The Burton-Taylor Theatre (BT) in Oxford is well-known among students but less so among the general public. This is a huge pity, because although small, it offers a unique chance, in some cases, to see the first productions of new writing, and certainly a range of experimental as well as traditional ... Read review
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Advantages: You never know what will be on next Disadvantages: Small
The Burton-Taylor Theatre (BT) in Oxford is well-known among students but less so among the general public. This is a huge pity, because although small, it offers a unique chance, in some cases, to see the first productions of new writing, and certainly a range of experimental as well as traditional drama that would put some major theatres to shame.
The set-up is small but, from a production team's point of view, well-appointed. The ... ...to buy tickets in advance for Friday and Saturday night performances. These are available from the box office of the Oxford Playhouse (which basically owns the BT) just around the corner. Prices are low, and good value.
The theatre is not the most comfortable of places, but then again practically no theatre even these days can be described as comfortable. However as the plays put on are usually short, this is not a problem, although ... more
The Burton-Taylor Theatre (BT) in Oxford is well-known among students but less so among the general public. This is a huge pity, because although small, it offers a unique chance, in some cases, to see the first productions of new writing, and certainly a range of experimental as well as traditional drama that would put some major theatres to shame.
The set-up is small but, from a production team's point of view, well-appointed. The capacity is just 50 seats, so it is as well to buy tickets in advance for Friday and Saturday night performances. These are available from the box office of the Oxford Playhouse (which basically owns the BT) just around the corner. Prices are low, and good value.
The theatre is not the most comfortable of places, but then again practically no theatre even these days can be described as comfortable. However as the plays put on are usually short, this is not a problem, although disabled access is.
The system that operates during term time when student productions are being produced is that there are two shows on every night except Sunday and Monday nights. A show runs for one week only, and inevitably the Friday and Saturday night performances are usually sold out. The two shows are at 7.30 and 9.30 respectively. The first runs for between 75 and 90 minutes, the other for 60 minutes, although occasionally a show will take both slots and then run for up to 3 hrs with an interval. On Sunday nights various things happen, but stand up comedy has been one use in the past.
As a result of this constant upheaval there's little point in commenting on productions except to say that the facilities are excellent for productions and very flexible, so one should be prepared to see imaginative uses of this space. Moreover, the selection process for the plays which are put on leads to, in general, a very high standard in performances.
The BT has a lot to recommend it, since it offers a small-scale introduction to professional theatre work for amateur student groups, and it is well worth supporting, because many of these groups produce extremely good, professional interpretations of both old and new writing - a very exciting opportunity for them and for the community as a whole.
Advantages: Close to home if you live near Oxford Disadvantages: Lack of Legroom
Last night we went to the opening night of Copacabana (CORRECTION: Barry Manilow's Copacabana) at the Oxford Apollo.
This is a review of the Oxford Apollo, because there is no category for Copacabana (BUT you will also get a mini bonus review, just like on DVD!)
This theatre is in the heart of Oxford and was scheduled for refurbishment and re-branding as the NEW Theatre (which it was called before it was renamed Oxford Apollo). It is just a short ride from the Park and Ride and then just around the corner.
I went there with two local girls who said it was always called the New Theatre and they did not know of an Old Theatre (or just A Theatre). (Though they did explain to me about the Playhouse which was funded by Richard Burton and Liz Taylor.)
The Oxford Apollo is sadly in need of this facelift! The carpet was in ...
