, Henry VI: Rebellion / Wars of the Roses) as Nick.

Playing Martha for the first time in her career, Katy Stephens looks forward to the exclusive run at Oxford Playhouse:

“The audience are going to be watching a masterpiece – and you don’t get to see it very often. It’s fantastic, and I think we all feel very honoured and lucky to be doing it.”

With Albee’s iconic play rarely performed, Leah Haile adds that it’s exciting to bring the show to life for Oxford audiences:

“We've all perhaps read a couple of scenes or heard people discussing it, but they can actually see it on stage and make their own judgements. It is truly one of those classic plays. I've never read one like it. I think it's just really an amazing opportunity for people to come and experience that in Oxford.”

Directed by Mike Tweddle, the set and costumes are designed by award-winning designer Liz Ascroft (The Homecoming and Only Fools and Horses: The Musical). The creative team also includes Max Pappenheim (Sound Designer & Composer), Ashley Bale and Will Hayman (Co-Lighting Designer), Yarit Dor (Fight & Intimacy Director), Jessica Mensah (Associate Director), Ben Newman (Assistant Director), Helena Palmer (Casting Director), and Nick Trumble (Dialect Coach).

This Oxford Playhouse production is produced by Leah O’Grady, with Jenny Topper as Consultant Producer, and Tom Freeman as Production Assistant.