What’s on
in Oxford.

Acclaimed performance company Platform 4 take you on a sonic journey through the Wonderland of Alice, weaving together original music, interviews with inhabitants of the New Forest, Lewis Carroll’s text and voices from 40 contemporary Alices! This is a ri!, a homage and a fascinating audio adventure down the rabbit hole, with a four-piece band of multi-instrumentalist performers. Expect twisting melodies, smiling cats, percussive teacups and surreal storytelling…

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Presented by University of Oxford student company Lighthouse ProductionsBy Anton ChekhovNew English language version by Simon StephensDirected by Alys Young “Yes but the theatre! We can’t live without the theatre.”The Seagull is Chekhov's darkly comic masterpiece. It explores the romantic and dramatic tensions between four characters: the aspiring actress Nina, the fading actress Irina, the symbolist playwright Konstantin, and the obsessive-compulsive writer Boris. When Irina visits her brother Sorin's isolated estate, unfulfilled ambitions are thrown into sharp relief.This is a fresh take on Chekhov: a live original score will combine with bird-like choreography to transform this classic play into a theatrical spectacle.Celebrating the play’s 130-year anniversary, University of Oxford student company Lighthouse Productions reignites The Seagull for the 21st century using a new translation by Olivier award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Presented by University of Oxford student company Lighthouse ProductionsBy Anton ChekhovNew English language version by Simon StephensDirected by Alys Young “Yes but the theatre! We can’t live without the theatre.”The Seagull is Chekhov's darkly comic masterpiece. It explores the romantic and dramatic tensions between four characters: the aspiring actress Nina, the fading actress Irina, the symbolist playwright Konstantin, and the obsessive-compulsive writer Boris. When Irina visits her brother Sorin's isolated estate, unfulfilled ambitions are thrown into sharp relief.This is a fresh take on Chekhov: a live original score will combine with bird-like choreography to transform this classic play into a theatrical spectacle.Celebrating the play’s 130-year anniversary, University of Oxford student company Lighthouse Productions reignites The Seagull for the 21st century using a new translation by Olivier award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Presented by University of Oxford student company Lighthouse ProductionsBy Anton ChekhovNew English language version by Simon StephensDirected by Alys Young “Yes but the theatre! We can’t live without the theatre.”The Seagull is Chekhov's darkly comic masterpiece. It explores the romantic and dramatic tensions between four characters: the aspiring actress Nina, the fading actress Irina, the symbolist playwright Konstantin, and the obsessive-compulsive writer Boris. When Irina visits her brother Sorin's isolated estate, unfulfilled ambitions are thrown into sharp relief.This is a fresh take on Chekhov: a live original score will combine with bird-like choreography to transform this classic play into a theatrical spectacle.Celebrating the play’s 130-year anniversary, University of Oxford student company Lighthouse Productions reignites The Seagull for the 21st century using a new translation by Olivier award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Fresh from his latest television series and companion book, Michael Palin returns to the stage to share the story of one of his most ambitious journeys yet. With the help of stunning photography, behind-the-scenes footage and rarely seen moments from filming, Michael takes audiences beyond the television cameras to reveal what really happened as he travelled across the Philippines, a country of extraordinary beauty, complex history and remarkable resilience.From the bustling streets of Manila and the pristine islands of Palawan to the contested waters of the South China Sea and the communities of Mindanao, Michael reflects on the people he met and the moments that stayed with him long after the cameras stopped rolling. Alongside the story of this latest adventure, he shares memories from a lifetime in television, looking back at the journeys, programmes and unexpected experiences that have defined his career.Warm, witty and endlessly curious, Michael Palin: In the Philippines is an evening that goes far beyond the television series, offering audiences the chance to hear the untold stories behind the journey and reflections from nearly 40 years of travelling the world for television.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Event details Workshop 26 – 27 October 2026 1pm – 4pm Venue Drama Studio The North Wall Arts Centre South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN Tickets £40 for two half-days Join us this half term for a laugh out loud workshop; learn about the different types of stand-up comedy routines and how to write them, create opening lines and snippets for your own comedy sets, and practise improvisation. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all young people to flourish and work alongside industry professionals. For ages 12 – 17 Full bursary places available: click here to apply About the workshop This two-day YouthLab course runs from 1 – 4pm each day in the Drama Studio at The North Wall. Participants must book for both days. YouthLab is a welcoming and inclusive space for all young people to flourish and work alongside industry professionals. Our experienced workshop facilitators are DBS checked and there is always a first aider and fire marshal in The North Wall building.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Deep in the heart of the corridors of power, the Labour Party’s Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland clash over the soul of British socialism and their own relentless ambitions. Set against the backdrop of economic crisis, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the personalities, principles and private tensions that shaped a generation of politics. Following a sell-out smash hit run in London, this play returns for a major national tour this autumn. A chance to revisit a defining moment in the battle for the soul of the Labour Party, which captures the towering intellects, fierce rivalries and the private tensions behind public power. Sharp, provocative and richly entertaining, this is political theatre at its most gripping. By Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Come in your favourite PJs for a slumber party in a giant sleepover den and a playful night-time adventure. As darkness descends, giggle as we get ready for bed, explore spooky shadows, listen to night-time sounds, and feel the wind and rain on our faces. We’ll meet friendly nocturnal creatures, some slithering slugs, magical moths, and fantastical fireflies. Discover the magic of the dark, whirl and twirl, catch a shooting star and learn to be brave at bedtime. Sonrisa Arts presents Dance in the Dark, a captivating dance and music show with fun interaction for families. Co-created with children, this multi-sensory inclusive show features contemporary dance, live music, immersive sound, and scents. For ages 3+ Access Information This performance takes place in the Dance Studio, on the second floor of the building, accessible via the stairs or lift. Relaxed performance: 3pm Dance in the Dark is relaxed and accessible by nature but we are offering the following additions for the 3pm relaxed performance: Lower than usual sound levels for the music and sound effects in the show Permission to come and go during the show, wriggle and make noise Visual story – download here 10 minute Touch Tour before the show – pre-book here Meet the Cast Introduction in the foyer before the show Chill-out for anyone that needs to leave with colouring-in sheets, sensory toys etc

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Located in the New Theatre Oxford, join for an afternoon of crafting and Halloween fun, recommended for ages 6-10.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

By Robert Khan and Tom SalinskyDirected by Kirsty Patrick WardDeep in the heart of the corridors of power, the Labour Party's Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland clash over the soul of British socialism and their own relentless ambitions.Set against the backdrop of economic crisis, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the personalities, principles and private tensions that shaped a generation of politics.Following a sell-out smash hit run in London, this play returns for a major national tour this autumn. A chance to revisit a defining moment in the battle for the soul of the Labour Party, which captures the towering intellects, fierce rivalries and the private tensions behind public power.Sharp, provocative and richly entertaining, this is political theatre at its most gripping.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

By Robert Khan and Tom SalinskyDirected by Kirsty Patrick WardDeep in the heart of the corridors of power, the Labour Party's Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey and Tony Crosland clash over the soul of British socialism and their own relentless ambitions.Set against the backdrop of economic crisis, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s acclaimed political drama brings to life the personalities, principles and private tensions that shaped a generation of politics.Following a sell-out smash hit run in London, this play returns for a major national tour this autumn. A chance to revisit a defining moment in the battle for the soul of the Labour Party, which captures the towering intellects, fierce rivalries and the private tensions behind public power.Sharp, provocative and richly entertaining, this is political theatre at its most gripping.

Source checked: Fri, 25 September 2026

Multiple award-winning Director and General Manager of Claridge’s, Ronald F. Jones OBE began his career in hospitality as a 14-year-old school leaver. His first job was at The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool - the only job available. He went on to manage 16 leading UK hotels over 64 years. He called hospitality ‘The Happiness Business’, and enjoyed mentoring young people who, today, manage five-star hotels worldwide. Join us to hear his story, which includes experience with royal banquets, state occasions – and other near disasters! This open lecture marks the acquisition of the Ronald and Eve Jones collection into Oxford Brookes University's Special Collections and Archives. This collection is primarily focused on hospitality and hotel management, with material compiled from Ronald and Eve Jones’ extensive careers in consultancy, academia, and travel journalism; and the management of famed hotels including Claridges, Turnberry, Gleneagles, Royal Garden and the Athenaeum Hotel. The collection is currently being catalogued and can be consulted upon request; please email specialcollections@brookes.ac.uk. Speaker: Eve Jones, Hospitality industry journalist and author Eve met and married Ronald F. Jones after a commission for Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine to write a series of articles on great British hoteliers. He was the first to be interviewed, at that time General Manager of the Athenaeum Hotel in Piccadilly. Romance blossomed and their wedding followed in less than a year.

Source checked: Wed, 23 September 2026

Did you know the cells in our bodies actually talk to each other? Some of these conversations are driven by the release and uptake of vesicles, commonly known as exosomes, which contain molecules that help healthy cells to develop. Unfortunately, changes in that same mechanism can also drive diseases like cancer, dementia and heart disease. Ryan will explain his work on stressing cells, capturing the vesicles from the blood, and using technology to capture and translate the conversations of disease. He will talk about his work exploring how exercise can help in healthy ageing and how these vesicles can even improve early cancer detection.

Source checked: Wed, 23 September 2026

A Christmas fair at Oxford Botanic Garden, with stalls offering gifts, crafts and seasonal food. This listing is for Saturday 5 December 2026, starting at 10:00. Check the university ticket store for entry times, closing arrangements and ticket options before travelling. Sunday tickets are listed separately.

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

Johann Sebastian Bach was used to writing music for every celebration in the church’s calendar, but to mark Christmas in 1734, he surpassed even himself. Bach conceived an elaborate set of cantatas that would form a journey in music, from the birth of Christ to the adoration of the infant Jesus by the Magi. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio moves from frolicking trumpets, drums and choirs to touching arias, tremendous choruses, operatic ensembles and orchestral interludes. ‘There is no more life-giving, joy-enhancing experience in Bach’s music than a great performance of the Christmas Oratorio’ wrote the composer’s biographer Sir Nicholas Kenyon, words that these performances will set out to prove emphatically. Currently Kapellmeiser at Vienna’s Volksoper, conductor Michael Papadopoulos joins the Orchestra with four esteemed vocal soloists and Oxford Philharmonic Choir. Bach Christmas Oratorio: Cantatas 1, 2 & 3, BWV 248 Alexandra Lowe soprano Stephanie Wake-Edwards mezzo-soprano Sebastian Hill tenor Matthew Brook bass Oxford Philharmonic Choir Michael Papadopoulos conductor Tickets: £15, £30, £40, £50 (Students from £5) Time: 19:00 Duration: 120 min Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

Four hundred years ago, musicians known as The Oxford Waits played ceremonial tunes in the streets of the city, also entertaining audiences at parties, banquets and alehouse singalongs. The hits of the day were not measured by downloads or CDs but in sales of ballad sheets. Songs told of love, death, war, scandal – all the themes relished by the tabloids today. Tim Healey, director of the present-day Oxford Waits, tells of the city’s music scene in a bygone age with fellow band members Caroline Butler and Edwin Pritchard illustrating the songs and tunes. The trio appear in period costume with instruments that include shawm, fiddle, hurdy gurdy, hammered dulcimer, bandora, nyckelharpa & more. Join us for this special Lunchtime Talk from The Oxford Waits, featuring historical narration and performance elements throughout. The talk and performance will last for approximately 1 hour, followed by 15 minutes for questions from the audience for a 2.15pm finish. Tickets cost £6 and are available to buy online (via Plinth) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event also include free entry to the Museum’s galleries. Part of the Sounds of the City exhibition and events programme.

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

Based on the timeless Christmas classic by Jan Fearnley Adapted and Directed by Victoria Briggs in association with Filskit Theatre One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left. That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest. Join us for this brand-new adaptation from the best-selling, award-winning Jan Fearnley, ideal for children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, our playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving. This listing is for the 10:00 performance on Friday 11 December 2026. See the official schedule for other performances.

Source checked: Sun, 13 September 2026

Family Days at the Science Oxford Centre offer booked sessions in the Exploration Zone, with woodland access. The programme lists session times of 10:00–12:00, 12:30–14:30 and 15:00–17:00. Tickets are £9.50 from 1 September 2026, with free tickets for under-3s and carers. Choose a dated session and check current availability on the organiser’s booking page.

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

Based on the timeless Christmas classic by Jan Fearnley Adapted and Directed by Victoria Briggs in association with Filskit Theatre One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left. That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest. Join us for this brand-new adaptation from the best-selling, award-winning Jan Fearnley, ideal for children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, our playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving. This listing is for the 10:00 performance on Saturday 12 December 2026. See the official schedule for other performances.

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

An Oxford Playhouse PantomimeWritten by Sarah HenleyDirected by Oxford Playhouse Artistic Director, Mike TweddleMirror, mirror on the wall... which panto is the most magical of them all?This festive season, Oxford Playhouse invites you into a world of laughter and wonder with the spectacular pantomime Snow White – a wicked adventure for the whole family.Step into the enchanted West Oxford Wood as Snow takes you on a journey where ancient forest magic meets a world of image-enhancing technology. Standing in her way is Queen Narcissa and her all-knowing mirror, MiRi, whose hunger for power and endless admiration fuels her contempt for the natural world. When the glamorous queen discovers a magical resource that preserves her beauty, she becomes determined to mine every last piece of the forest. Can Snow and some unlikely friends outwit the Queen and restore the balance?With dazzling dance numbers, spectacular songs and plenty of hilarious jokes, it's one adventure you won’t want to miss! Gather your friends and family and start a Christmas tradition to remember.Perfect for all ages, expect boos, cheers and magical moments aplenty! This listing is for the 11:00 performance on Saturday 12 December 2026, listed by Oxford Playhouse as audio described with a touch tour. Check the official page for access arrangements and other performances.

Source checked: Sat, 12 September 2026

Join the Museum of Oxford as we take you on a tour around Oxford’s magnificent Town Hall. You will see rooms that are not normally open to the public, including the Court Room and the Council Chamber. All other rooms in the Town Hall are subject to availability.

Source checked: Mon, 5 October 2026

Visit the Science Oxford Centre, open every Saturday for a unique family experience. Explore, discover and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits – create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and see what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera. Make a splash at the outdoor Water Lab (open until October). With 15 acres of woodland and ponds, there’s plenty to explore outside too. Pick up an Explorer Backpack and trail map and see what wildlife you can spot. What is included in your ticket: Two-hour timeslot in the Exploration Zone Access to the woodland and outdoor areas from 10am–4.30pm Exploration Zone Session Times: 10.00am – 12.00pm 12.30pm – 2.30pm 3.00pm – 5.00pm Suitable for ages 3+ (all welcome) Advance online booking recommended to avoid disappointment Science Oxford Centre Quarry Rd, Headington, Oxford, OX3 8SB

Source checked: Mon, 5 October 2026