Oxford Playhouse: Historic Hub of Live Theatre in Oxford
Historic Georgian-style theatre in Oxford offering diverse live performances and a vibrant cultural programme.
The Oxford Playhouse, located on Beaumont Street in Oxford, is a distinguished live theatre venue founded in 1923 and housed in a 1938 Edward Maufe–designed building. Renowned for its Georgian-style stone façade and a 663-seat auditorium, it hosts a diverse programme of drama, dance, comedy, and music, serving as a cultural cornerstone for both the local community and the University of Oxford.
A brief summary to Oxford Playhouse
- 11-12 Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2LW, GB
- +441865305305
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets in advance for popular shows, especially during university term times and festive seasons.
- Visit the nearby Burton Taylor Studio for intimate student and professional productions.
- Accessible parking is available on Beaumont Street; contact the box office for wheelchair seating arrangements.
- Check for companion ticket discounts if you have a disability or visual/hearing impairment.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Oxford Bus Company routes 1 or 2 from Oxford city centre, with a journey time of approximately 10–15 minutes. Buses stop near Beaumont Street; tickets cost around £2.50–£3.00. Service frequency is every 10–15 minutes during the day.
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Train
From Oxford Railway Station, take a taxi or a 20-minute walk to Beaumont Street. Taxi fares typically range from £6 to £10. The station is well connected to London and surrounding areas.
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Car
Visitors driving can use disabled parking spaces on Beaumont Street with a Blue Badge. The nearest public car park is Gloucester Green, about a 5-minute walk, but it has no Blue Badge spaces and access involves steps. Parking fees vary from £2 to £4 per hour.
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Walking
If staying in central Oxford, the Playhouse is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point, with clear signage along the way.
Oxford Playhouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Oxford Playhouse
A Legacy of Theatrical Excellence
Founded originally as The Red Barn in 1923 by J. B. Fagan, the Oxford Playhouse has evolved into a premier live theatre venue deeply embedded in Oxford’s cultural fabric. The current building, completed in 1938 and designed by Sir Edward Maufe with interior work by F. G. M. Chancellor, features a Georgian-style stone façade that harmonizes with the Regency architecture of Beaumont Street. Over the decades, it has been a stage for celebrated actors including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Richard Burton, who received his first standing ovation here while a student.Architectural and Interior Features
The Playhouse’s auditorium seats 663 people with a single balcony and stalls, offering intimate yet spacious viewing. Renovations in 1964 and 1991 improved accessibility and modernized the interior, including the removal of dark wood linings and installation of wheelchair spaces. The stage is well-equipped with a proscenium width of 27 feet 6 inches and an orchestra pit accommodating 30 musicians, supporting a wide range of performances.Community and University Connections
Operated by a charitable trust, the Playhouse maintains strong ties to the University of Oxford, serving as the home stage for the Oxford University Dramatic Society. It also manages the nearby Burton Taylor Studio, a 50-seat venue named after Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, which hosts student and professional productions, fostering new theatrical talent and experimental works.Diverse Programming and Cultural Impact
The theatre presents an eclectic mix of British and international drama, contemporary dance, comedy, lectures, and family shows. Its programming reflects a commitment to artistic diversity and community engagement, making it a vital asset in Oxford’s vibrant arts scene. The Playhouse also supports local artists and offers discounted tickets for patrons with disabilities, enhancing accessibility.Visitor Experience and Facilities
Visitors will find a welcoming atmosphere with wheelchair-accessible entrances, adapted toilets, and seating options. While the theatre has limited interval seating and a smaller number of restrooms, ongoing improvements aim to enhance visitor comfort. The foyer bar and box office are fully accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience.Enduring Cultural Significance
Owned by St John’s College and managed by the Oxford Playhouse Trust, the venue continues to thrive as a beacon of live performance in Oxford. Its historic significance, architectural charm, and dynamic programming combine to offer audiences a rich theatrical experience in the heart of this university city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Martyrs' Memorial
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Oxford Ecclesia Walking Tours
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Oxford Magic Walking tours
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Visit Oxford Tours
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Oxford Tours UK
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The painted room
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Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
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Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and authentic memorabilia at the Oxford Experience, your ultimate shopping destination in this historic city.
Clarendon Building
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Great Jewry Marker
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Brasenose College
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Bridge of Sighs
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Oxford Preservation Trust
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Tom Tower
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2.1
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Unmissable attractions to see
Oxford Outdoor Market
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Ashmolean Museum
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New Theatre Oxford
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Old Fire Station
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St John's College, Oxford
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Explore the historic grandeur and serene gardens of Oxford’s wealthiest college, founded in 1555 and rich in academic tradition.
Balliol College
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Step into centuries of academic tradition at Balliol College, Oxford’s oldest college with stunning architecture and tranquil gardens.
The Oxford Union Society
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The world's most prestigious debating society, championing free speech and intellectual exchange since 1823.
St Michael at the North Gate
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Explore Oxford’s oldest building, the Anglo-Saxon tower of St Michael at the North Gate, a historic church with panoramic city views and deep civic roots.
Oxford Campus Stores
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Discover Oxford’s spirit through a diverse range of university-themed apparel and gifts at Oxford Campus Stores, right in the city’s vibrant heart.
Susannes Oxford
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Experience the authentic charm of Susannes Oxford, a unique tourist attraction showcasing local culture and artisanal products in the heart of the city.
House of Wonders
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Explore the House of Wonders in Oxford for unique gifts and local crafts that capture the essence of this historic city.
Footprints Tours Oxford
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Cornmarket St
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Oxford’s vibrant pedestrian shopping street where medieval history meets modern retail in a lively cultural hub.
Nuffield College
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Essential places to dine
The White Rabbit
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Bbuona
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Experience authentic Roman-style pinsa and vibrant Italian flavours in the heart of Oxford at Bbuona Pinsa Bar.
Turtle Bay Oxford
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Red Lion Oxford
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The Alice
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Elegant British dining in the heart of Oxford, nestled within the historic Randolph Hotel opposite the Ashmolean Museum.
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
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Stylish rooftop dining atop Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum with panoramic city views and modern British cuisine.
Gino's
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Authentic Italian flavors and warm family-run charm await you in the heart of Oxford at Gino's Spaghetti House.
Thaikhun
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Experience authentic Thai street food in a vibrant, colorful setting with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere in Oxford’s city centre.
Bella Italia - Oxford
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Experience authentic Italian flavors with warm service and a rustic ambiance in Oxford’s lively George Street.
ASK Italian - Oxford
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Vibrant Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and seasonal specials in Oxford’s lively George Street hub.
Côte Oxford
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Authentic French brasserie cuisine served in a warm, stylish setting at Oxford’s vibrant George Street.
Banana Tree Oxford
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Lively Pan-Asian dining with extensive vegan options and vibrant flavors in the heart of Oxford’s George Street.
GLUT
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Independent Oxford eatery serving generous, tasty burgers and vegan delights in a lively, casual atmosphere on George Street.
No.1 Ship Street
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Elegant modern British brasserie in Oxford’s heart, famed for fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere.
Old Delhi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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The Shop of Secrets
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Oxford Gifts & Candyland
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The Crafters Emporium
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Watsons of Oxford
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The Oxford Gift Shop
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Broad Canvas
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Oxford’s trusted art and craft supply store since 1981, offering expert advice and quality materials for artists and creatives.
Cool Britannia
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and unique gifts in the heart of Oxford at Cool Britannia, your go-to shop for memorable memorabilia and more.
Objects of Use
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Crystal Spirit Emporium
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Soctopus
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Space Store Oxford
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Bodleian Weston Library Shop
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Anthropologie
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Goodies Oxford
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Grapes
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OXO BAR
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The Three Goats Heads Pub
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Slug & Lettuce - Oxford
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The Lighthouse
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Cow & Creek
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White Horse
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Hanks Bar
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Thirst Bar
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The Varsity Club
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LJ - Love Jericho Cocktail Bar
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The Duke Of Cambridge
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All Bar One Oxford
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King's Arms, Oxford
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St Aldates
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fever Oxford
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Plush Oxford
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The Bridge Nightclub
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Oxford’s lively student-focused nightclub with diverse music, multiple dance floors, and a spacious pub garden for late-night socializing.
Oxford Leisure Ltd
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ATIK Oxford
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Oxford’s largest nightclub with diverse music rooms, vibrant atmosphere, and strong security, offering a late-night hub for students and locals alike.
Kiss Bar
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Mirage Aylesbury
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The Venue, Bucks
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Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
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TWC
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Popworld - Reading
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Reading Lola Lo
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Q Club
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Gun Street Garden
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Diligence
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
