• Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

OXFORD PLATFORMS &
HUMAN STORY THEATRE present 
LIZZIE ON THE FENCE
by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart 
 
“A beautifully constructed black comedy...…at the centre of Lizzie On the Fence, is Lizzie (Renata Allen). Married to Bill for forty years before his advancing dementia meant that he had to move into a care home, Lizzie faithfully visits him for hours each day. Then Covid-19 hits and she is left out in the cold, literally and metaphorically. The programme provided calls this show a “black comedy about lockdown love”, and there is no better way to describe it. Allen’s performance as Lizzie is both heartbreaking and hilarious, and without any staging the audience is transported to the car park outside the care home her husband is in, with its shrubbery and the eponymous fence depicted so well in the script and acting.
 
Written by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart, the play draws on her own experience and information she gathered from others in the same boat during the pandemic. Tackling the difficult and somewhat ignored subject of rights for those in care, and their loved ones and care-givers, the play is beautifully constructed, balancing heartfelt sentiment and very realistic circumstances with dark humour and commentary on the state of care post-pandemic…”
Sophie Francis, Daily Info, January 2024 
 
Cast includes Renata Allen (CAME WITH THE FRAME) Ed Rowett (WHITE) Amy Enticknap (THE FOURTH DOG) with Alex Ansdell as Arthur. 
Director: John Retallack Producer: Amy Enticknap
 
Running time 50 mins plus both performances will be followed by a post-show discussion and Q&A.
 
Since its triumphant staged reading at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023, Lizzie On The Fence has become part of the campaign for Anne’s Law in Scotland, which would give care home residents the inalienable right to a named visitor. In 2024 Human Story Theatre produced a sell-out staged reading at the Old Fire Station (January) and consequently last month, Lizzie On The Fence played two invited performances at the Scottish Parliament and the House of Lords in collaboration with Care Home Relatives Scotland, John’s Campaign, Rights for Residents and Care Rights UK #Gloria’s Law

Parking & Access

Parking

There are a number of Blue Badge parking spaces nearby on Beaumont Street, and more on New Inn Hall Street and St Giles.

The closest car park is Gloucester Green Car Park, accessed via Gloucester Street.

If you have any questions or concerns, the City Council’s Access Officer can be reached at 01865 249811.

Getting here

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, but we need your help. Use ecoway, our sustainable travel planner, to see the most eco-friendly options for your journey to Old Fire Station, and plan a bespoke and flexible route. ecoway is easy to use and you’ll be kept up to date with any disruption or changes to your journey plan.

Car parks in Oxford Blue Badge information Public transport in Oxford

Access

Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking. To book this, contact the ticket office: tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or 01865 263990.

There are two entrances to the Old Fire Station: 40 George Street via the foyer, and on Gloucester Green via the shop. Both are step-free. If you are coming to a show, we ask that you use the George Street entrance, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open.

Events in the Theatre

There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).

If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us (call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk) and we will talk with you about your needs.

Events in the Studio

There is level entry into the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the Studio.

Events in the Loft

There are six steps leading up to the Loft space, with no lift. If you would like to discuss this to find out more, please get in touch.

The Gallery

There is step-free access to the Gallery – level entry through the George Street entrance, and via lift from the Gloucester Green entrance.

Facilities

Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift).

Hearing assistance system
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please e-mail us at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980.

Assistance dogs
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – just e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.

Strobe lighting
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.

Chairs in the theatre
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.