Oxford New Theatre

When I was a kid this was the Oxford Apollo. It was the first place I ever saw a concert. When I was 3 or 4 years old, I was a massive fan of Nik Kershaw - I still am, actually, he's one of my top 10, if not top 5. I dragged my mother to the concert. I was so tiny, they put me up on stage briefly. Good memories, although I mainly only recall it by looking at pictures. Hazy and foggy and just a little bit out of reach, buried in my subconscious.

Over the years, I saw other bands here when I was older, such as a very memorable Erasure concert. But nothing will ever compare to being 3 or 4 years old, being picked up and put onstage because I was so tiny, watching my hero Nik Kershaw on stage when he was at the height of his popularity.

It's a lovely theatre... it's changed a lot, but is still well worth the high ratings that it gets. And this is review #1983 that I have written.

I went to see Stomp here and was looking forward to a bit of luxury compared to the more casual performances of the Old Fire Station Theatre, Burton Taylor studio and various college theatres.


It's certainly a cut above the rest, with ushers, several bars, a grand interior and a huge stage. However, it feels a little more like going to the cinema than a night out at the theatre. We joined a disorganised queue of people trying to get in, then dodged our way to our seats. There was no comfy reception area to chat in, and it was very croweded, so we went straight in.


The ushers were helpful and our seats had a good view. They had binoculars in the stalls so it caters well for the short-sighted, although the stalls don't slop quite enough for the short-bodied to see over tall people in front.


There was no interval, so I didn't sample the bars, but I've heard they're not fanastic.


Still, I enjoyed the show and as the others have said, it really does have an amazing line-up every year. It gets big shows in at reasonable prices and is well worth going to.

Let me begin by saying that this theatre would receive more stars if i were marking only on the fruitful array of shows they have. Entertainment wise they present us with ballets, musicals, kids shows, classicals...you name it, they will show it. I have seen the snow queen ballet here, Starlight Express and even a tribute buddy holly band.


However, i am also marking this theatre on the staff - who are pleasant and friendly - so thats good, and the decor. mmmmm.


Ok, the good. The middle bar. Its like a theatre bar. Nice, theatre red and cosy. A nice relaxed atmosphere. Nothing too exciting and not much to say but it is pleasant.


HOWEVER. the stalls bar. aka the basement bar. aka they ran out of money before they realised it was there bar. It is awful. i would give this bar 1 star if i could mark it alone. HONESTLY. its a basement with awful painted walls, hardly any seats and makes you feel like your in a dungy club. which it probably used to be. In fact, im sure it was!


Then there is the theatre itself. The seating arrangement seems good, all seats seem adequately placed (i have been here a few times and have been seated almost on front row and on another occasion almost on the back row of the upper circle!) with good visuals. The stage is a good size. The seats however are TINY and crammed. I know most theatre seats are but this one seems even smaller than the usual. Very crammed indeed. And the theatre walls could definitely do with a lick of paint and the floor a good clean!


I guess the main thing is though, that this theatre really does get an excellent - not good - but excellent array of productions and people to perform, and that's the most important thing. Its nice to be able to see Jimmy Carr and the ballet in the same place!


As theatres go, this is the best in Oxford for shows. But probably not amenities.


To park use the city centre car park, but better to get a bus if near by!

The New Theatre is a fantastic facility to have in Oxford City Centre. It attracts a wide variety of high quality performers, from ballet to musicals, from the latest pop acts to operas.
The staff are always friendly and helpful, and the booking system is fast and efficient. The decor is lovely and the theatre has an air of excitement and magic about it.
The drinks are expensive but then that is to be expected in these types of venues.
However, the seats are comfortable, and you can get a good view from almost anywhere in the stalls, circle or balcony.
This is a really lovely venue, and you are guaranteed to have a really enjoyable evening on a trip out to the New Theatre.

The New Theatre was renamed a few years ago after having been called the Oxford Apollo for some time. It was refurbished and given back its original name.


This is the theatre in Oxford that tends to cater for the masses, it will show musicals and opera together with comedians, music artists and kids shows. The Playhouse Theatre tends to put on much more dramatical performances and also houses the pantomime at christmas.


Seating is generally ok, although leg room is slightly limited and there are definitely areas which should be avoided if you are vertically challenged!


Staff are very friendly but as usual concessions are expensive, they do put on ice cream at the interval though which adds a nice touch and reminds you that you are at the theatre!

This is a great venue - only a small theatre but it attracts a lot of great comedians, a smattering of good bands and plenty of plays, shows and pantomimes. Ranging from local groups to international stars, there's always something on here worth seeing.


The theatre itself isn't huge so wherever you're sat you'll be able to see the whole stage clearly. The facilities are reasonable and there's plenty of refreshments, as usual a bit overpriced. The tickets are good value compared to other theatres and venues. Always a great night out.

I went to see James Morrison here in November and really enjoyed it. We didnt have to queue to get in and the staff were really helpful and friendly. Even though we were right at the back of the balcony we could still see the stage. Queue's for the ladies toilets were really long (which was a shame as the que for the bar wasnt bad at all).


Traffic can be an issue at peaks as Oxford is quite a busy City. There are a few car parks - we parked a Gloucester Green which is a really close walk but was about £7 for the evening.


Lots of nice resturants and bars close buy if you have time before or after. We ate at Zizzi's but here are also a number of other well know resturants like Ask, Noodle Bar, La Tasca's etc.

I just came back from watching the hysterically funny Dylan Moran last night. Unfortunately the even was ruined due to the poor sound quality. I could barely hear what was going on and so missed most of the gags. That said the venue was comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. The staff were polite and friendly. I've been to other events here and enjoyed myself so I won't let it stop me going again. I think I will write them a letter about this event and advise they test against this in future

The New Theatre attracts great shows and musicians, but the theatre itself seems a little tired. It could use a freshening up. The balcony seats are extremely high (a bit disconcertingly so) but give a good view of the stage if you're late in booking your seats.

Nice theatre not too big, décor a little old but that adds to the character. Came here to see Lee Evans and Darrah O'Brain shows were both brilliant. Seats a little close together if you are particularly large you may find it a little cramped. Parking is a nightmare so use the park and ride.