Step inside the magnificent New Theatre Oxford. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a place where stories unfold. Generations of actors have graced this stage. The New Theatre boasts a rich and captivating past.
From its humble beginnings as the Apollo Theatre Oxford in 1977 it has undergone several transformations. The current building opened in 1934. It was the vision of Stanley Dorrill. He wanted the most luxurious entertainment house in England. He commissioned the renowned theatre architects William and T R Milburn. Their Art Deco design is breathtaking. The interiors were a collaborative effort with T P Bennett and Sons. These architects were also behind London’s Saville Theatre. Imagine the glamour of that era. The original deep brown and gilt colours were later replaced. A multicoloured scheme didn’t quite match the original elegance.
The New Theatre wasn’t Oxford’s first theatre. A theatre stood on this site as early as 1836. It was later known as the Theatre Royale. Performances were often limited. University regulations forbade plays during term time. The theatre had to offer concerts or music hall acts instead. This earlier version was damaged by fire in 1892. The Dorrill family took over management in 1908. They ran it as a family business for 64 years. Charles Dorrill tragically passed away in 1912. His son Stanley who was only 18 years old stepped in. He oversaw its rebuilding and its rise to fame.
The New Theatre’s pantomimes were legendary. They drew big names such as Des O’Connor. Danny La Rue Billy Fury and Lulu graced the stage. These pantomimes were family Christmas traditions. Remember the magnificent revolving stage? It was the largest outside London. During World War II it offered free entertainment to half a million troops. Stanley Dorrill’s efforts earned him an MBE.
In the 1960s the theatre faced challenges. Television’s rise impacted attendance. John Dorrill Stanley’s son took over. He planned redevelopment but it was rejected. The Ambassador Theatre Group finally purchased the theatre in 2009. Today the New Theatre remains a vibrant hub. It offers a wide variety of shows. Musical theatre stand-up comedy and concerts fill its 1785 seats. The New Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre. It’s a stage that continues to enthrall generations. It’s a remarkable legacy. It’s a vibrant cornerstone of Oxford’s cultural landscape.