Creation Theatre

The Creation Theatre Company brings lively and entertaining interpretations of William Shakespeare's works to venues across Oxford. With performances held throughout the year, the company creates unique and diverse productions. In addition to Shakespeare, the theatre company also puts on original and visually stunning performances of plays by other playwrights.

About the Creation Theatre Company

The Creation Theatre Company, also known as the Oxford Shakespeare Ensemble, offers unpredictable takes on Shakespeare and other playwrights. Founded in 1997 by David Parish, the theatre company has produced some 45 shows as of 2013. Recent performances by the company have included Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III, The Comedy of Errors, and The Merchant of Venice. Creation Theatre also produces plays by other playwrights, including recent productions of A Christmas Carol, Aladdin and the Magical Lamp, and Jekyll & Hyde.

While performances remain true to the words of William Shakespeare, Creation Theatre adds creativity to their interpretations by changing elements such as the setting. For example, the theatre company's performance of The Merchant of Venice in 2012 was set in 1930s Italy.

Creation Theatre also maintains a theatre education programme, including providing support to 14 different drama clubs across Oxford and Abingdon. The aim of the company's education and training efforts is to introduce Shakespeare to children of all ages. Creation Theatre also produces customised workshops for schools and multi-day holiday workshops in central Oxford.

Venue Information

Creation Theatre performs in a wide range of unconventional and interesting venues across Oxford, including Oxfam House, the North Wall Arts Centre, Blackwell's Bookshop, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford Castle, and the Said Business School. The theatre company typically seeks out non-traditional venues that have never been used as a theatre space. Ranging from open-air amphitheatres with ample space to intimate halls for small audiences, each venue is as unique as the company's productions.

Some of the theatre company's pen-air performances are held at an outdoor amphitheatre at Oxford University's Said Business School. Opened in 2011, the Said Business School building features a classical amphitheatre set amidst mosque-like columns, medieval cloisters, and contemporary design features. Located in the courtyard, the horseshoe shaped amphitheatre features stepped seating for 300 spectators. In contrast to the experience of the Said Business School, the Creation Theatre Company also performs in the intimate setting of the Norrington Room in the Blackwell's bookshop in Oxford.

The North Wall Arts Centre is home to a theatre, dance studio and art gallery. Located on South Parade in Oxford, the arts centre features flexible performance spaces in a 250-seat theatre. Completed in 2006, the North Wall Arts Centre opened in 2007. The facility serves as the stage for performances by many of Oxford's theatre companies, including Creation Theatre. Recently, the Creation Theatre Company performed at the arts centre in 2008 with Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and in 2011 with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Contact Information

For general enquires, contact the Creation Theatre Company on 01865 7611393. For tickets, contact the box office on 01865 761393. Email enquires may be directed to boxoffice@creationtheatre.co.uk or admin@creationtheatre.co.uk.

The Creation Theatre's address is:
Creation Theatre Company
3rd Floor, Cherwell House
1-5 London Place
Oxford
OX4 1BD

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