Theatre Reviews
Discover honest, insightful reviews of the latest live theatre productions in Oxford and beyond — from West End transfers to independent local gems at New Theatre Oxford, Oxford Playhouse, and stages big and small across the Oxfordshire.
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Review: Kinky Boots the Musical – A heartfelt high-heeled hit at New Theatre Oxford
A dazzling celebration of self-expression and acceptance, Kinky Boots struts into Oxford with heart, humour, and high heels – don’t miss this fabulous feel-good musical.
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Review: The Rocky Horror Show – A riotous night of time-warping fun
Outrageous, panto-esque and irresistibly bold – The Rocky Horror Show delivered a night of wild fun, fabulous costumes, and unfiltered audience energy. Just remember: don’t dream it, be it.
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Review: Cruel Intentions The ’90s Musical – Seduction, sass and a whole lot of ’90s nostalgia
Sexy, slick, and packed with sing-along anthems, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is a wickedly fun throwback that knows exactly what it’s doing — seducing audiences with scandal, sass, and a killer soundtrack.
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Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – bright, bold, and brimming with energy
With its uplifting themes, toe-tapping tunes, and a star-studded(ish) cast oozing with personality, this show was the perfect antidote to my post-Christmas malaise.
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Review: War Horse is nothing short of a theatrical triumph and continues to resonate so powerfully
From its extraordinary puppetry and minimalist set design to its compelling storytelling about the brutal realities of World War I, this production of War Horse exemplifies the enduring power of theatre to move and inspire.
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Review: Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby hits the Oxford stage
Oxford’s New Theatre has hosted Rambert Dance Company’s hit production Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer
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Review: Grease the Musical – A nostalgic celebration of 1950s youth culture
A celebration of the 1950s youth culture, Grease captures the spirit, fashion, music, and rebellious energy of that era, combining it with timeless themes of teenage love, identity, and peer pressure.
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Review: & Juliet musical – What if there is life after Romeo?
What if Juliet didn’t die? What if Juliet ditches her famous ending for a new beginning and a second chance at life and love? Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo.
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Review: An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical – Reviving 80s nostalgia with a modern twist
As Leicester Curve’s production of An Officer and a Gentleman: The Musical touring the UK heads to Oxford, director Nikolai Foster says audiences are in for a surprise.
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Review: Come From Away – A musical celebration of the best of humanity in the face of adversity
The Tony Award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of the events that unfolded when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were ordered to land unexpectedly in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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In Pictures: Madagascar the Musical
“Madagascar the Musical” is a stage adaptation of the popular animated film “Madagascar,” produced by DreamWorks Animation, where a group of zoo animals from the Central Park Zoo in New York City accidentally end up in the wilds of Madagascar.
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Review: The Drifters Girl – Notes of tenacity in a compelling and uplifting performance
The performance is a whirlwind of events and information. It moves at such a pace that some might find it a little bit overwhelming, but all things considered, it is a compelling and uplifting theatrical experience.
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The Vivienne: From Drag Superstar to Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz
Arguably, the UK’s premier drag superstar, The Vivienne, shares her thoughts ahead of the UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz.
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Review: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – A celebration of identity and resilience
Inspired by a 2011 BBC documentary, ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ is a heartwarming and empowering musical that will leave you in high spirits long after the curtains come down.
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Review: Pretty Woman The Musical – A stage full of love, laughter, and lifelong dreams
As the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to Oxford’s New Theatre, we delve into the fascinating journey of transforming this classic romantic comedy into a spectacular stage musical and the enduring legacy of the late Garry Marshall’s heartwarming storytelling
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Review: The Bodyguard The Musical – A crowd-pleasing screen-to-stage musical
The impressive production of the beloved 90s movie proved to be both a crowd-pleasing screen-to-stage musical and a delightful reminder of the film and its iconic songs.