• Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

Bodies: Beyond the Human is a visceral journey that delves deep into the human experience — our flesh and blood, our skin and bone. The transformative magic of butoh reveals the beauty, tension and power of the human form, alongside themes of growth, connection, and the natural world. With atmospheric live music, this performance celebrates our complex, timeless relationship with the Earth, with one another – and beyond.

Presented by Café Reason Butoh Dance Theatre, a long-established Oxfordshire-based company, Bodies marks the culmination of its Body Ecologies project — an ongoing creative inquiry into how we understand and experience our bodies, the stories they hold, and the possibility of new ways of being.

Butoh is more than performance; it is a radical and expressive dance form, originating in post-war Japan, that allows dancers – and audience – to discover what lies in the hidden darkness of the body. Haunting and evocative, it is a dance that transcends the physical — exploring the boundaries of our most primal experience and intimate connections.
Whether you are a dance enthusiast or want to see butoh for the first time, this show promises an evening of crossing boundaries, seeking new landscapes and unfolding stories that resonate with everyone.

Why See This Show?
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like not to be human, to break free from the limits of your physical form? Now’s your chance. Join Café Reason on a journey of curiosity and wonder.

What the Critics Say:
“Quite magical; powerful and moving; I was captivated.” Audience member

 

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.