Stage Watch
Stage Watch is The Oxford Magazine’s guide to theatre and live performance in Oxford and within easy reach — from local stages and touring productions to standout shows in London and leading regional theatres.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Legally Blonde The Musical: Heart and high-energy spectacle charms audiences at sold-out Oxford run
A completely sold-out Legally Blonde The Musical lit up New Theatre Oxford with colour, comedy and heart, as audiences were swept away from a sweltering heatwave into Elle Woods’ world of confidence, charm and self-discovery.
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Stage Watch: Heathers, Liberace & Liza, Six, The Karate Kid, & The Marquise
This edition of Stage Watch brings together a round-up of unmissable productions across Oxford, London and the wider region, from cult musicals and pop-infused historical retellings to heartfelt adaptations and classic comedy.
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Stage Watch: 2:22 A Ghost Story, Beetlejuice, The Lives of Others, War Horse & Waitress
From supernatural thrillers and West End musicals to National Theatre revivals and contemporary drama, here’s a round-up of five standout productions across Oxford, London and the wider region.
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Stage Watch: Somerset House enters the comedy arena with major new festival Laughterama
Somerset House will host a live comedy festival for the first time as Laughterama arrives this summer, bringing seven open-air shows across five days featuring Ross Noble, Sara Pascoe, Josh Widdicombe, Dara Ó Briain, Fern Brady, Nick Mohammed and more.
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Stage Watch: Psychological thriller The Silence of the Lambs premieres on stage
Bringing its unsettling character dynamics and intellectual tension into a live theatrical setting, The Silence of the Lambs will make its stage debut with John Partridge as Hannibal Lecter.