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: Oh, Mary!, Beetlejuice, Hay Fever, Cinderella, and The Silence of the Lambs
From anarchic comedy and gothic musical theatre to wartime dance and psychological suspense, this edition of Stage Watch explores five distinctive productions coming to London and Oxford this autumn and winter.
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Stage Watch: Pinocchio, Peppa Pig, Affluenza, Dirty Dancing, & Ballet Shoes
From festive family favourites to a stage adaptation of a much-loved film and a new drama starring a Stranger Things star, discover five productions worth putting on your theatre radar.
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Stage Watch: Avenue Q, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, I’m Every Woman, As You Like It & Tosca
Stage Watch rounds up five standout shows from London and Oxford. From the irreverent Avenue Q and experimental White Rabbit Red Rabbit to Chaka Khan, Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Puccini’s Tosca in Oxford, here’s what to put in your diary this week.
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Stage Watch: Now You See Me, Comedy About Spies, Standard Of Living, Every Woman & Silence of Lambs
This week’s Stage Watch features high-stakes illusion, Cold War farce, a major new political drama, the extraordinary life and music of Chaka Khan, and a chilling new interpretation of one of the world’s best-known psychological thrillers.
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Stage Watch: Fawlty Towers – The Play delivered a perfectly timed dose of comic chaos
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play successfully brought one of Britain’s most beloved comedies to the New Theatre Oxford stage, delivering a hugely enjoyable evening of chaos, sharp timing and timeless humour.
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Stage Watch: Waitress – a musical about the many ways people learn to love and be loved
Waitress is a richly textured musical about the many forms love can take, told through the interconnected lives of a small-town diner. Led by Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna and featuring standout supporting performances, the production reflects its diverse characters, each searching for connection in their own way.
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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.