Arts & Culture
Discover the best news and stories about art, music, theatre, film, entertainment, and cultural events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
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Stage Watch: ‘I think we need much more laughter in the world’ says John Cleese
John Cleese reflects on the enduring success of Fawlty Towers – The Play, the timeless appeal of British farce, and why making people laugh remains his greatest reward.
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Stage Watch: Lord of the Dance celebrating 30 years with spectacular return to Oxford
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance is returning to Oxford as part of its 30th anniversary tour, bringing a spectacular new production to New Theatre Oxford featuring fresh choreography, cutting-edge staging, and global star power.
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Stage Watch: Jesus Christ Superstar returning to Oxford with Sam Ryder in bold new production
Jesus Christ Superstar is coming to New Theatre Oxford in April 2027 starring Sam Ryder in a major UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera.
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Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra announces 2026/27 season of major performances
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its 2026/27 season featuring global performances in major cultural capitals, a new Tosca production at New Theatre Oxford, and the launch of the Beethoven Festival 2027 with leading international soloists.
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Stage Watch: What to expect when acclaimed musical Waitress takes to the stage at New Theatre Oxford
As Waitress arrives at New Theatre Oxford as part of its UK and Ireland tour, audiences can expect a warmly human story of friendship, resilience and self-discovery, brought to life through Sara Bareilles’ celebrated score.
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Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026: A spectacular summer of live music in a royal setting
The festival opened with David Gray and continued across two weeks with a stellar line-up including OMD, Pete Tong, The Stranglers, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Elvis Costello, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and 80s Classical in a unique royal setting.
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Stage Watch: One Day, Standard of Living, Allegra, Simon & Garfunkel Story, & Julius Caesar
This week’s Stage Watch features new musicals, bold drama and live music events, from One Day to Julius Caesar, showcasing love, politics, memory and timeless songs on stage.
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Adjua named first winner of new Audi Presents RISE Music Award at Henley Festival
Welsh-Ghanaian artist Adjua has been named the inaugural winner of the Audi Presents RISE Music Award at Henley Festival, marking a major milestone for the festival’s emerging talent programme in partnership with Audi.
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Stage Watch: John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play heads to Oxford after acclaimed West End success
Following two acclaimed West End seasons, John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play arrives at New Theatre Oxford this July, bringing Basil, Manuel and a host of beloved characters to the stage in a comedy packed with classic moments and unforgettable one-liners.
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Stage Watch: Glengarry Glen Ross, Into the Woods, Oh, Mary!, Waitress, & Things I Know to Be True
This Stage Watch selection brings together major West End productions and regional theatre highlights, from acclaimed revivals and bold new musicals to intimate contemporary drama across London and Oxfordshire.
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The Karate Kid – The Musical: A timely story of balance, belonging and becoming
The musical – anchored by a standout performance from Adrian Pang as Mr Miyagi – reimagines the beloved 1984 film as an emotionally resonant stage production exploring identity, discipline and belonging.
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The Rivus in Wantage to celebrate links with Charles Dickens with evening of immersive storytelling
Gerald Dickens, the author’s great-great-great grandson, will present his acclaimed one-man show The Signalman!, bringing one of Dickens’ most haunting ghost stories vividly to life.
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Creedence Clearwater Review bring Cosmo’s Factory Tour to Banbury’s Mill Arts Centre
Banbury’s The Mill Arts Centre will host the acclaimed tribute band as it brings its Cosmo’s Factory Tour to town, celebrating the timeless music of Creedence Clearwater Revival with a set packed full of classic rock anthems.
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Stage Watch: Hunger Games, Blue Man Group, Hamilton, Abigail’s Party & Fawlty Towers
Theatre adaptation, immersive theatre, musical theatre, classic drama and traditional British farce… this edition of Stage Watch brings together five standout productions across Oxford and London.
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Exploring Taiwan Travelogue: The International Booker Prize 2026 winner
Part travel narrative, part historical fiction and part literary puzzle, Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King has become the first novel translated from Taiwanese Mandarin to win the International Booker Prize.
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Disney Princess – The Concert set for New Theatre Oxford as part of UK tour
Disney Princess – The Concert will bring beloved songs from more than 29 Disney films to New Theatre Oxford in April 2027 as part of its first-ever UK and Ireland tour.