This September, Buttercross Theatre Productions is set to unveil a thrilling new chapter in its theatrical journey with Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play, a gripping and immersive homage to the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. The production will be staged at the Corn Exchange in Witney and promises audiences a unique evening of drama, nostalgia, and community spirit.
Blending the evocative storytelling style of 1940s radio with live sound effects, period costumes, and a talented ensemble of voice actors, Vintage Hitchcock reimagines three of Hitchcock’s early classics, The Lodger, Sabotage, and The 39 Steps. The result is a sensory-rich experience that combines old-school suspense with a modern twist.
“Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play marks an exciting new chapter for Buttercross Theatre Productions,” said the team behind the production. “While our pantomimes and musicals have become beloved fixtures in West Oxfordshire’s cultural calendar, this production offers something refreshingly different.”
The creative team has taken a bold step by pairing the performance with an artisan cheese and wine offering, elevating the evening into a full sensory experience. “We’ve embraced the challenge of creating a multi-sensory experience, pairing the nostalgic charm of a staged radio drama with a cheese and wine offering to delight all the senses.”
Audience members will receive individual cheese boxes featuring a curated selection of cheeses, homemade crackers and chutney, and fresh grapes, all prepared by Yellow Submarine, an award-winning Oxfordshire-based social enterprise that supports young people with learning disabilities and autism.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Yellow Submarine for this production,” the BTP team added. “As a non-profit organisation focused on community and inclusion, we believe it’s incredibly important to work alongside and support other values-driven organisations in our area.
“Yellow Submarine were a natural choice when we were considering the logistics of providing cheese boards to our audience; their creativity and willingness to develop a new product specifically for this show is a credit to the excellent service they provide.”
“Yellow Submarine’s work empowering young people with learning disabilities and autism is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to help promote their mission to our wonderful audiences. Their food is also absolutely delicious. We can’t wait for audiences to enjoy the Life Changing Bakes on offer during the show!”
“The Buttercross cast, known for its vibrant community of local performers, has taken on the demanding task of mastering a variety of accents and roles. Our cast has risen brilliantly to the occasion, mastering a range of accents and characters, sometimes within a single scene, and learning to captivate audiences through the expressive power of voice and sound.”
“This show is a tribute to the golden age of storytelling, a celebration of suspense, and a nod to the enduring legacy of Alfred Hitchcock. With today’s fascination with true crime podcasts and psychological thrillers, we believe this production will resonate deeply with modern audiences. We can’t wait to welcome you to an unforgettable evening of entertainment.”
Founded in 2021, Buttercross Theatre Productions is a West Oxfordshire-based, community-focused company committed to creating high-quality, accessible theatre that brings people together. In addition to performances, BTP offers a growing programme of performing arts classes for all ages, from youth theatre and adult acting classes to musical theatre and dance.
Their recent staging of Chicago: Teen Edition played to packed houses and enthusiastic reviews, with one performance completely sold out. The company also continues to charm audiences with its annual pantomimes and musicals, celebrating local talent of all ages. Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play will run at the Corn Exchange, Witney, this September.
For a night of suspenseful storytelling, vintage atmosphere, and heartwarming community spirit, with cheese and wine to match, this is a show not to be missed.
