Oxford has a flourishing arts scene, with 5 cinemas and anything between 4 and 50 theatres, depending on how you're counting. Many productions are held in college gardens in the summer.
Tickets
Tickets for many Oxford events are available through the Oxford Playhouse's TicketsOxford service (or calling their box office on 01865 305305). Tickets for shows at the New Theatre can be booked online at www.atgtickets.com.
Additional tickets may be found at TicketMaster and WeGotTickets.
Cinemas
Abbey Close
Abingdon-on-Thames
The Abbey Cinema is a two screen cinema spread across two venues. With a screen in Abbey Hall that offers Dolby 7.1 surround sound experience, and a secondary screen in the cinema's old home, the Unicorn Theatre, the Abbey Cinema offers up to four films a day with a mix of the best films currently ...More info
Marriotts Walk, Witney
See the latest blockbusters at this multiplex cinema, with free parking.More info
Westgate Oxford
Castle St
Oxford
Set over two floors and incorporating five screens, Curzon Oxford hosts a cafe-bar with a light bites menu, as well as a night-time bar with lounge areas to enjoy a drink before and after your film. They offer spacious, comfortable screens showing the latest in Hollywood entertainment mixed with ...More info
54 Catherine St
Oxford
They run evening classes and weekend workshops taking you from the basics of how to shoot (digital) film, edit, animate, record sound, etc through to sophisticated direction, scriptwriting, and specialist techniques. See website for a full list of current courses. In the summer they introduce the ...More info
57 Walton Street
Oxford
Oxford's 2 screen arthouse/world cinema (and Oxford's oldest, in continuous use since 1913). Fully licensed; you can take in drinks from their upstairs bar.More info
Thame Players Theatre
Nelson St
Thame
Thame Cinema is organised by a team of local people with a love of good films. They welcome others to get involved with choosing, and showing our films. Though a not for profit organisation, they have made small profits most years which are then put back into improved equipment and the hosting of ...More info
Jeune St
Oxford
All the classic films you ever wanted to see on the big screen, some art-house new releases and some you'll never have heard of. Wheelchair accessible for all screenings, and wheelchair using cinema-goers can use accessible toilets at G&Ds over the road.More info
Checker Walk
Abingdon
Charming Elizabethan-style theatre, in the Medieval Abbey buildings, which are also worth exploring. The theatre is in what was the Checker Hall (Abbey exchequer), and was turned over to its current use in 1952, partially using child labour from nearby Radley College! It's small, steep, and ...More info
Grenoble Road (nr Kassam Stadium)
Oxford
Located inside the Ozone Leisure Park, Vue Oxford has 12 screens with over 1,380 seats. There is stadium seating & IR hearing system throughout, ample free parking, bowling and restaurants attached. Screens 1-8 have wheelchair bays. All screens are fitted with Digital Dolby 6.1 Surround Sound. This ...More info
Market Place
Wallingford
Theatre and cinema, home of the Sinodun Players.More info
43 Market Street
Wantage
Come along and enjoy a three-course meal and a movie for just £19.95. Free popcorn too! Fully licensed (you can take in to the cinema drinks from the horseshoe cocktail bar).More info
All Oxford Cinemas: What’s On Now.
Nightclubs
Cantay House
Park End Street
Oxford
No one actually refers to Atik by its real name. It's perpetually known as Park End no matter what efforts go into re-branding it every few years. Favourite of sports teams and is heaving on Monday nights.More info
6-9 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
Commercial dance, RnB, old skool, themed student nights, etc. See website for full info. Lounge Bar has waitress service & table reservations. Sister bar is Spirit on Park End St. The club offers two large bars, a premium bar in the Lounge and 3 dancefloors to suit all tastes, as well as a giant ...More info
162 Cowley Road
Oxford
Celebrating over 20 years of Gigs, Clubs and live performance - showcasing Local, National and International touring acts - and some of the scenes leading DJ's, the Bullingdon is one of Oxford's premier gig venues. Now home to a cocktail bar with over 135 yrs of history, 40+ cocktails, a selection ...More info
36-37 Queen Street
Oxford
From the team behind Thirst, Hanks is a spin on the classic American hamburgers and dance floor palace that was Maxwell's. Classic cocktails, a dance floor, a large function room for private hire, and a selection of street food. Named after co-owner Al's then-recently deceased cat, a lovable stray.More info
43 Iffley Road
Oxford
Brush up on your riddles as you'll have to answer one to get in the door of this Alice in Wonderland-vibed speak easy. The Hatter's also got wild cocktails, suitably dressed bartenders and a photobooth. Private karaoke rooms are available to book.More info
190 Cowley Road,
Oxford
Events almost every night during university term from 7.30-10ish, including a selection of regular and specialist club nights. Main venue is downstairs, with a street-front bar which can be closed off to become another small venue; upstairs is a smaller venue and bar.More info
Frewin Court
Oxford
Plush is Oxford's premier LGBTQ+ venue, offering amazing drinks offers, live acts, and great resident DJ's. Plush is open Fridays and Saturdays.More info
13 Park End Street
Oxford
The purgatory of Bridge, though many say it's better than Bridge itself. Revamped in 2018 with a bigger dancefloor. Live DJs from 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.More info
7-8 Park End Street
Oxford
Large, lively cocktail bar with DJs. Surprisingly large & pleasant courtyard at rear. Stupid hours & happy hours daily (cocktail menu on website). Central to Oxford's 'west end' clubbing scene.More info
The Covered Market
9a High Street
Oxford
Unique and spectacular, the original Oxford roof terrace puts you in amongst the Dreaming Spires with unparalleled 360 degree views. The Roof is open year round, with a dedicated bar serving draught beers and cider, Pimm’s and Prosecco. Food from our kitchen is available on the roof and during ...More info
If you're nostalgic for the club where you danced in the New Millennium (to the strains of Robbie Williams no doubt) check out our Nightclubs & Bars archive page.
Theatres
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Woodstock Road
Oxford
Beautiful new Maths building in the ROQ campus, also home to all sorts of events including art workshops and theatre. Includes the most stunning view from the common room, looking out on the Observatory.More info
Portway
Wantage
Arts centre, plus yoga and other fitness classes, and hireable venue for weddings, conferences and other functions (£12 - £46 per hour depending on size of space, plus equipment and kitchen fees. See website for booking details).More info
Gloucester Street
(between Beaumont Street and Gloucester Green)
Oxford
The coolest, smallest space to see theatre, comedy and family shows in Oxford!More info
2 Spring Street
Chipping Norton
Theatre in pretty market town, which started life as a Salvation Army Citadel and only became a theatre in 1973, since when it has been well-used. Now hosts one-night events, productions by home and visiting companies, and a long Christmas panto run each year.More info
25 Station Road
Didcot
Cornerstone is a purpose-built, professional arts, culture and entertainment venue in the heart of Didcot, brought to you by South Oxfordshire District Council. Opened in 2008, they present a high quality programme of live performance, participatory activities, exhibitions and outreach work that ...More info
within the Frewin Annexe
St Michael's Street (next to the Union)
Oxford
It is a Norman Undercroft from 12th Century, formerly part of St Mary's College which was knocked down during the reformation. It's part of Brasenose College which of course means there's no useful information about it on the Brasenose College website! But they do have links to information about ...More info
19 New St
Henley-on-Thames
Situated in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, the Kenton Theatre is the fourth-oldest working theatre in the UK and a registered charity. Seating 240, the theatre today offers a varied programme of comedy, drama, music, talks and more – as well as being available for hire.More info
Grove Park Drive
Nr Ardington, 1 mile east of Wantage, off A417
Oxon
With its timber beams, sweeping tiled floor and large wooden doors opening onto a manicured lawn, it’s the perfect setting for a magnificent barn wedding, wedding reception or party.More info
Magdalen College
High Street
Oxford
The Auditorium itself is fully air-conditioned, with tiered seating for 160, and dedicated projection and sound rooms. Each seat is equipped with a pull-out writing ‘tablet’ to support note-taking. The proscenium arch style stage is on a level with the front row of seating. Considerable ...More info
Spiceball Park
Banbury
Banbury-based arts centre, showing music, theatre, film and comedy.More info
Wadham College
Parks Rd
Oxford
Seats 130 in theatre style with tiered seating. Can be also arranged as classroom for 60. Hearing induction loop system and lift access available.More info
2 George Street
Oxford
Oxford's largest theatre hosts a great variety of entertainment (large popular musicals, touring dramatic productions, opera, ballet, pop) with some famous names. Box office opens 12 noon (Mon to Sat) and closes either at 4pm or 15 minutes after start of a show.More info
South Parade
Oxford
Award-winning 191-seat theatre converted from a Victorian swimming pool. Specialises in programming original (and often quirky) contemporary theatre, comedy, music and dance, and ticket prices are very reasonable. The light, airy space in the foyer is used as an art gallery. Part of St Edward's ...More info
Entrance at Blackhall Road (behind Keble)
Oxford
?The O'Reilly Theatre is one of Oxford's newest student theatres, opened in October 2002. Located in the grounds of Keble College, it is a 181 capacity theatre whose versatile staging and technical possibilities make it a popular venue for some of the best student drama around. Every term four ...More info
40 George Street
Oxford
Arts, performance, studio and workshop space in partnership with homeless charity Crisis.More info
Oxford Brookes University
Headington Hill Hall Campus
(behind Richard Hamilton Building - ask site staff)
Headington
Oxford
The drama studio is a plain black box with nothing inside it to distract people from what you put in. It puts audiences and performers up close to one another making it a dramatic venue for high-impact performances.
The studio offers:
Flexible audience seating and staging configuration, ...More info
44-46 Oxford Castle
Oxford
Costumed character guides show visitors round the Saxon tower (360° views), 900-year-old crypt, mound of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle (with vaulted well chamber), 18th-century Debtors Tower and prison D-Wing.
Hiring information: Available daytime and evening for private hire for ...More info
11-12 Beaumont Street
Oxford
Oxford's serious receiving house also hosts musicians in concert, literary events and an annual Christmas panto. Has two theatre bars (one upstairs, one down) and full facilities for disabled people. Free tickets are available for under 26's for some performances. Apply in advance, for Tues or Wed ...More info
Magdalen Road
Oxford
East Oxford's vibrant community theatre, newly refurbished in 2010. Check out the fabulous bike rack - probably the best example of a functional art installation in Oxford.
Pegasus is a venue with a range of rooms suitable for meetings and presentations as well as social events and birthday ...More info
Pembroke College
Pembroke Street
Oxford
This beautifully crafted, oak panelled auditorium seats up to 170 and also boasts fully retractable seating. The space is therefore completely flexible to suit your requirements. Built in state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and microphones/PA system, this room has stunning acoustics. There is ...More info
3 Nelson Street
Theatre showing musicals, comedy and theatre. Thame Players are a vibrant theatre group with over 150 members and friends. Founded nearly 75 years ago, they present a wide variety of productions from Shakespeare to pantomime. They present five productions a year, along with social events and the ...More info
Saïd Business School
Park End Street
Oxford
Rooftop Amphitheatre, where Creation Theatre have staged their outdoor plays in Summer. If wet, events may use the Nelson Mandela Auditorium indoors. Often hosts charity gigs too.More info
Ruskin Hall
Dunstan Road
Old Headington
Oxford
Specialists in adult education, Ruskin College provides university-standard teaching in a small residential college, to give adults a second chance at gaining qualifications. They offer long and short courses on a whole variety of topics, and there are monthly open days to give you more info and a ...More info
Broad Street
Oxford
With seating capacity for 717 people, the Sheldonian Theatre is an exquisite Grade I listed historic Oxford venue (designed by Christopher Wren) situated in the city centre. It is the ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford and it is where students matriculate (attend a welcome ceremony) and ...More info
Norham Gardens
Oxford
Built in 2010 with the character and detailing of an earlier era, it has the fully equipped tech booth of a modern theatre. A sweeping, decorative ceiling of carved wood provides dramatic flourish, in keeping with the neo-classical style of the surrounding Pipe Partridge building.More info
St John the Evangelist Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School,
Bluebell Way,
Shilton Park,
Carterton
Hall available for hire, with ceiling mounted stage lighting, electric blackout blinds, a wall mounted PA system, and portable staging, plus benches and wall bars. From £20 per hour. Sports field also available from £15 per hour.More info
St John's College
St Giles
Refreshments can be provided by the college if booked in advance. Generally the college suggests that events should conclude by about 11pm, but this is definitely negotiable within reason. Hirers are advised to inform those attending their event that parking is not available in the college and may ...More info
Headington School
Headington Road
Oxford
240 seat studio theatre with a programme encompassing everything from professional productions from leading touring companies to concerts, lectures and workshops.More info
Checker Walk
Abingdon
Charming Elizabethan-style theatre, in the Medieval Abbey buildings, which are also worth exploring. The theatre is in what was the Checker Hall (Abbey exchequer), and was turned over to its current use in 1952, partially using child labour from nearby Radley College! It's small, steep, and ...More info
Market Place
Wallingford
Theatre and cinema, home of the Sinodun Players.More info
Bagnor
Newbury
(20m south of Oxford)
Regional theatre producing fine touring productions, and introducing new writing to rural areas.More info
Market Square
Witney
The Corn Exchange re-opened in 2015 after refurbishment. The Hall was built in 1863 and overlooks the Market Square in the centre of Witney OX28 6AB. There are two rooms available to hire. The Gallery Room occupies the front part of the building on the first floor which can accommodate meetings, ...More info
Current listings for Oxford theatres and outdoor shows can be found here.