Oxford Events
Stage Watch: Waitress – a musical about the many ways people learn to love and be loved
Waitress is a richly textured musical about the many forms love can take, told through the interconnected lives of a small-town diner. Led by Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna and featuring standout supporting performances, the production reflects its diverse characters, each searching for connection in their own way.
There is a particular clarity that comes when a musical understands exactly what it is about. In Waitress, that clarity is not rooted in plot mechanics or theatrical spectacle, but in something more quietly persistent: the way people, in all their contradictions, attempt to give and receive love in the circumstances they find themselves in.
Seen at New Theatre Oxford, the musical revealed itself less as a single narrative centred on Jenna than as a mosaic of emotional lives, each character negotiating intimacy in a different key. What emerges is a work shaped by diversity not only in casting or characterisation, but in emotional temperament — and that diversity extends directly into the score itself, which shifts fluidly between styles, tones and musical registers to accommodate them.
At the centre is Jenna, played by Carrie Hope Fletcher, whose performance feels entirely instinctive — as if the role fits her without resistance. There is a natural ease to her portrayal, a sense that she is not reaching for the character so much as inhabiting her from within. Fletcher brings a steady emotional intelligence to Jenna’s internal conflict, balancing restraint with vocal clarity and allowing the character’s quieter moments to carry as much weight as her musical peaks. It is a performance that feels complete in its control, but never over-calculated.
Around her, the diner world functions as a kind of emotional ecosystem, where other forms of longing exist in parallel rather than competition. Becky (Sandra Marvin) and Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) are not narrative foils so much as distinct emotional frequencies. Becky’s grounded pragmatism carries a lived-in weariness, but also a refusal to be diminished by circumstance. Dawn’s nervous optimism, by contrast, is tentative and self-protective, her relationship with Ogie (Mark Anderson) unfolding in a deliberately awkward, sincere and unguarded register. Each character is, in their own way, working out what it means to be loved without having to become someone else in the process.
Among these performances, Sandra delivers one of the evening’s most memorable tunes. Her rendition of I Didn’t Plan It in the second act stands out as a defining moment — not just vocally assured, but emotionally unguarded in a way that shifts the temperature of the entire production. It is delivered with a sense of hard-won self-knowledge. In that moment, Becky steps fully into focus as a character whose emotional life is as complex and unresolved as Jenna’s, but expressed with a very different kind of clarity.
Even the male characters are written into this same emotional architecture, though with different pressures attached. Les Dennis’ Joe, the diner’s owner, occupies a quieter space within the narrative, but one that feels essential to its emotional balance. He is a man shaped by time and loss, but not defined solely by either. His presence is observational rather than directive, and his understanding of Jenna is filtered through recognition rather than instruction — a form of care that is understated but significant.
Dr Pomatter (Dan Partridge) exists in that uneasy space between desire and consequence, capturing the character’s indecision and guilt without ever flattening him into caricature. There is a nervous, self-conscious energy to the performance that keeps him perpetually slightly off-balance, caught between impulse and responsibility. Even Cal (Dan O’Brien) — the diner manager and clear figure of authority and discipline — is not immune to the same emotional undercurrents that run through the rest of the diner, quietly navigating his own need for connection too.
What becomes striking over the course of the evening is how deliberately Waitress resists emotional uniformity. There is no single language of love in the show; instead, there are multiple dialects, each shaped by personality, history and circumstance. Romantic love appears alongside friendship, dependency alongside autonomy, self-protection alongside vulnerability. The musical does not attempt to resolve these tensions into a singular truth. Instead, it allows them to coexist.
That structural diversity is mirrored in Sara Bareilles’ score, which remains one of the most distinctive elements of the piece. Rather than adhering to a single musical style, the composition shifts in tone to reflect character perspective. Jenna’s material often carries a melodic introspection that feels close to confessional songwriting, while Becky’s lines are grounded in rhythm and conversational cadence. Dawn’s musical world is lighter, more tentative, often leaning into nervous repetition and rhythmic hesitation. Even ensemble moments feel calibrated to emotional texture rather than genre consistency.
One of the most quietly distinctive aspects of this production is its use of a live band and visible musicians, which adds an immediate, tactile quality to the performance. Rather than feeling mediated or pre-packaged, the score carries a sense of breath and presence in the room, reinforcing the intimacy of the storytelling. The music does not sit beneath the action so much as alongside it, responding in real time to shifts in tone and emotion. It is a reminder that, in theatre, sound is not simply accompaniment but part of the emotional architecture of the piece.
It is this responsiveness — this willingness to let musical form bend to character — that gives Waitress its emotional range. Songs such as She Used to Be Mine have, understandably, taken on a life beyond the show itself, but within the theatrical context they function less as set pieces and more as emotional disclosures. They arrive not to resolve tension, but to articulate it.
Diane Paulus’ direction and Lorin Latarro’s choreography support this emphasis on intimacy rather than scale. Movement is understated, often rooted in everyday behaviour rather than stylised theatricality. The diner feels lived-in rather than designed, and the staging consistently privileges proximity: conversations happen close enough to feel overheard rather than performed.
Ultimately, what holds the production together is not narrative resolution but emotional recognition. Each character is, in their own way, seeking a form of love that does not require self-erasure. That may be romantic, but it is equally about friendship, acceptance, stability or self-regard. The musical’s strength lies in its refusal to rank these desires or treat them as interchangeable.
By the end of the evening, what lingers is not a single emotional arc but a collection of them — intersecting, diverging, occasionally unresolved. Waitress does not insist on neatness, and in that refusal it finds its particular honesty. It suggests that love, in its many forms, is rarely singular or tidy, but layered, inconsistent and ongoing.
What remains is a work that understands its characters not as types, but as people trying — sometimes clumsily, sometimes beautifully — to be understood. And in that sense, it is less a story about escape than about attention: who we notice, how we care, and what it costs to keep reaching for connection amidst ordinary life.
Waitress runs at New Theatre Oxford until Saturday 04 July 2026, with limited tickets available via the ATG Tickets website.
The Oxfordshire hotel restaurants leading the way as new culinary hotspots
Once upon a time, the hotel restaurant was little more than a pit-stop for weary travellers — a place to grab a functional plate of food before retreating to bed. Those days are gone. Across the country, hotel dining rooms are being reborn as destinations in their own right, where menus are as carefully crafted as the rooms upstairs, and locals jostle with overnight guests for the best tables.
In Oxfordshire, this shift has been especially delicious. From honey-stone Cotswold inns serving hyper-seasonal tasting menus, to grand city hotels with whimsical afternoon teas, the county’s hotel restaurants are re-defining the way we think about “dinner and a bed.” The food is fresher, the settings more theatrical, and the welcome extends far beyond the overnight crowd.
For travellers, a good meal is becoming as important as the journey itself — sometimes even the reason for it. For locals, these restaurants are worth the short walk or drive, no check-in required. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a celebratory feast, or simply the pleasure of knowing you can linger over dessert without worrying about the last train home, Oxfordshire has a wealth of hotel restaurants that blend exceptional dining with memorable stays.
Here, we’ve handpicked the county’s standouts — places where the restaurant could carry the hotel alone, but the combination makes for an irresistible pairing.
Quick Guide: Oxfordshire’s hotel dining destinations
Pressed for time? Here’s the shortlist to bookmark, screenshot, or send to a friend. Whether you’re chasing a Michelin-starred tasting menu or a cosy Cotswold feast, these hotel restaurants prove the journey’s worth the plate.
Click to view the quick guide
| Restaurant | Hotel & location | Signature experience | Book for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons | Belmond Le Manoir, Great Milton | Two Michelin-starred French cuisine from Raymond Blanc, with produce from the hotel’s gardens | Celebrations, bucket-list dining |
| Treadwell | The Store Hotel, Oxford | Stylish city dining with global influences and big street views | Pre-theatre meals, brunch with friends |
| The Bull at Burford | Burford – The Bull | Communal feasts, Cotswold charm, and outdoor “Wild Table” | Fun group dinners, foodie weekends |
| Parsonage Grill | Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford | Elegant British classics with a bohemian club feel | Romantic dinners, leisurely lunches |
| The Alice | The Randolph Hotel, Oxford | Playful Alice in Wonderland-inspired décor, refined seasonal menus | Afternoon tea, whimsical fine dining |
| Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar | Malmaison, Oxford | Bold modern British dishes in a historic prison setting | Date nights, weekend escapes |
| The Nest | The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock | Seasonal, refined dishes paired with an award-winning gin bar near Blenheim Palace. | Long lunches and elegant weekend breaks |
| The Wild Rabbit | The Wild Rabbit, Kingham | Michelin guide dining with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce in a refined Cotswold setting | Countryside getaways and special celebrations |
| Wildling Restaurant | Minster Mill Hotel, Minster Lovell | Modern fine dining with local ingredients in a tranquil riverside mill setting | Romantic weekend escapes |
| Quod Restaurant | Old Bank Hotel, Oxford | Contemporary British cuisine with seasonal menus in a chic city hotel setting | A leisurely lunch or dinner in the heart of the city |
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton
A jewel in Oxfordshire’s culinary crown, Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant remains a bucket-list destination for food lovers. Expect French elegance woven with British seasonality, much of it grown in the hotel’s manicured kitchen gardens. The service is flawless, the wine cellar impeccable — and yes, the rooms upstairs are every bit as indulgent.
Please note: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is temporarily closed for redevelopment and will reopen in 2027
Treadwell, Oxford
One of the newest arrivals on Oxford’s dining scene, Treadwell sits inside The Store — a striking conversion of the city’s former Boswells department store. The restaurant’s design is clean and contemporary, with huge windows overlooking Broad Street, while the menu draws on global influences. It’s fresh, relaxed, and quietly confident — perfect for a pre-theatre dinner or a weekend brunch.
The Bull, Burford
This 15th-century coaching inn has been given a stylish, modern edge without losing its Cotswold soul. The restaurant delivers hearty, yet refined, dishes, from wood-fired sharing feasts to creative vegetarian plates, while the “Wild Table” experience offers an atmospheric outdoor supper under the stars. Perfect for lively group gatherings and weekend retreats.
Parsonage Grill, Oxford
Inside the chic Old Parsonage Hotel, the Parsonage Grill is as much a part of Oxford’s cultural fabric as its dreaming spires. Velvet banquettes, oil paintings, and low lighting set the scene for classic British cooking done with quiet confidence. It’s equally suited to intimate dinners, long lunches, and celebratory champagne toasts.
The Alice, Oxford
The Randolph Hotel’s restaurant takes inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, pairing whimsical design with a polished seasonal menu. Afternoon tea is a showstopper, with playful touches and delicate patisserie, while dinner brings beautifully plated modern British dishes. Come for the Instagram-worthy interiors, stay for the precision cooking.
Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar, Oxford
Housed in the dramatic, vaulted space of a converted prison, Malmaison Oxford’s brasserie pairs a rich sense of history with bold, modern flavours. Expect perfectly cooked steaks, inventive cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. An ideal spot for date nights that feel a little bit illicit.
The Nest, Woodstock
Located in a boutique townhouse hotel with style to spare, The Nest at The Feathers pairs refined, seasonal dishes with an award-winning gin bar that tempts you to linger. The menu showcases local produce with flair, making it a smart choice for lunch before exploring Blenheim Palace, just a few steps away.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Part of the Daylesford Organic family, The Wild Rabbit offers a stylishly rustic take on modern British cooking. Sustainability and seasonality guide the menu, while the elegant and relaxed interiors make it hard to leave. Luckily, the cosy rooms upstairs make lingering not just possible, but irresistible.
Wildling Restaurant, Minster Lovell
Set in the tranquil Minster Mill Hotel by the River Windrush, Wildling delivers modern fine dining with a deep respect for its surroundings. Expect dishes that nod to the seasons and the countryside beyond the windows, with an ambience that encourages slow, savoured meals.
Quod Restaurant, Oxford
Located within the stylish Old Bank Hotel on Oxford’s High Street, this elegant restaurant pairs contemporary British cuisine with a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Known for its seasonally inspired menus and excellent wine list, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike seeking a refined dining experience in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re checking in or simply checking out the menu, the hotel restaurants in Oxford and across Oxfordshire prove that the county is as much a dining destination as it is a place to stay.
Oxford Events
Inside Homes: Bridge House – a beautiful 17th-century Cotswold stone home in an idyllic village setting
Inside Bridge House
Tucked away in the idyllic Oxfordshire village of Black Bourton, Bridge House is the kind of deeply atmospheric country residence that feels both rooted in history and quietly attuned to contemporary rural life.
Built in the late 17th century and formed in honeyed Cotswold stone, the house sits within more than an acre of mature gardens, offering a rare combination of architectural integrity, flexibility and pastoral seclusion.
Approached through a gentle village setting, the house immediately establishes its tone: relaxed, characterful and unmistakably English, with time-softened stone elevations and a sense of enduring calm.
A house shaped by history and texture
Inside, Bridge House unfolds with a considered rhythm of rooms that celebrate period craftsmanship at every turn. An entrance hall introduces flagstone floors, exposed beams and original detailing that set a quietly theatrical tone for the interiors beyond.
Reception spaces are both generous and adaptable. The principal sitting room is anchored by an impressive fireplace, offering a warm focal point for winter evenings, while framing views across the gardens. A second reception room provides a more intimate retreat, ideal for reading, conversation or relaxed family living.
At the centre of the home, the kitchen embraces its country setting with confidence. Centred around a traditional Aga, it balances functionality with timeless styling, its cabinetry and workspace arranged to suit both everyday life and informal entertaining. Garden views ensure the space remains connected to its surroundings throughout the seasons.
The dining room feels particularly atmospheric, with its flagstone flooring, vaulted ceiling and wood-burning stove set within a characterful fireplace. A door opens directly to a courtyard, blurring the boundary between inside and out in the warmer months.
From here, a barn-style extension currently used as a gym adds another layer of versatility. This generous space could equally serve as a studio, home office or additional reception room, reinforcing the house’s inherent adaptability.
Restful bedrooms with a sense of retreat
Upstairs, the bedroom accommodation continues the home’s layered sense of comfort and character. The principal suite is especially distinctive, featuring a freestanding roll-top bath within the bedroom itself, creating an indulgent, boutique-style atmosphere. Steps lead down to an adjoining bathroom where views over the gardens add a gentle sense of retreat.
Two further double bedrooms and a single bedroom are served by a well-appointed family bathroom, making the main house well suited to both family life and visiting guests.
Cottage and annexe living
One of Bridge House’s most compelling features is its exceptional ancillary accommodation. A separate two-bedroom cottage and a one-bedroom annexe apartment provide remarkable flexibility, whether for multi-generational living, visiting guests, independent teenagers or potential holiday letting.
This dual-offering of additional accommodation significantly extends the lifestyle possibilities of the property while maintaining privacy between each element.
Gardens of scale and tranquillity
The gardens, extending to approximately 1.1 acres, are a defining feature of the property. Mature planting, sweeping lawns and carefully positioned seating areas create a series of outdoor “rooms”, each offering its own sense of calm and outlook.
A glazed summerhouse sits within the grounds, providing a particularly enchanting vantage point for year-round enjoyment. A generous terrace accessed from the kitchen enhances the home’s al fresco credentials, making it an ideal setting for long summer gatherings and relaxed entertaining.
A quintessential Oxfordshire village setting
Life at Bridge House is closely tied to the character of its surroundings in Oxfordshire, with the nearby village of Bampton offering everyday amenities including independent shops, cafés and services.
The wider area is rich in community and countryside charm, with local gathering places and traditional pubs, while excellent schooling options include nearby institutions such as Burford-area schools and Cokethorpe School, alongside respected independent and state choices across the region.
For those seeking a balance of rural seclusion and connectivity, the setting offers a particularly compelling proposition, with the market town of Witney within easy reach and the surrounding villages of Clanfield and the wider Cotswolds adding further depth to the lifestyle on offer.
A rare and versatile country home
Bridge House is ultimately a home defined by its adaptability as much as its beauty. With its historic core, generous accommodation, separate cottage and annexe, and evocative gardens, it offers a rare opportunity to inhabit a house that can evolve effortlessly with its next chapter of life.
What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to the best events, exhibitions and things to do throughout July 2026 in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Summer is well and truly here. And so are the festivals. Not just the music festivals, but there are gatherings galore for petrolheads, art lovers, fun lovers and food lovers. There’s even a festival devoted to dogs and their owners. July is, indeed, a brilliant time to be in Oxfordshire.
Make time for brunch at one of the many local restaurants with outdoor seating, or grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket and find yourself a coveted spot at any of the numerous outdoor theatre events across the county.
And if you fancy venturing further afield, consider taking a cultural day trip to London’s west end – the capital city is relatively calmer then for a matinee in one of London’s theatres.
Need we say again that this is a curated list of things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this June. Take a look at the “What’s on” section, where you’ll find a growing array of events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, plus unmissable ones beyond the county that would make for a great day out.
Got an event that should be on the list? List your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work or place in Oxfordshire. Once again, welcome to your invaluable guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Join Creative Writers Group to learn skills in Spoken Word, Performance Poetry and Playwriting and create your own works to be presented as part of OxBright Festival in July.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Join Story Time Adventure around the theatre space for interactive storytelling session for ages 2 to 4 and their parent/carer!
The Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 16th year! This outdoor theatre experience that takes place in the castle yard of Oxford Castle & Prison will see Wild Goose Theatre, BMH Productions, Siege Theatre, and Greensleeved will be putting on marvellous performances of Shakespeare’s finest classics.
Join a Real Alice in Wonderland Tour to see fiction, fantasy and history come to life through the eyes of a local expert in Oxford’s history.
The hit musical comedy Waitress returns for a UK tour, telling the heartwarming story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker searching for happiness. Featuring music by Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, this five-star show celebrates love, laughter, and friendship in delicious style.
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly one of the best-known regattas in the world; and a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the English social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over the six days of action-packed racing. Spectators are thrilled by over 200 races of an international standard which can include Olympic rowers, as well as crews new to the event.
Songs of the Bulbul, a captivating new dance work by Rani Khanam, inspired by the Sufi myth of a caged songbird. Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance blends Sufi Kathak, orchestral and Indian classical traditions, and Islamic poetry.
The Oxford Festival Fringe Preview Comedy Festival (Oxford Comedy Festival) is a month-long comedy festival that takes place in Oxford throughout July. The festival brings the best comedians headed to Edinburgh and other large festivals to the Oxford community, with a particular focus on amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices.
Join Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford, and experience Shakespeare’s journey in Oxford during his lifetime. This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room, which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust.
Step back into the golden age of the Great Western Railway at this 21-acre living museum, where trains from Victorian times to the 1960s bring railway history to life. Explore historic engine sheds, restored locomotives, interactive signalling displays and wartime exhibits, with the rare chance to see steam-era engineering up close in a quieter, immersive setting.
Silverstone Circuit, Northampton
The excitement starts early at Silverstone with Thursday’s Opening Concert, headlined by David Guetta. Book the standalone event or stay for the full British Grand Prix weekend as major artists, surprise guests, and high-energy entertainment set the stage for 2026.
It has long been an MCS tradition that the Trinity term comes to an end with a concert of Madrigals performed from punts on the river. This hugely popular event will feature a variety of madrigals and folksongs from different periods of musical history interspersed with some instrumental items.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Get ready for an electrifying night as the UK and Europe’s Biggest, best and longest-running Neil Diamond tribute show returns — bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Experience Spanish Renaissance choral works and a wellbeing workshop with The Sixteen at Choral Pilgrimage: Lead, Kindly Light. The range of emotion covered by composers in the Spanish Renaissance is demonstrated beautifully in the selected works by Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivanco that form the basis of this Choral Pilgrimage.
Various venues across Oxford
Alice’s Day is the annual city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, and it is marked on the first Saturday in July, in commemoration of the afternoon on the 04 July 1862 when the Christ Church mathematician Charles Dodgson took the Dean of Christ Church’s daughters (Lorina, Alice, and Edith Liddell) on a boat trip, from Folly Bridge to Godstow, where they had a picnic.
Join this first ever Classy Clown Custard Pie masterclass! Whether you love panto, circus, theatre slapstick or film, this is a unique opportunity to have loads of fun while learning about clowning technique, prop management, and delivering the perfect pie.
Come and have a go at handling some of the museum objects at Alice’s Day, special edition of hands-on history drop-in session at the Museum of Oxford.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
APAC Presents ‘Dancing Through Life’, a vibrant evening of dance and musical theatre where performers bring all their hard work to the stage.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Kandeez Dance Presents Chapter 1 ‘A Dream in Motion’ at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Sunday 05 July 2026 by 5.30pm.
Find out what is actually the best job in the world as Michelle Wolf delivers a hilarious deconstruction of society, gender roles and testicles.
The Gigspanner Big Band bring together some of the biggest names in British folk music for an evening of high-energy performance rooted in tradition yet boldly experimental in spirit.
Henley Festival is an exclusive boutique black-tie festival that takes place over five days, celebrating the best of the UK and International music and arts. The festival is a truly unique event. It embraces a vibrant programme from pop to world music, classical to jazz where art and gastronomy share equal billing with music.
Festival lineup includes: Boy George & Culture Club / Sugababes / Lulu / Björn Again / Alex James’ Britpop Classical / Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with very special guest, Laura Mvula / Bootleg Beatles / Alan Davies / Shappi Khorsandi / Russell Kane / Geoff Norcott / Suzi Ruffell / Julian Clary
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Bring your favourite book or book character to the Academy Masterclass: From Page to Stage and explore how to adapt them for the stage.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Divine Comedy’s hits include National Express, Something for the Weekend, A Lady of a Certain Age and Our Mutual Friend.
Following sold-out performances in London’s West End, a Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation that features hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
Learn the principles of transcription and editing in the Storytelling Evaluation Method – how to turn an audio file into a written story on two sides of A4 that preserves the authentic voice and key insights of the storyteller.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Discover the magic behind the curtain with behind-the-scenes theatre tours, featuring history, architecture, and backstage stories, and gain a unique insight into the hidden spaces that bring each performance to life.
Celebrate the music of George Michael with Rob Lamberti, whose uncanny vocals and stage presence bring hits from Wham! to George’s solo career to life, including timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Club Tropicana’, and so many more.
Within These Walls is a compassionate play about those who have lived within the walls of an institution and the people who care for them and about the timeless healing power of human connection.
Lord of the Dance is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. Expect a dazzling combination of precision dance, powerful music, pyrotechnics, and emotional storytelling.
An evening of Baroque mastery awaits as the Oxford Philharmonic welcomes celebrated harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. A perfect concert for both Baroque enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
The Leys Festival is back and bigger than ever! Get ready for an unforgettable day full of music, food, and fun for all the family, created and planned by over 60 passionate residents and community organisers from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. This isn’t just any festival – it’s one of Oxford’s most beloved free community events and this year’s festival promises more excitement than ever before.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Prepare for a show-stopping performance as The Princess Proms pay tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and more!
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo returns to cinemas with new footage, exploring the life, art and legacy of the iconic artist through expert insight, personal letters and exclusive access ahead of the Tate Britain exhibition.
A summer celebration of vintage motoring returns to Adwell House, featuring classic vehicles, a rare Formula 1 display, live music, family activities and new interactive show elements, all set within picturesque private parkland near Thame in Oxfordshire.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The British Festival of Performing Arts (BFOPA) is a live performing arts event celebrating young talent from across the UK, featuring performances in dance, musical theatre and singing.
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Awful Egyptians to the stage with dazzling 3D effects, exploring pharaohs, pyramids and mummies in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome facts and humour for audiences of all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Terrible Tudors to the stage with thrilling 3D effects, exploring Henry VIII, Bloody Mary and the Spanish Armada in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome history and humour for all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
This screen acting workshop for ages 7 to 11 introduces young performers to acting for camera, exploring performance techniques, text analysis and on-screen confidence while offering a taste of the Academy’s regular term-time drama sessions.
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
Featuring over 100 incredible young dancers from the local area, this fast-paced, feel-good show is packed with powerful performances, show-stopping routines, and plenty of wow moments.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Bluey’s Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series packed with music, laughter, and fun. Join the Heelers in this live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.
Party in the Paddock returns in 2026 with two massive weekends of racing and live music at Newbury Racecourse. With world-class racing, unforgettable performances, and an electric summer atmosphere, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
Festival lineup includes: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes / Ronan Keating / Tinie Tempah / Jessie J.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Join this very special night of stand-up that is headlined – with an extended set – by a certified comedy superstar, Ed Byrne. With legions of fans both in the UK and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream – Voodoo Room is a stunning high energy ‘Power Trio’ featuring some of the U.K.’s finest musicians whose credits include: Steve Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder, Lulu etc.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Blake’s Heaven Big Band is a 17-piece modern ensemble delivering funk, pop, jazz and swing styles influenced from all genres of music. The Band’s repertoire ranges from classic big band to fun cartoon, TV and film themes and popular time-honoured hits from the 60s through to the 90s and beyond.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Return to the cosmos – or discover it for the first time – with Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter: a brand new, stand-alone instalment in the acclaimed live series from astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, is a darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets filmed live on stage at the National Theatre.
The North Wall Arts Centre
The inaugural OxBright Festival will bring together young performers from the UK and around the world for a celebration of creativity, featuring workshops, performances, Q&A sessions and opportunities to showcase work on a professional stage.
Join Spread the Joy: Marmalade Stitching and learn about Sarah Cooper, whose 1874 marmalade recipe became a huge hit in Oxford and beyond. Use hessian from another thriving local business as the blank canvas on which you’ll stitch your own marmalade-inspired picture using yarn and pipe cleaners.
Truck Festival takes place in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, offering a long weekend of live music, camping and community spirit. Family-friendly and inclusive, the festival features multiple stages, arts, workshops, food and bars, along with full campsite facilities, making it one of the region’s most cherished independent summer festivals.
Festival lineup includes: The Maccabees / Two Door Cinema Club / CMAT / The Libertines / The Wombats / Primal Scream / Kaiser Chiefs / The Vaccines
Guiting Power Village Hall
Guiting Music Festival continues to grow its reputation as one of the leading music festivals in the Cotswolds, offering a superb eclectic mix of artists and genres of music at its annual event in the Cotswold village of Guiting Power. Over 10 days it will play host to world-renowned, international, European and UK artists.
The Oxford Piano Festival was founded in 1999 by Marios Papadopoulos, renowned pianist and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Each year, the Festival welcomes piano players and pedagogues, experts and enthusiasts, to some of Oxford’s most historic venues, such as Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, and Christ Church Cathedral.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Alon Goldstein and fellow piano masters.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Kathryn Stott and fellow piano masters.
Festival favourite Paul Lewis returns with a programme framed by two of Mozart’s most appealing piano sonatas – one known for its charm and grace, the other for its intensity and restlessness.
Our Man in Havana follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden, and Jodie Steele play over 30 characters to bring 1950s Havana vividly to life in this wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp!
The Masterclass Series is three introductory workshops in professional skills used by creatives across the industry, designed for both beginners and those looking to revisit foundational techniques, including Movement & Physical Theatre, Directing and Improvisation.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Momoro Ono and fellow piano masters.
Wilderness festival is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, artisanship, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and culinary experiences. It’s one festival where genres are redefined, identity is turned on its head, and arts from across the spectrum sit side by side.
Festival lineup includes: Scissor Sisters / Carl Cox / The Last Dinner Party / Sisters: curated by Annie Lennox / Soulwax / Baxter Dury / Saint Etienne / Good Neighbours / The Hot 8 Brass Band / Groove Armada (DJ Set) / Nic Fanciulli / Eats everything / Olive F / Dan Shake • Say She She / Demi Riquísimo / Delilah / Chloe Qisha / Mr Cutts and many more.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja and fellow piano masters.
The Oxford Piano Festival is thrilled to present one of the most exciting emerging instrumental talents, Greek pianist Theodosia Ntokou.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Suzanne Vega will perform a career-spanning show including favorites like ‘Tom’s Diner’, ‘Luka’, ‘Marlene On The Wall’, and many more, plus songs from her latest album, Flying with Angels
Every Saturday (Except 26 December)
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Modern Art Oxford is delighted to present Little Fennel’s Complaint, a major solo exhibition by Olivia Plender (b. 1977, London), exploring historic and ongoing inequalities in women’s healthcare, from early modern witchcraft to contemporary debates on reproductive rights and medical authority. Plender developed the exhibition through research with leading Oxford institutions, including the Bodleian Library, Oxford Botanic Garden and John Radcliffe Hospital.
The exhibition displays a collection of work created using foraged plants, transformed through ancient techniques such as cordage and weaving, to reflect the raw beauty and cyclical nature of the natural world, that is both ephemeral and enduring.
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World at the Ashmolean Museum uncovers the hidden histories behind Britain’s most beloved blooms. Explore over 100 artworks and objects that reveal how plant exploration and trade shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies.
Anna Ridler’s A Perfect Language of Images is a digital artwork created with Oxford’s Dr William Poole, exploring systems of classification through AI. Inspired by John Wilkins and Jorge Luis Borges, it reflects on how machine learning both organises and destabilises knowledge.
Developed through research into the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at the University of Oxford, the exhibition brings together sound, video and photography to consider what is revealed and concealed through the collection, preservation and display of musical instruments. At its centre is a new sound work created using recordings of historic instruments from the collection.
The Bodleian Libraries’ Wonder of Birds exhibition explores art, science and culture through the lens of avian life. Featuring rare archives, manuscripts and immersive sound, it invites visitors to reflect on both the beauty of birds and their decline.
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