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: 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.
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Nearly 95% of Big Feastival camping tickets sold for 2026 festival weekend
Camping tickets for Big Feastival 2026 are nearly sold out, with 94% already snapped up, reflecting strong demand ahead of the festival’s return to Alex James’ Cotswolds farm this August bank holiday.
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Stage Watch: Expect 80s nostalgia as The Karate Kid The Musical comes to Oxford
The Karate Kid The Musical arrives at New Theatre Oxford from 09 to 13 June as part of its UK tour, bringing the 1984 film’s story of mentorship, resilience and balance to the stage through music and movement.
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Stage Watch: The Play That Goes Wrong, Oliver!, Kinky Boots, 2:22 A Ghost Story & Waitress
A chaotic West End play, a classic piece of musical theatre, feel-good storytelling, supernatural suspense, and a heartfelt film adaptation – this edition of Stage Watch brings together five standout productions across Oxford, Aylesbury and London.
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Craig Charles to bring Funk & Soul House Party to Oxford this December
Audiences are invited to step inside the world of Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party as the acclaimed DJ brings his electrifying live show to O2 Academy Oxford this December