The List

Old Fire Station

This multi-arts venue was originally a fire station from 1894--1971. Since then it has been used as a rehearsal space, nightclub, theatre and gallery before a major refurbishment in 2010. Reopening in 2011 with a shop, gallery, theatre, studios and café as well as incorporating a centre for training homeless people run by Crisis Skylight Oxford. Conveniently situated next to Gloucester Green bus station or just five minutes walk from Oxford railway station.

What's On @ Old Fire Station

Scott Bennett: Stuff

Scott Bennett: Stuff

14 Aug 2025 - 26 Sept 2026

Recently described by the Evening Standard as "Live Comedy's best kept secret" Scott Bennett has been blazing a trail through the stand-up circuit for the best part of a decade. He's written for many high profile acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and recently recorded his debut on BBC Two's Live at the Apollo. In massive demand as a comedy writer and with regular appearances on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and The Now Show, Scott is an act on the verge of breaking through into the big time.
Stephen Bailey: Tart

Stephen Bailey: Tart

20 Sept 2025 - 28 Nov 2025

Stephen has appeared on every light entertainment show, come second on every celebrity quiz show, and will gossip about everything from his funeral plans to his unrequited love for Ben Shephard in his new show. (And if he needs to pad it out, he will read you secrets direct from the girlies WhatsApp group chat.) Brassy, sassy and always classy – the perfect ingredients to make a proper Tart.
Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

6 Aug 2025 - 28 Mar 2026

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year's funny and moving memoir, one of Britain's most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it's cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain.
Jonny & The Baptists: Dance Like It Never Happened
Jonny and Paddy and back on the road again! Bringing their brand new show 'Dance Like it Never Happened' on tour. And they've missed you all! So what is this new hilarious show about? Grief. Its about Grief. In 2019, we lost another election, our place in Europe and, worst of all, a dearly beloved friend. We are no strangers to grief, but it hurt. Then in 2020, we all lost the world as we knew it. Our decades-long system of "dealing with emotions" (ignore them, drink heavily and make jokes) finally broke. We finally broke. In their most honest and personal show yet, Jonny & The Baptists learn to accept and engage with their grief, telling the story of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance through their trademark blend of silly, joyful songs, deadpan stand-up and riotous storytelling. Finding meaning, humour and beauty in the hardest part of life. So come and see us, have a laugh and maybe a cry - but definitely a laugh.
Mark Watson: Search

Mark Watson: Search

6 Aug 2025 - 7 Nov 2026

20 years in stand-up for the Taskmaster cheeky texts icon, multi-award winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor: Watson returns after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals. A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.
Esther Manito: Slagbomb

Esther Manito: Slagbomb

14 Sept 2025 - 27 Feb 2026

Esther’s new show ‘Slagbomb’ takes a nosedive into the awkward sandwich years of life. The phase when youthful freedom gives way to the reality of adult responsibilities. It’s a time when one finds oneself juggling everything from prostate checks to hosing faeces off the garden decking, whilst clad in questionable footwear like crocs. Growing up, Esther imagined she would fulfil all the expectations of a lady, poised and dignified, but looking around she realises that just hasn't happened. Esther's life seems to be a magnet for embarrassing moments and endless cockups. No matter how hard she tries to project sophistication, she often ends up highlighting her unrefined side. Now she wants to embrace her lack of dignity - whether it’s her less-than-graceful posture, cringeworthy encounters with shady drug dealers, or the painful realities of waxing gone wrong. At its core, Esther’s show is an exploration of the challenges and hilarities of navigating the sandwich years, and an invitation to the audience to feel good about the madness in their own lives. After all, she has a Lebanese father dealing with war, a mother dealing with cancer, two kids (who seem to have permanently lost their PE kit), a husband who just wanted some birthday nooky, and a sudden loss of hearing. It’s all part of the messy, chaotic, and often hilarious journey of a right Slagbomb.
Schalk Bezuidenhout

Schalk Bezuidenhout

15 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026

Schalk Bezuidenhout is a comedian from South Africa who is a household name in all households that know his name. More specifically, he grew up in Kempton Park in the East Rand. If you don’t know Kempton… it’s the type of place you thank one day in your Oscar speech as your “humble beginnings”. In Kempton Park the traditional Afrikaans way of living was a good life. You would ride your bicycle to school and English was only used in self defence. Schalk finished school with a distinction for every subject. That has nothing to do with his comedic abilities, he just wanted you to know that. Schalk’s family and friends stood back as they watched Schalk evolve from an Afrikaans conservative caterpillar into a beautifully dramatic butterfly, complete with a moustache and furry afro. It was obvious to Schalk’s parents that he would study drama, and to help numb the pain they sent him away to study at the University of Cape Town. While studying in Cape Town Schalk quickly grew dissatisfied with watching Suits on repeat in his single bed (look where Meghan is now, hey?!) His drama degree was still 4 years away, but he needed a creative outlet NOW! So he started doing stand-up comedy in April 2011. On stage Schalk is fun and energetic and appeals to all. Schalk has come a far way since his first paid gig in a strip club in Kempton Park (true story). He has had the privilege to perform all over the world in some great venues, alongside some even greater comedians. On stage Schalk is fun and energetic and appeals to people of all kinds and colours.
Oxford Opera Youth Company - Ages 13 - 16
Oxford Opera are launching a brand new Youth Company for people aged 8-16, meeting every Saturday during term time in the heart of the city at The Old Fire Station. Working in two age-specific groups, the Company will allow everyone to explore their own creativity, learn new skills and make new friends with shared interests. Led by our expert team of facilitators the weekly sessions will look at the wide range of skills that go into making opera - storytelling, singing, stagecraft, movement, composition and even stage combat! This is a new, and unique opportunity to get to know this fabulous art form from all angles! You will both explore well-loved opera repertoire and create new and exciting pieces as a group. There will be an opportunity for public performances each term - including the possibility to join the professional cast of Oxford Opera’s fully staged production of Puccini’s TOSCA at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre in March 2025. Don’t miss out on becoming a member of Oxford Opera's inaugural Youth Company! From Saturday 21 September 2024 10 sessions per term on Saturdays 3.30 -5pm for ages 13 to 16 Old Fire Station, Oxford Cost £90 a term ​ Sibling discount and bursary places available on request. This opportunity is open to all, no matter your experience or background, give it a go and decide for yourself if this is for you!
Anjali Open Classes

Anjali Open Classes

11 Sept 2025 - 11 Sept 2025

Thursday 6 - 7.30pm Old Fire Station, Oxford Join us for inclusive dance sessions where you will work on your: - dance technique - creative and choreography skills - performance skills - fitness and health You will also get chance to meet other people, socialise and build a community together. These sessions are for people with learning disabilities, autism and associated conditions, aged 16 years+ Dates: Session 1 - Thursday 1 1 September Session 2 - Thursday 18 September Session 3 - Thursday 25 September Session 4 - Thursday 2 October Session 5 - Thursday 9 October Session 6 - Thursday 16 October Session 7 - Thursday 23 October Half Term - 30 October Session 8 - Thursday 6 November Session 9 - Thursday 13 November Session 10 - Thursday 20 November Session 11 - Thursday 27 November Session 12 - Thursday 4 December Session 13 - Thursday 11 December Session 14 - Thursday 18 December

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