As the autumn entertainment season kicks off around Oxfordshire, we bring you our guide of what to see, do and book now!
American Candy, 11 – 12 September at BT Studio, Oxford – a new comedy-crime play by Tom Murray and directed by Francesca Hsieh, asks why societal anxieties in the UK are increasingly projected onto minorities, and what it will take for us to trust one another. Inspired by the opening of mysterious American Candy Stores that take up prime real estate across the UK, often reported as fronts for criminal activity, this thrilling dark comedy about capitalist corruption, unpacks racism, the mandem, and widening societal inequalities, in this fierce new play from young theatre-makers. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/american-candy
Paul Joyce: Remembrances of War exhibition, Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, September 13 – Nov 18. Featuring striking scenes from WW2 his work mixes childhood memories of playing amid the rubble of a bombed-out Crystal Palace with a world nearly destroyed. The paintings here reflect this interplay between first-hand and received experience; from South London to Hiroshima and elsewhere across Europe, set alongside artefacts from the museum’s collection which explores how everyday people rationalise and live through extraordinary events and conflicts. https://www.sofo.org.uk/remembrancesofwar/
Maybe I Should Stop, Burton Taylor Studio, September 17-18. A one-man-show brought to you by To The Tooth Theatre Company, written and performed by Oscar Brudenall-Jones, meet Aaron, an unemployed entertainer, who’s stolen his dad’s ashes and hidden them in a tub of chocolates. On his journey to St. Ives to scatter them, we discover the reasons behind his theft, and witness a suspenseful chase with the police. This dark comedy premieres its it’s UK tour in Oxford and is running workshops in local schools on using creativity and comedy to work through hard times. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/maybe-i-should-stop
Sam Avery: Thunderstorm, September 19, Didcot Cornerstone. The award-winning comedian returns with this electrifying new show! Expect thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and a hilarious journey through parenting chaos, conspiracy theories, and the madness of modern life. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/sam-avery-thunderstorm
Join Oxford Opera Company’s Youth Company and star in the ‘Kids Go Classical‘ concert at Oxford’s Sheldonian. Oxford Opera Company’s founder Stuart Pendred is recruiting young, wanna-be opera-singers. Those who sign up (there are two groups aged 8-12 and 13-16) will then be coached every Saturday afternoon over 10 weeks at OFS, starting on September 20, to take part in the incredible evening of musicality in March next year. https://oxfordopera.uk
Ocean Film Festival World Tour, Amey Theatre, Abingdon, September 20. Bringing a new collection of thrilling ocean-themed films, starring gripping ocean adventures and mesmerising marine-life to showcase the wonder and power of the sea. This selection of short films from around the world includes Let Me Live, about a legendary big wave surfer from Cornwall, plus films about freediving, extreme bodyboarding and more. The inspirational documentaries are introduced by a compère, and each screening will see a free prize giveaway to win ocean- related goodies. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ocean-film-festival-abingdon-20-september-2025-tickets
TCHAIKOVSKY, September 21 at Dorchester Abbey. Orchestra of St John’s kicks off their impressive autumn concert series in Oxford and Dorchester with Tchaikovsky‘s Symphony no 5, alongside Elgar‘s Lux Aeterna for unaccompanied choir and the world premiere of Simon Proctor’s new Concerto for sackbut (an early form of the trombone) and orchestra. Evenings with Bach, Handel and a must see RAVEL AND STRAVINSKY with JENEBA KANNEH-MASON also feature. https://www.osj.org.uk/forthcoming-concerts/
Penned Up, Sept 22, The Theatre Chipping Norton. Welcome to HMP Ditchfield, where each week a group of prisoners are tasked with writing their own plays. From boxing rings to the Brazilian rainforest, tragic pasts to wildly imaginative futures, these men learn that theatre is more than words on a page – it’s a way to reclaim their voices. But as creativity collides with authority, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and laughter turns to rebellion. Witty, raw, and full of heart, this powerful play about second chances and the unexpected bonds that form behind bars is written by award winning playwright Danusia Iwaszko. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/penned-up
Oxford Chamber Music Festival, September 22-27. Back with a wonderful array of concerts, masterclasses and huge global names, this year’s theme is Eden in Oxford.. Founded by Oxford’s Priya Mitchell and set in some of Oxford’s most iconic venues, expect everything from a free pop-up concert in the Weston Library for next generation artists such as The Kleio Quartet, to the presitigious Belcea Quartet with Reto Bieri at The Sheldonian, Hugo Ticciati & O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra at Christ Church Cathedral or John Cage‘s beautiful dreamscape for the harpsichord, to name but a few. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to catch some of the world’s top musicians in Oxford, and a wonderfully diverse and nuanced programme. Go to https://www.ocmf.net/tickets/
Moments – The North Wall, Oxford, September 23-24. Weaving personal stories with theatrical imagination, master physical theatre makers Theatre Re deal with the key midlife experience of losing a parent, while also becoming and being a parent to the next generation in this new show. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/moments/
Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry To Offend, Old Fire Station, September 25. A stand-up comedy show about class, Britain, common decency and other revolting things that are best not talked about. Milo answers the salient questions of modern British life, set against a backdrop of a Britain in an advanced state of decay, a country where the post might arrive every other day and where visiting your dentist involves a day trip and sandwiches, Milo asks: it’s a revolting state of affairs but are we really offended? https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/milo-edwards-how-revolting-sorry-to-offend/
DETENTION, Fri 26 – Sat 27 September, Oxford Playhouse. Gary Clarke Company’s new dance theatre show is performed by a company of exceptional dancers, a narrator, and local cast of LGBT+ people who explore Section 28, which ‘prohibited the promotion of homosexuality’, forcing the LGBT+ community into a place of secrecy, fear and shame. Set to a backdrop of nationwide industrial turmoil and the onslaught of Aids ,using powerful storytelling and drawing on verbatim testimonies, enhanced by some vivid choreography. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/detention
Lou Sanders and Friends, September 27. The Theatre Chipping Norton. The star of Last One Laughing, Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgivable, Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You? 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Richard Osman’s House of Games and more, enjoy this extended headline set by one of Britain’s most original comedians. Lou will be joined by two other fantastic comedians, yet to be announced, on the night.
https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/lou-sanders-and-friends
Thame Food Festival, Thame Showground, September 27-28. Expect a weekend packed full of culinary events, family fun, big names and foodie flair. Headlining the Big Cookery Stage is Christian De Vries, last year’s Great British Bake-Off finalist. Joining him is fellow GBBO favourite – the cheeky Nelly, alongside a stellar lineup of MasterChef talent including Steven Carter-Bailey, Dave Mooney, Eva Humphries, Suki Pantal, Forest Kwok, Matthew Samuels and Mary Wyer. Sample the Artisan & Street Food Market, The Hawkstone Tasting Studio, Kids’ Cookery Sessions with Mrs Bun the Baker, the Family Fun Zone,The Dog Show, live music stage, global street food stalls and 100+ artisan producers. An epic weekend then. https://thamefoodfestival.co.uk
The Party Girls, Oxford Playhouse, Tue 30 Sep – Sat 4 Oct. The glamorous Mitford girls cut a glorious swathe through pre-war high society, amidst the glittering world of debutantes and dukes. But as Fascism rises and political storm clouds crackle over carefree country houses, the bonds of sisterhood are threatened by new and treacherous desires. Amy Rosenthal‘s compelling, touching and witty new play explores the true story of a family riven by political extremism. Age guideline: 12+. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-party-girls
Ripples of Change Sustainable Fashion Show, The Orangery, Blenheim Palace, October 1. Cherwell Collective’s second annual runway show promotes ethical and circular fashion to highlight sustainable practices in clothing, accessories, and consumer habits. Showcasing collections designed by over 10 local sustainable designers, it will also feature submissions from designers in local organisations like Oxfam, Activate Learning, and The Ballroom Emporium. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ripples-of-change-sustainable-fashion-show-at-blenheim-palace-tickets
EVERYTHINGS WORKING OUT POETICALLY, October 1, Old Fire Station, Oxford. The return of Oxfordshire performance poet and theatre-maker Tina Sederholm, with this cabaret of delights that shines the flashlight of poetry into the swirling chaotic abyss of the world, to illuminate hope, joy and humanity. The Edinburgh Fringe veteran and her gang of Oxford spoken word legends, Rehema Njambi, Em Pritchard and Clare Bold showcase their most funny, uplifting and inspiring work, and play silly word games to prove not everyone has to be Instagrammably perfect to deserve love. https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/everythings-working-out-poetically-4/
John le Carré: Tradecraft. October 1 – April 6 2026, Treasury, Weston Library. A unique insight into the working methods of the writer who shaped the modern spy novel. Highlights include annotated manuscripts of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Constant Gardener, and The Little Drummer Girl; previously unseen family photographs; original sketches and watercolour paintings; and letters to fans and friends. Drawing on the vast archive of the author otherwise known as David Cornwell, much of this material (held at the Bodleian) is displayed for the first time and spans his life and career, from student life at Oxford’s Lincoln College to drafts penned in his final weeks. https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/lecarre
The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, Didcot Cornerstone, October 2. After a sell-out run in Bristol, Alma Theatre’s in-house company takes on Jane Austen like never before – three actors, six novels, 80 minutes. A fast-paced, big-hearted comedy perfect for lifelong Janeites and Austen newcomers alike. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/complete-works-jane-austen-abridged
Pete Firman, Tricks and Giggles, Didcot’s Cornerstone, October 3. The UK’s top comic magician’s unique style combines traditional magic tricks with his quick wit and comedic timing, making him a firm fan favourite. Join him as he embarks on an astonishing and never-seen-before show where audiences can expect laughter and of course, mind-blowing magic! Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers! https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/pete-firman-tricks-and-giggles
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America – The North Wall, Oxford, October 3-4. The actor, impressionist and stand-up went viral for his impressions of The Crown on X – next thing he knows, Hollywood is calling and he’s cast in a major superhero movie. As Kieran tells this story, he also explores how a scared world feels about the USA and impersonates a bunch of old prospectors and former Presidents. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/kieran-hodgson/
Breaking the Code, Oxford Playhouse, October 7-11. Based on the book ‘The Enigma’ by Andrew Hodges, with a new epilogue by Neil Bartlett, Alan Turing is famed for cracking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, effectively securing victory for the Allied forces in World War Two. From triumph to tragedy, get to know a human being who loved, lost and never stopped asking questions in a quest for truth and understanding in this new production by Hugh Whitemore. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/breaking-the-code
Phil Beer Trio, The Theatre Chipping Norton, October 9. An opportunity to see the world renowned multi-instrumentalist share the Blues roots of his musical life. Supported by his long-time collaborator Miranda Sykes on Bass guitar and Sian Monaghan on percussion, they will guide you through the music of Blind Willie Johnson, The Rev Gary Davis, Davy Graham, and John Mayall with that inimitable Phil Beer ‘twist’. Three great musicians at the top of their game with extraordinary musical careers. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/phil-beer-trio
Grace Petrie: This is No Time to Panic! – The North Wall, Oxford, October 11. British folk scene’s funniest lesbian, Grace’s 2022 standup debut Butch Ado About Nothing garnered critical acclaim and sold out venues across the UK. THIS IS NO TIME TO PANIC! sees her combine music and comedy for the first time. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/grace-petrie/
The Talented Mr. Ripley. October 13-18. Oxford Playhouse. Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. Tom Ripley is a nobody – scraping by in New York, when a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son. But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads and obsession spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder. Starring Ed McVey of The Crown, Bruce Herbelin-Earle from Netflix’s Free Rein and EastEnders regular and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith. Age 12+. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-talented-mr-ripley
IF Oxford science and ideas Festival: October 17 – November 2 – Bringing more than 100 exciting, intriguing and unexpected events and activities for adults, children and teenagers, many of them free, to over 28 venues in and around Oxford. These include museums to parks, cinemas, two pubs, a bakery and the Narnian wardrobe of Caper Bookshop. The programme includes fresh ideas, cutting-edge thinking from world-leading researchers and academics, topics including everything from moths to myths, medicine, monsters, the planets and how to save the world. With hands-on activities, art, music, theatre, comedy, photography, discussions and demonstrations, IF Oxford will inspire and entertain people of all ages. www.if-oxford.com
Moth x Human, October 17, IF Oxford, Oxford University Museum of Natural History. An immersive audio visual composition combining cutting edge musical technology and ecological research to inspire a sense of the wonder. Experience Ellie Wilson’s musical response to the collection of sonic night-data at a rare after-hours opening of the museum. Heralding the opening night of IF Oxford and ommissioned by Oxford Contemporary Music, you can also browse a scientific display about insects, with an expert panel on hand to discuss issues relating to the event. Students at The Northern School of Art created the atmospheric film which accompanies the performance. Suitable for audiences of all ages. https://if-oxford.com/event/moth-x-human-by-ellie-wilson/
Comedy Club For Kids, October 18. Chippy Theatre. Rounding up the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to entertain children (aged 6+) and their families, but without the rude bits! It’s family friendly and patronising free. https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/comedy-club-for-kids
Emma, Oxford Playhouse, October 20-25. The perfect time to revisit Austen’s comedy of manners, as we celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, than with this sparkling new stage adaptation. Headstrong and high-spirited, Emma Woodhouse – handsome, clever, and rich – has sworn never to marry. Instead, she delights in meddling in the romantic lives of those around her. But as her matchmaking schemes unfold, could she find herself caught in love’s wake? Directed by Stephen Unwin. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/emma
Jillian Edelstein: Truth and Lies, 22 October – 9 November, North Wall. This Photo Oxford exhibition brings the internationally-renowned photographer’s exhibition to Oxford as she documents the stories told at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the mid 1990s. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/jillian-edelstein-truth-and-lies/
Almost Nothing But Blue Ground, October 23, History of Science Museum -a performative lecture by artists Tom Pope and Matthew Benington weaving together storytelling, prints, and archival discoveries tracing the life and legacy of Anna Atkins — the trailblazing botanist and photographer who published Cyanotypes of British Algae (1843), the first book to be photographically printed and illustrated. Tom and Matthew’s research unearthed botany, land ownership, and the colonial roots of Victorian plant collecting. They also undertook a weeklong walk from Atkins’ former home in Tonbridge to the coast of Hastings, created their own cyanotype photographs which will be presented alongside. https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/event/almost-nothing-but-blue-ground
History of Science MuseumOrdinary Decent Criminal – The North Wall, Oxford, October 23-24, Mark Thomas is back in Oxford, starring in a brand new play from the writer of the Fringe First winning England & Son and A Political History of Smack & Crack, Ed Edwards. A tale of freedom, revolution and messy love. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/ordinary-decent-criminal/
THE WITTERING WHITEHALLS: BARELY ALIVE, New Theatre Oxford, October 24. The beloved duo Michael and Hilary Whitehall are bringing their hit podcast to the stage, for an unfiltered evening of wisdom, wit, sage advice and opinions, drawn from nearly 40 years of marriage, bringing up three children and their onward journey with grandchildren. With topics ranging from workouts to weddings, seaside towns to social media, the pair will share — and quite possibly shout — their thoughts on life’s many twists and turns. Audiences are encouraged to submit their own burning questions, and can expect a healthy dose of hilarious anecdotes, questionable advice and a fair share of expletives. No topic is off-limits! https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wittering-whitehalls-barely-alive/new-theatre-oxford/
Les Enfants Terribles: A Gameshow for Awful Children, October 25, The Story Museum. Age 6+ A big hit at Edinburgh Fringe, Marcel Lucont, the UK’s favourite French comedian, presents a wild family gameshow pitting kids against adults in a series of tasks to try and find Oxford’s most awful child. Kids get to be pests, politicians and pétomanes but who will be crowned the most awful child? See what happens when international insouciance meets infantile exuberance, which is every bit as entertaining for adults as it is for children. whats-on/les-enfants-terribles-a-gameshow-for-awful- children
The Paper Dolls / The Paper Dolls – The North Wall, Oxford, 25-26 October – One of our favourite Julia Donaldson books of all time, this has been adapted for the stage by the brilliant Little Angel Theatre. A little girl makes a string of paper dolls: Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow, who fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/the-paper-dolls/
Spot’s Birthday Party, Didcot Cornerstone, October 25-26. Bring the whole family to this heartwarming show based on Eric Hill’s beloved Happy Birthday Spot. Every ticket includes a free party hat and a meet-and-greet with Spot after the show! Packed with singing, dancing, and plenty of birthday magic. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/spots-birthday-party
A Magical Autumn Family Day, October 29, 11am – 3pm, Harcourt Arboretum. Activities for all the family based around tree magic, explore the myths surrounding different trees which help you find water, aid witches to fly and similarly keep them away. Create your own natural crafts, make a magical potion and cast your own tree spell. https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/magical-autumn-family-day
Josie Long: Now Is The Time Of Monsters, Oxford Playhouse, October 30. A brand-new show about discovery, wonder, extinction, and how to navigate a landscape of monstrous disaster from three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. Age guideline: 16+ https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/josie-long-now-is-the-time-of-monsters
Peatbog Faeries, October 31, Didcot Cornerstone. Hailing from the Isle of Skye, these Scottish trailblazers blend traditional folk with dance-floor grooves, jazz, African rhythms, and more. Their hypnotic instrumental soundscapes will have everyone on their feet. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/peatbog-faeries
Museum Late Night – With These Hands: Crafting a Shared Humanity, Friday 7 November, 7pm-10pm. Pitt Rivers and Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Explore the museums after dark in this joint event and join MultakaOxford volunteers as they share creativity from around the world, with hands-on craft making and behind the scenes activities. https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/event/museum-late-night-with-these-hands-crafting-a-shared-humanity
Fairytales for Grown-Ups: The Blacksmith at The Bridge of Bones – performance storytelling with Ben Haggarty. Nov 27, The Story Museum. 14+. This full- blooded fairytale for grown-ups, a rare tale of male initiations, is a story of power, knowledge, responsibility, alchemy, and the darkest magic of all. Evocative, unflinching, and beautiful by turn, this distant variant of the legend of Wayland the Smith explores that enduring relationship between teacher and apprentice. https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/crick- crack-streaming-the-blacksmith-at-the-bridge-of-bones
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET, Ashmolean, until Jan 11. This major exhibition explores the visual art of Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke and the iconic images of Radiohead. SNEAK PEEK: New exhibition ‘This is What You Get’ showcases Radiohead’s incredible artistic relationship, at The AshmoleanMore than 180 objects are on display from the artists’ 30-year collaboration, including original paintings for album covers, digital compositions, etchings, unpublished drawings, and lyrics in their sketchbooks. https://www.ashmolean.org/exhibition/this-is-what-you-get-stanley-donwood-radiohead-thom-yorke
Oxford Bach Choir, The Sheldonian, Dec 6. Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor, thought to be written in celebration of the composer’s marriage to Constanze, and full of thrilling music for his new wife to sing. An acclaimed quartet of soloists, including sopranos Lucy Cox and Daisy Bevan, join the choir and the London Mozart Players for a performance of one of Mozart’s masterpieces. The choir is also currently recruiting new members in all voice parts. www.oxfordbachchoir.org
