• Duration: 1hr 30mins
  • Tickets: Standard £15 | Pay more £20 | Pay less £10
  • Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

Townsend Theatre Productions returns with its unique blend of powerful storytelling, rousing community choirs and vibrant dance in “Farewell Leicester Square”, an uplifting new production celebrating the extraordinary life of Joe Clough, Britain’s first black bus driver.
Born in Jamaica and brought to London in 1906, Joe embraced the dawn of the motor age, becoming one of the capital’s earliest bus drivers.
His remarkable journey took him from the battlefields of the First World War to the villages of Bedfordshire, where he transported communities, veterans, evacuee children and later, local families through his own taxi business.
Through music, movement and heartfelt storytelling, “Farewell Leicester Square” brings Joe’s inspiring life vividly to the stage; a story of courage, resilience and quiet determination that challenges assumptions about Black British history, reminding us that people of African and Caribbean heritage have been contributing to Britain’s life, industry and public service for generations before Windrush.
Joyful, moving and uplifting, this is a celebration of an unsung pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire today.
Telling Joe Clough’s story is part of Townsend Theatre Productions’ commitment to bring those who have been marginalised in history to centre stage, celebrating their rightful place in Britain’s shared story. 
Joe’s life is one of perseverance, progress and pride. He confronted prejudice with quiet dignity, broke down barriers, and often unknowingly helped pave the way for generations to come. His legacy offers a powerful counterpoint to the misconception that the Black British experience began with the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948. 
Joe’s remarkable journey reminds us that black people have been helping to shape Britain for generations, and that their stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
***** ‘This is a joyous journey of a working-class immigrant…a trailblazer for those who were to follow… a truly delightful show.’  London Theatre 1 Peter Yates

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.