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Burton Taylor Studio

Gloucester St, Oxford OX1 2BN

Rating: 4.6 ★ (63 ratings)

Details

Burton Taylor Studio is an intimate fifty-seat black box theatre, nestled just around the corner from the historic Oxford Playhouse in Gloucester Street. This venue stands out for its unique character as Oxford's smallest and coolest space for witnessing new work, fostering an unvarnished and direct connection between performers and audience. It serves as a dynamic hub, renowned for its intimacy and as a crucible for emerging talent and experimental productions.

Throughout university terms, the studio buzzes with a wide array of student productions, often showcasing the Oxford University Dramatic Society. During out-of-term periods, it features a dedicated programme of professional work, including new writing, comedy, live music, and dance. The adaptable black box design allows for versatile staging, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees. Additionally, the studio offers a selection of family-friendly shows and theatrical experiences for very young children, sometimes including a play area.

The Burton Taylor Studio particularly appeals to adventurous theatregoers, students, and anyone keen to discover fresh voices or innovative staging. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to experience theatre in its most immediate form or to catch emerging actors before they make their big breaks. Families looking for engaging and accessible cultural outings with young children will also find its welcoming atmosphere and tailored programmes ideal.

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Location

Contact

+44 1865 305305 | http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/

Comments

Susan de Witt
19 May 2026
5.0 ★
Just seen Ulster American (which is on the rest of the week). Can't remember last time I saw such an excellent production. Intimate theatre experience, great script, great acting (part of Oxford Student Season). I'd encourage to get down and support.
Chris Gledhill
7 Apr 2024
5.0 ★
Went to see In The Dead of the Night. Wasn’t sure what to expect. There were about 15 people in the audience, it was a tiny place. My kids seemed to like it though. Not a bad way to spend an hour.
Sara Harding
24 Dec 2023
3.0 ★
We came to see "Dear Father Christmas".
The show was nice enough, but the play area really isn't a big enough space to expect everybody to wait in, despite the duty manager declaring there was plenty of space. There wasn't! It was crowded and uncomfortable.

When I had read it would be a case of sitting on cushions on the floor, I also expected something a little more substantial than a small (quite flat) scatter cushion. I'd thought the show was expensive for the length, but in the end was relived not to have to sit there longer. (Yes, there were chairs around the edge, but as it was only me and my child I felt it important to sit with him)
Anthony Ward
21 Jan 2020
4.0 ★
I took my son here to watch a production of Macbeth in early December 2019. The venue is bijou which makes it a very intimate theatre. Even on the back row you're only about 4 or 5 metres from the performers. The production was executed with a decent level of professionalism and the passion from the actors was evident throughout. The intensity of some of the performances really drew you in and made you feel engaged. I liked how unpretentious the venue is and how the lighting crew did a fantastic job with such a small stage.
Simon Hatley
19 Dec 2017
5.0 ★
A small, cosy and intimate venue. Excellent for young children. Seating is generally on cushions and several chairs for those unable to sit on the floor. I recommend getting there early to get good seats as there is nothing worse than a late commer, generally male who is parking, sitting in front of the children and obscuring their view. The performances have been excellent and the 1 hour time frame is perfect for young children's concentration spans. I have been to several shows and they are professionally produced, entertaining for both children and adults with the added bonus of being affordable compared to the larger theatres. Highly recommended. Parking is always limited in Oxford so get there early. There is space for half a dozen pushchair s at the bottom of the stairs. At the end of the prrformance they usually allow the children to meet and interact with the props and then allow photos.

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