Arts & Culture
Discover the best news and stories about art, music, theatre, film, entertainment, and cultural events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
-
The Stranglers, Elvis Costello and 80s Classical join Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026 lineup
The Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026 will feature The Stranglers, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, and an 80s Classical concert with Kim Wilde, Go West, Nik Kershaw and Roland Gift alongside other major acts.
-
Level 42 announce Oxford show on 45th anniversary UK tour
Level 42 will celebrate 45 years since their debut album with a December 2026 UK tour, including a show at Oxford New Theatre.
-
Stage Watch: Titanique, To Kill a Mockingbird, My Neighbour Totoro, Carmen & Madama Butterfly
Discover the latest must-see theatre in London and beyond – from the hilariously campy musical parody Titanique and Harper Lee’s timeless To Kill a Mockingbird, to magical family adventures in My Neighbour Totoro, and Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring Carmen and Madama Butterfly.
-
Jessie J revealed as fourth and final Party in the Paddock headliner
Jessie J will headline Party in the Paddock at Newbury Racecourse on 15 August, completing the 2026 summer music raceday line up.
-
2:22 A Ghost Story – a chilling exploration of the fragile fault lines between trust, scepticism and belief
A sharp, suspenseful thriller that unfolds in real time, 2:22 A Ghost Story examines trust, mortality, and the fragile fault lines between scepticism and belief.
-
Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts expands across Oxfordshire with new opening in Bloxham
A new Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has opened in Bloxham, led by the Martin family. The launch marks the fourth PQA in Oxfordshire and reflects rising demand for performing arts education across the region.
-
Preview: Production images from A Midsummer Night’s Dream UK tour heading to Oxford
Headlong has unveiled production images for its bold new UK tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The co-production with Shakespeare’s Globe plays at Leeds Playhouse before touring to Bristol Old Vic and Oxford Playhouse, reimagining Shakespeare’s classic through a fresh contemporary lens.
-
Here & Now – The Steps Musical: A Joyful Celebration of Pop, Friendship and Community
Here & Now – The Steps Musical brings friendship, love, and life to the stage with infectious energy and iconic pop hits. With a talented, diverse cast and a story full of heart, this feel-good show delivers laughter, nostalgia, and pure entertainment for all generations.
-
New Theatre Oxford announces audition opportunity for young performers
New Theatre Oxford has partnered with Scott’s Performing Arts to offer young performers aged 8–18 the chance to audition for Fame Jr. Successful applicants will rehearse and perform the high-energy musical on the theatre’s main stage this August, supported by industry professionals.
-
Henley Festival unveils spectacular 2026 line up for five summer nights
Henley Festival has revealed its 2026 line-up, with Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu and Alex James’ Britpop Classical headlining five black-tie summer nights on the iconic Floating Stage from 8 to 12 July.
-
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum to showcase county’s military story in 50 objects
A new exhibition at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum will explore the county’s military heritage through 50 objects, from Roman Britain and Waterloo to D-Day and the Second World War.
-
Abingdon Drama Club to stage family drama ‘Things I Know to Be True’ at Unicorn Theatre
Abingdon Drama Club presents Andrew Bovell’s Things I Know to Be True at the Unicorn Theatre this March — a powerful and moving exploration of family, love and identity.
-
Katherine Jenkins celebrates 25 years in music with Oxford date on 2026 UK anniversary tour
Katherine Jenkins will perform at Oxford’s New Theatre in October 2026 as part of her 25th anniversary UK and Ireland tour, celebrating a milestone career with a run of 18 special shows featuring her greatest hits.
-
Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to Amey Theatre, Abingdon this March and April
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns in 2026, bringing extreme adventure, inspiring human stories and breath-taking landscapes to Amey Theatre, Abingdon, on 05 March and 30 April.
-
Stage Watch: Burlesque, Harry Potter, Cyrano, Here & Now, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
From glittering musical tours to spellbinding West End finales, lyrical reimaginings of classics, toe-tapping pop-inspired shows, and explosive psychological drama, there’s a theatre experience for every taste this season.
-
Oxford alumni nominated for 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction longlist
Four Oxford-connected writers have been named on the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction longlist, part of a “hopeful” selection celebrating outstanding narrative non-fiction across politics, memoir, science, history and art.