A Beautiful Thread
26 May @ 7.30pm
About A Beautiful Thread
Presented by Hambletts
Starring Anton Lesser
In A Beautiful Thread, Oxford Playhouse favourite, Anton Lesser (Endeavour, Wolf Hall, Game of Thrones) tells the story of Thomas Hardy’s life – as dramatic as any of his books – in Hardy’s own words, through his sublime poetry, letters, and great novels, including Far From the Madding Crowd, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure.
Anton Lesser and Lucia Bonbright bring a hugely varied cast to dazzling life: from Hardy’s immortal characters, Hardy himself, his mother, Jemima and wives, Emma and Florence, to George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf!
The show highlights Hardy’s humour (often overlooked!), his modernity, the astonishing time-span he lived through, and his global reach, from Japan to Hollywood. Adapted by Deirdre Shields, Hardy’s extraordinary writing shines bright as ever.
Thomas Hardy put more music in his novels than any other writer, and Orchestra of the Swan’s Artistic Director, David Le Page has devised a musical programme of shimmering beauty that weaves around the words, from classical music to contemporary folk, performed live by on-stage musicians from Orchestra of the Swan.
From Hambletts, the creative team that brought Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words and Music to Oxford Playhouse.
Reviews
“Superb!” ★★★★★
Broadway World
“I’m delighted to be returning to Oxford! Words and Music is a kind of unique genre, neither pure reading, nor acting, but with an immediacy that comes from the huge emotional impact the music has upon the words, and vice versa, and the interplay we actors enjoy with the musicians on-stage. Quite simply, it’s the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done!”
Anton Lesser (Endeavour, Wolf Hall, Andor, Game of Thrones)
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
£16.00 to £36.00
Dates & times:
Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 7.30pm
Running time:
This show has an interval
Age guidance:
14+
About Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce several live performances and feature a rich array of British and international dramas, family entertainment, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.
The Playhouse not only produces and tours its own theatrical productions, but it also fosters creativity through its Artists in Residence program and the Playhouse Plays Out series, which brings unique events to various locations across the county.
The theatre’s Participation Team engages over 15,000 individuals annually, offering an extensive range of activities, including post-show discussions, workshops, work experience opportunities, holiday programs, a youth theatre, and a company for young performers.
Oxford Playhouse stands dedicated to its mission of being a Playhouse for all, striving to ignite inspiration and bring about transformative experiences through its commitment to creativity on its stages, within its community and online.
Discover more about Oxford Playhouse, including travel, access and venue information.
