Week 2
A new adaptation of the classic novel, Laclos’ Dangerous Liaisons, and the only student production to grace the Playhouse this term; it promises, if nothing else, to be a spectacularly flamboyant and very lucrative show, from a notorious production team.
Also on: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Christ Church Gardens), Principles of Murder (Somerville)
Week 3
Brasenose Arts Festival, the yearly offering of artistic talent, includes three plays: A Doll’s House, Blithe Spirit, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, all on at Brasenose, among other treats. Also of note is The Soldier’s Tale (LMH Simpkins Lee Theatre), a combination of contemporary dance and spoken word, with a score by Igor Stravinsky.
Also on: Court (Burton Taylor Studio), Tamings (Keble O’Reilly), The Tempest (Magdalen Gardens)
Week 4
A piece of promising new writing, Killing Hitler (Keble O’Reilly) traces the story of Adam von Trott from Oxford to the plot to assassinate Hitler.
Also on: The Rain Starts A-Fallin’ and Cowboy Mouth (Burton Taylor Studio), The Importance of Being Earnest (Exeter)
Week 5
The first OUDS Shakespeare Festival will be a series of plays, poetry and readings performed in the gardens of Oxford. If you’re not plagued by exams (or even if you are), take in some of the Bard’s finest with a glass of Pimms in the summer sun.
Also on: Bug and Fear (Burton Taylor Studio), Proof (Keble O’Reilly), Neville’s Island (St Peter’s Gardens)
Week 6
Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea at the Burton Taylor will offer respite from the Shakespeare onslaught. Meanwhile, the BardFest saves the best till last: the woefully underperformed Love’s Labour’s Lost is on in the Christ Church gardens. Expect dancing, music, and much mirth.
Also on: Closer (Keble O’Reilly), After the Dance (LMH)
Week 7
A new adaptation of Austen stock romance Pride and Prejudice in the Christ Church Cathedral gardens will have Darcy fans swooning.
Also On: Edward II (Corpus Christi), Contractions (Burton Taylor Studio)
Week 8
Arabian Nights may be drenching the Burton Taylor in sand in a new take on immersive theatre, but they won’t be able to hold a candle to the legend of the Oxford Revue and Friends, the ‘friends’ being the Cambridge Footlights and the Durham Revue, in a one night show that will undoubtedly sell out the Playhouse.
Also on: Nocturne (Turl Street Kitchen)