O’Reilly Theatre

Why go

A production here offers a glimpse of Oxford's college theatre culture in a purpose-built space on Blackhall Road. The relatively intimate auditorium can be arranged in different ways, so the relationship between stage and audience may change with the performance.

What to look for

• The purpose-built auditorium sits within Keble College, off Blackhall Road.
• Depending on the production, seating may face an end stage, cross a traverse stage or surround the action.

The full story

Completed in 2002, the O’Reilly Theatre brought a purpose-built performance space into Keble College. Its name recalls Tony O’Reilly, the Irish businessman and former international rugby player who provided much of the funding. The room was designed for flexibility: the familiar end-on layout can give way to a traverse stage, with spectators on two sides, or to action surrounded by the audience. Those changes matter in a relatively intimate auditorium, because a scene can feel very different according to where the audience sits. The theatre has been used for college and university drama as well as lectures and conferences. That mixed role explains why it should be understood through the particular event taking place there, rather than through a general sightseeing visit.

Useful to know

• Plan an interior visit only around a confirmed event; ask its organiser about admission and the entrance to use.
• Allow for the performance or lecture you have booked, rather than treating the theatre as a brief sightseeing stop.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.