Arts & Culture
Discover Arts & Culture in Oxford and just beyond, from theatre, music and film to literature, exhibitions, museums and the people shaping the creative landscape.
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Booker Prize 2026 shortlist explores the secrets, divisions and uncertainties of human life
The six novels shortlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize explore isolation, identity, family conflict and the limits of human understanding, bringing together established literary names and first-time contenders.
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Tom Stade is bringing his new Rules comedy show to Oxford in November
Canadian comedian Tom Stade is bringing his new stand-up show, Rules, to Oxford in November as part of a UK and Ireland tour exploring modern life, social conventions, identity, family and growing older.
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Stage Watch: Oh, Mary!, Beetlejuice, Hay Fever, Cinderella, and The Silence of the Lambs
From anarchic comedy and gothic musical theatre to wartime dance and psychological suspense, this edition of Stage Watch explores five distinctive productions coming to London and Oxford this autumn and winter.
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Four days of equestrian spectacle at 2026 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
Four days of world-class equestrian sport brought riders, horses and thousands of spectators to Blenheim Palace, culminating in a record-breaking weekend for Britain’s Tom McEwen.
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The King’s Speech to open UK tour at Oxford Playhouse in January 2027
The Barn Theatre’s production of The King’s Speech will open its UK tour at Oxford Playhouse in January 2027, led by Stefan Dennis as Lionel Logue and George Rainsford as King George VI.
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Ocean Film Festival brings ocean adventures to Abingdon
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour comes to Abingdon this October with a collection of short films celebrating ocean adventure, marine life and conservation, including the remarkable story of a 1973 Pacific crossing.
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When The Blackbird Sings brings Oxford’s hidden histories to life
A new site-specific play developed with Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys residents will take audiences on a journey through Oxford’s history, from the eighth century to the Windrush generation and beyond, in a world premiere at the Schwarzman Centre.
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Stage Watch: Pinocchio, Peppa Pig, Affluenza, Dirty Dancing, & Ballet Shoes
From festive family favourites to a stage adaptation of a much-loved film and a new drama starring a Stranger Things star, discover five productions worth putting on your theatre radar.
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Operation Mincemeat set to return to Oxford in 2027 after sold-out run
Tony and double Olivier Award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat will return to New Theatre Oxford in July 2027 after a sold-out run earlier this year, as part of the hit production’s expanding world tour.
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Beryl Cook’s characters step into the streets of Bicester Village
Beryl Cook’s colourful characters have stepped out of the canvas and into Bicester Village, where a mile-long open-air installation marks the artist’s centenary with a playful celebration of her work.
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Oxford Playhouse announces cast for 2026 Snow White pantomime
Oxford Playhouse has announced the cast for its 2026 pantomime, Snow White, including three performers from the Oxford area selected through a local casting call that attracted 260 applications.
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Stage Watch: Avenue Q, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, I’m Every Woman, As You Like It & Tosca
Stage Watch rounds up five standout shows from London and Oxford. From the irreverent Avenue Q and experimental White Rabbit Red Rabbit to Chaka Khan, Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Puccini’s Tosca in Oxford, here’s what to put in your diary this week.
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Oxford Playhouse to stage Terence Rattigan’s rare play in 50th anniversary year
Oxford Playhouse will stage Terence Rattigan’s rarely performed In Praise of Love in 2027, marking 50 years since the playwright’s death and renewing the theatre’s commitment to in-house production.
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£48 tickets for The Producers in London for 48 hours
The Producers is entering its final weeks at London’s Garrick Theatre, with selected tickets available for £48 for 48 hours only. Discover Mel Brooks’ award-winning musical comedy, starring Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin, before its West End run ends on 19 September.
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Five National Trust places offering free entry in Oxfordshire and beyond this September
Five National Trust properties across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are taking part in Heritage Open Days this September, offering free entry, rare access, exhibitions, tours and archaeological discoveries.
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Abigail’s Party: See Tamzin Outhwaite in Mike Leigh’s classic for £48
See Abigail’s Party with Tamzin Outhwaite for £48 in a limited flash sale. Mike Leigh’s classic runs at Harold Pinter Theatre.