Oxford Playhouse

The Oxford Playhouse has a rich history dating back to its establishment as a repertory theatre in 1938. It was the last new theatre to be constructed before World War II. During its early years, the Playhouse hosted a resident company of actors who performed one play in the evenings while rehearsing the next during the day.

One of the most famous productions in the theatre’s history was the Oxford University Dramatic Society’s “Dr Faustus” in 1966, which featured Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Over the years, the Playhouse has seen performances by notable student actors, including Rowan Atkinson, Michael Palin, and Dudley Moore.

The Playhouse faced financial difficulties and closed in 1987 due to a lack of funds for essential modernisation1. However, it reopened in 1991 after a successful fundraising campaign and major refurbishment

Photo © Geraint Lewis