Review: Fences delivered a powerful night of theatre at Oxford Playhouse

It was a hugely deserved standing ovation for the cast of Fences as they concluded their opening-night performance.

The play, at Oxford Playhouse, is a must-see.

Tackling everything from masculinity, grief and family to love and betrayal in post-war Black America, Fences took us on a roller-coaster of emotions.

The cast were all wonderful, but for us the standout was Ray Fearon, who played Troy. His portrayal of a man crumbling under the weight of guilt, his past and a changing world was visceral.

Directed by Daniel Bailey, the production brings together Headlong, Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester. There is a local connection beyond the Oxford performances, too: Headlong is based in the city and is an associate partner of Oxford Playhouse.

The Maxson family and the weight of the past

August Wilson’s play focuses on Troy Maxson and his family. It’s 1957, and their daily lives unfold against a backdrop of racial prejudice, frustrated ambitions and the changing expectations of a new generation.

As the story develops, we gradually learn more about the people behind the everyday conversations and family squabbles. Dreams put aside, opportunities denied and disappointments carried for years begin to surface, giving us a greater understanding of what has shaped Troy and those closest to him.

Troy is a complicated man. His experiences of racism and missed opportunities have left their mark, but as we learn more about his life, we begin to question how much his own disappointments have become an excuse for the way he treats others.

The following section discusses significant plot developments.

Frustrated ambitions, family conflict and betrayal

The tension builds as Troy’s relationship with his son Cory comes into focus. Cory dreams of a different future, with the possibility of a college scholarship offering a way forward. But Troy refuses to support his ambitions, seemingly denying his son the very opportunities he never had himself.

Then comes the bombshell. Troy reveals he has been having an affair and that the other woman is expecting his child. For Rose, his devoted wife, the news is devastating, forcing her to confront the reality of a marriage and a man she thought she understood.

It is these twists and turns that make the play so compelling. Just as we think we have worked someone out, another piece of their story emerges. We found ourselves gradually piecing together the past and recognising the pressures Troy has faced, even as we struggled with the consequences of his choices.

Powerful, thought-provoking and deeply moving

And that is the beauty of Fences. It doesn’t offer easy answers or neatly defined heroes and villains. Instead, it explores how our experiences shape us, how expectations spill into family life, and how the desire to protect those we love can become a way of controlling them.

Powerful, thought-provoking and deeply moving, the production balances its painful moments with warmth and humour. We loved the way the story unfolded, drawing us into this family’s lives and leaving us thinking about the dreams we inherit and the impact our choices have on those we love.

Where to see Fences next

After the Oxford Playhouse run has finished, the production continues its UK tour, with performances in London, Manchester and Nottingham.

Dates	Venue
6–31 October 2026	Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London
3–7 November 2026	HOME, Manchester
10–14 November 2026	Nottingham Playhouse

The Lyric Hammersmith currently lists a running time of three hours. Check the relevant venue for performance times, ticket prices and accessible performances.

Further production information and venue links are available on the official Headlong tour page.