Oxford Playhouse

Book excerpt: To coincide with the 70th anniversary of its present home on Beaumont Street, Oxford, this account traces the history of the Oxford Playhouse from its earliest roots--a production of Agamemnon in 1880--and the founding of the Oxford University Dramatic Society to the rebuilding of Oxford's New Theatre and, eventually, the launch of the Playhouse itself. Recalling actress Jane Ellis' early desire for a venue where she might play decent roles, as well as her efforts to make it happen, the book also celebrates a galaxy of stars who have acted there, including Flora Robson, John Gielgud, Maggie Smith, Ronnie Barker, Judi Dench, and Helena Bonham Carter, and records the first steps of students such as Rowan Atkinson. In addition to chronicling developments in the theater's management and architecture, this comprehensive tribute explores its highbrow and lowbrow programs, its period of prosperity and postwar collapse, and its unique and vital relationship with the University of Oxford.