Welcome to your round-up of unmissable productions across Oxford, London and the wider region.
This edition of Stage Watch brings together five standout productions across Oxford and London. From West End chaos and slapstick disasters to classic musical theatre, sharp comedy, contemporary storytelling, and a Shakespeare sprint in under two hours – there’s a strong mix of familiar favourites and inventive revivals on offer.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre, London. Booking to 03 October.
The long-running West End comedy The Play That Goes Wrong turns a classic whodunnit into a masterclass in theatrical chaos. When the accident-prone Cornley Drama Society attempt a 1920s murder mystery, absolutely everything that can go wrong does — from collapsing scenery to forgotten lines and escalating disasters on stage.
As the actors battle through malfunctioning props, missed cues and increasingly absurd setbacks, the production becomes a tightly choreographed piece of comic anarchy that still somehow reaches its final curtain call.
Now firmly established as one of the West End’s biggest comedy hits, it continues to attract audiences looking for pure, physical, escapist theatre.
Best for: Fans of slapstick comedy, farce, and behind-the-scenes theatre chaos.
Tips: Expect impeccable timing, audience laughter from start to finish, and a strong reminder that live theatre rarely behaves itself.
Oliver!
Gielgud Theatre, London. Until 14 March 2027
Cameron Mackintosh’s reimagined production of Oliver! revisits Lionel Bart’s beloved musical through a fresh creative lens, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne.
The story follows Oliver Twist as he escapes the workhouse and is drawn into the world of Fagin’s gang of pickpockets. Caught between hardship and opportunity, Oliver must navigate a London full of danger, temptation and unexpected kindness.
With iconic songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me, this revival blends nostalgia with renewed theatrical energy.
Best for: Fans of classic musical theatre and Dickensian storytelling.
Tips: A large-scale production — ideal if you want big ensemble numbers and familiar songs delivered with impact.
Kinky Boots
London Coliseum. Booking until 11 July. Save up to 41%
This revival of Kinky Boots brings Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s award-winning musical back to the stage with a bold, contemporary energy.
When Charlie Price inherits a struggling shoe factory, he finds an unlikely solution in Lola, a drag performer with style, confidence and a very different vision of success. Together, they attempt to save the business by embracing identity, individuality and reinvention.
The production leans into its feel-good roots, combining humour, heart and a high-energy score with a strong visual sense of spectacle.
Best for: Fans of uplifting, message-driven musicals with big pop energy.
Tips: Expect sequins, strong vocals, and a genuinely feel-good atmosphere.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Oxford Playhouse. 28 to 30 May 2026.
A fast-paced comedic take on Shakespeare’s entire canon, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) condenses 37 plays into a rapid-fire performance by just three actors.
From Hamlet performed backwards to chaotic reinterpretations of the history plays, the show thrives on physical comedy, improvisation and constant theatrical rule-breaking.
This updated version continues the Reduced Shakespeare Company tradition of making the Bard accessible, anarchic and relentlessly funny.
Best for: Fans of comedy theatre, Shakespeare parodies and fast-paced ensemble performances.
Tips: Don’t expect reverence — expect chaos, invention and a lot of audience interaction.
Waitress
New Theatre Oxford. 29 June to 04 July 2026.
The hit musical Waitress returns to Oxford on tour, serving up a heartfelt story of resilience, friendship and self-discovery. Jenna, a gifted pie-maker stuck in a difficult marriage, finds her life shifting when an unexpected pregnancy forces her to reconsider everything she wants.
Set to Sara Bareilles’ acclaimed score, the musical balances humour with emotional honesty, following Jenna and her friends as they navigate love, loyalty and the possibility of change.
With a female-led creative team and a proven track record on Broadway and in the West End, Waitress remains a warm, contemporary musical that continues to resonate with audiences.
Best for: Fans of uplifting musicals and character-driven storytelling.
Tips: Expect big emotion, catchy songs, and yes — plenty of pie references.
The post Stage Watch: The Play That Goes Wrong, Oliver!, Kinky Boots, William Shakespeare & Waitress appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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