Shakespeare’s most famous young lovers are coming to Oxford this autumn, although the balconies, family feud and tragic romance will have to compete with tatty wigs, a burst airbed and an unexplained quantity of sausage rolls.
The Rubbish Shakespeare Company will bring its award-winning family version of Romeo & Juliet to Pegasus Theatre on Saturday 3 October.
There will be two performances, at 11am and 2pm, with each running for 60 minutes without an interval.
The production combines sections of Shakespeare’s original text with clowning, slapstick, improvised-looking chaos and direct interaction with the audience.
At a glance
| Show | Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo & Juliet |
| Date | Saturday 3 October 2026 |
| Performance times | 11am and 2pm |
| Venue | Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE |
| Running time | 60 minutes, with no interval |
| Age guidance | Recommended for ages five and over |
| Tickets | £12 and £10 |
| Award | Best Kids Show at the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival |
| Booking | Book through Pegasus Theatre |
What is this version of Romeo and Juliet about?
The essentials of Shakespeare’s tragedy remain in place.
Romeo and Juliet belong to two rival families in Verona. They meet, fall in love and attempt to build a future together despite the hostility surrounding them.
The Rubbish Shakespeare Company tells that story using three performers who switch rapidly between characters and attempt to hold the production together with a collection of deliberately unconvincing costumes and props.
The company describes the show as a tragedy “like no other”, staged using little more than a box of worn wigs, a floral dress and an airbed apparently recovered from beside the bins.
Shakespeare’s language is mixed with modern jokes and physical comedy, while the fourth wall is regularly broken as the performers speak directly to the audience and involve them in the action.
The result is not a shortened classroom recital or a traditional staging of the complete play. It is a comic retelling designed to make the characters and central story understandable without requiring any previous knowledge of Shakespeare.
The original play may be a tragedy, but the advertised tone here is playful, energetic and knowingly chaotic.
A first introduction to Shakespeare and live theatre
The production is aimed at families and has been designed to work for children who may never previously have seen Shakespeare performed.
Its use of recognisable household objects also removes some of the formality that can surround classic theatre. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, the performers invite audiences to imagine how a familiar story can be recreated with whatever happens to be available.
That approach reflects the company’s work in schools, where Shakespeare’s language is explored through performance, movement and participation rather than being treated only as a text on the page.
Producer, director and performer Lee Hithersay said the production’s romantic intentions do not always survive contact with the audience.
“It’s meant to be romantic, but the audience just laughs. There are tantrums, there’s an airbed, and Juliet’s supposed to fall in love with Romeo, but honestly, have you seen him?”
Clem Studholme, who plays Romeo among other characters, said the apparent disorder is carefully planned.
“It looks like chaos, but it’s all meticulously rehearsed. Every trip, spill and flip is planned to get the biggest belly laugh, even the ones that look like total accidents.”
The production won Best Kids Show at the 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival and has previously appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, family festivals and theatres around the country.
What families should expect
Audience participation: The performers break the fourth wall and involve the audience during the story.
Sudden noise: Another venue presenting the same tour warns of a cymbal drop. Pegasus has not published a separate Oxford sensory note, so noise-sensitive visitors may wish to contact the Box Office.
Fast character changes: Three actors play numerous roles, often switching characters in full view of the audience.
Shakespeare’s words: Parts of the original text remain, but they are surrounded by modern jokes, physical comedy and explanations of the story.
No interval: The complete performance lasts approximately one hour.
Who is in the cast?
Cast and creative team
| Performers | Lee Hithersay, Alex MacDonald and Clem Studholme |
| Director and producer | Lee Hithersay |
| Set design | Alex MacDonald |
| Original writer | William Shakespeare |
| Adaptation | Rubbish Shakespeare Company |
| Support | Arts Council England and Granada Foundation |
The company traces its origins to 2007, when three graduates from Liverpool John Moores University began experimenting with accessible and comic approaches to Shakespeare.
It initially focused on work in schools before taking its productions to theatres, festivals, libraries and community spaces.
The company says its central aim is “Shakespeare for all”, particularly for young people and adults whose first experiences of the plays may have made them seem remote, confusing or overly academic.
Its repertoire has since expanded to include adaptations of ten Shakespeare plays as well as original family productions such as The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth.
Tickets and performance details
Tickets for the Oxford performances are listed at £12 and £10.
Pegasus does not label the two prices on the public event page, so customers should check which rate applies to them during booking or contact the Box Office.
The performance takes place in the main theatre and lasts one hour without an interval.
Families should arrive with enough time to collect tickets, use the toilets and settle before the show begins, particularly for the 11am performance.
Seating at Pegasus is usually unallocated. Anyone who needs a particular seat because of mobility, sensory or another access requirement can ask the Box Office to reserve an appropriate position.
How to get to Pegasus Theatre
Planning your visit
| Address | Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE |
| Location | At the Iffley Road end of Magdalen Road in East Oxford |
| From Oxford city centre | Bus route 3 serves Iffley Road; ask for the Magdalen Road stop |
| From Oxford railway station | Bus routes 1 and 5 serve the Cowley Road end of Magdalen Road, followed by a walk of under ten minutes |
| Park & Ride | Redbridge is the nearest Park & Ride site |
| Cycling | Bicycle racks are available beside the theatre |
| General parking | On-street parking is limited; public transport is recommended |
| Box Office | 01865 812150 |
| boxoffice@pegasustheatre.org.uk | |
| Travel information | Plan a visit to Pegasus Theatre |
Accessibility at Pegasus Theatre
The main entrance has automatic doors and the building is wheelchair accessible, with a lift to the first floor.
Wheelchair spaces can be provided in the theatre, although the number available depends on the auditorium layout and the size of the wheelchair.
Two accessible parking spaces are available behind the theatre and can be reserved in advance through the Box Office.
The venue also has:
- level access to its performance and activity spaces;
- wheelchair-accessible toilets on both floors;
- an induction loop inside the theatre;
- baby-changing facilities;
- free carer tickets for visitors who require assistance; and
- a foyer relay screen for people who need to leave the auditorium during a performance.
Assistance dogs are welcome, with water available on request.
Full information is available through the Pegasus Theatre accessibility page.
Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo & Juliet tour dates
The following are all remaining performances currently listed on the company’s official tour page.
| Date | Town or city | Venue | Performance details | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 26 September 2026 | Southport | The Atkinson | 2.30pm; 60 minutes | Tickets |
| Saturday 3 October 2026 | Oxford | Pegasus Theatre | 11am and 2pm; 60 minutes | Tickets |
| Sunday 14 February 2027 | Coventry | Warwick Arts Centre | 60 minutes; check the live booking page for performance time | Tickets |
Tour dates, performance times and availability can change. Check the relevant venue before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rubbish Romeo and Juliet in Oxford?
The show comes to Pegasus Theatre on Saturday 3 October 2026.
What time are the performances?
There are two performances, beginning at 11am and 2pm.
How long is the show?
It lasts approximately 60 minutes and has no interval.
What age is it suitable for?
Pegasus advertises the production for audiences aged five and over.
Does the audience need to know Romeo and Juliet already?
No. The story is explained as it unfolds, making it suitable for people encountering the play for the first time.
Does the show use Shakespeare’s original language?
Yes. Sections of the original text are included alongside modern jokes, clowning and physical comedy.
Is there audience participation?
Yes. The production uses direct audience interaction and regularly breaks the fourth wall.
Are there any loud noises?
A later venue on the same tour warns of a cymbal drop. Pegasus has not published a separate Oxford sensory guide, so contact the Box Office if sudden noise is a concern.
How much are tickets?
Pegasus lists tickets at £12 and £10. Check the booking page for the rate that applies.
Is Pegasus Theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and performance spaces are accessible, a lift serves the first floor and wheelchair positions can be arranged in the theatre.
Where can tickets be booked?
Tickets are available through the Pegasus Theatre website or by calling 01865 812150.
