Oxford Playhouse is revving up for its brand-new pantomime Dick Whittington (Fri 21st Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026), and the cast have already taken the magic to the streets, swapping the stage for an open-top bus ride past Christ Church, the Sheldonian and other city landmarks to spread some seasonal cheer.
This year’s show reboots the classic tale with a joyous 90s twist. In Toby Hulse’s (writer/director) toe-tapping new version, Dick “Dot” Whittington and her trusty magical cat, Fairy Bowbells, hop a bus from Gloucester Green Market to London Town, tipping a wink to 1997 cult favourite Spice World.
Along the way you’ll meet rival pop hopefuls Boy Bland and 4EVA, square up to rat-pack villains Liam Rattagher (and brother Noel), and belt out a playlist of Britpop bangers from Oasis, Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, Steps and more.
Fresh from the Playhouse’s 2025 Pantomime Awards Special Recognition for Innovation (for last year’s Sleeping Beauty), Hulse returns for his fourth Playhouse panto with what he calls “a ridiculous whirl of pie-and-mash shops, TV talent shows and glorious 90s music”, and he’s reunited much of last year’s hit company.
Cast
- Daisy Ann Fletcher — Dick ‘Dot’ Whittington (back after stealing scenes as Ursula the Unsure in Sleeping Beauty)
- Robin Hemmings — Liam Rattagher (returning as the boo-worthy Rat King)
- Elliott Wooster — Fairy Bowbells
- Lucy Frederick — Sarah Fitzwarren
- Sophia Lewis — Alice Fitzwarren
- Fintan Hayeck — Albert Square
- Daniel Forrester — Damian Allbran
- Macy Dermody-Blythe & Stefanos Petri* — Ensemble
Two teams of Oxfordshire young performers (ages 11–15) join the professional cast as market traders, a mischief of rats and the rowdy Top Pop audience.
Need to know
- Dates: Fri 21 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, OX1
- Running time: 2 hours (incl. interval)
- Age guidance: 5–105 (perfect family festive fun)
- Tickets: from £17 (Friends save up to 50% on selected performances; transaction fee may apply)
- Box Office: 01865 305 305 • oxfordplayhouse.com
Access & special performances (highlights)
- Relaxed performance: Thu 4 Dec, 6.00pm
- BSL-interpreted: Fri 5 Dec, 10.00am and Thu 11 Dec, 6.00pm
- Audio described: Sat 6 Dec, 11.00am and Sat 3 Jan, 2.00pm (with Touch Tour)
- Captioned: Fri 19 Dec, 3.00pm
- Dementia-friendly: Fri 2 Jan, 2.00pm
- Multiple Schools Performances (public welcome; schools rates via Box Office)
“Last year’s Sleeping Beauty was celebrated for its fresh spin on tradition, and Dick Whittington goes even further… a riot of friendship, mischief and Britpop,” says writer-director Toby Hulse.
Climb aboard for a feel-good caper packed with big laughs, bigger vocals and maximum glitter, it’s the purrrr-fect start to Christmas.
Book now: oxfordplayhouse.com or call 01865 305 305.
