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Oxford Playhouse is 71 years old, having been built as a repertory theatre in 1938; the last new theatre to be constructed before the war.
The repertory years meant that a resident company of actors performed one play in the evenings while rehearsing the next during the day-times. The relentless schedule meant that audiences had the opportunity to see actors such as John Gielgud, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Ronnie Barker and Dirk Bogarde perform many roles on the Playhouse stage.
Perhaps the most famous production in the theatre’s history was an Oxford University Dramatic Society’s Dr Faustus in 1966. Alongside the student performers starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, perhaps the most famous couple in the world at the time.
Other notable student performers over the years have included Rowan Atkinson, Michael Palin and Dudley Moore, and more recently, Emily Mortimer and Emilia Fox. Students who went on to success in other fields included politicians Shirley Williams and Nigel Lawson, director John Schlesinger and writers Alan Bennett and Christopher Hampton.
Though highly valued locally and held in national regard, the Playhouse often had a precarious financial position, and eventually closed in 1987 due to a lack of funds to carry out essential modernisation. Directors’ Hedda Beeby and Tish Francis were appointed to re-open the theatre, which they managed to do in 1991 after a long fundraising campaign and major refurbishment.
Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live performance. The programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.
The theatre's Learning team works with over 15,000 people each year through post-show discussions, workshops, work experience, holiday schemes, a youth theatre and a young people’s theatre company.
Having artists in residence at Oxford Playhouse is one of the ways they’re making the theatre a home. Opening the doors to local artists, and offering them space, support and opportunities helps their development, and also benefits the theatre and the audiences.
Oxford Playhouse,
Beaumont Street,
Oxford, UK, OX1 2LW
erin.crivelli@oxfordplayhouse.com
http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
Here are few videos reflect some of their work.