- Duration: 25-30 minute show with a 20 min stay and play
- Tickets: Standard £5 | Pay more £8 | Pay less £3 | Under 3's go FREE
- Company: What Not Theatre
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
Encounter mysterious characters and hidden lands, brought to life with an un-extraordinary cardboard box, and a sprinkling of imagination. Journey with Whatnot Theatre on this inclusive, accessible and relaxed performance for young children and their families.
GIFTS is a Sensory show developed for under-fives about what our imaginations conjure when we look inside a simple cardboard box. Discover the magic when we lift the lid…encounter hidden lands and enchanting characters, brought to life through the senses and an un-extraordinary cardboard box.
The show playfully explores what happens when you open up a box, and the surprising adventures to be found inside; creating an immersive environment in which the world of play unfolds through participation.
This performance is responsive to each audience member, allowing them to become co-composers in this world of boxes. The performance is designed for small audience groups to accommodate and engage young people who may experience barriers to accessing theatre.
Building a safe space in which to transport our audiences to a sensory world of their own imagination; creating a platform for child and parent or guardian to experience play together. WhatNot’s productions are a collaborative encounter for young audiences to experience theatre, and the possibilities of creative expression.
WhatNot Theatre are a female-led company specialising in children and family theatre. Developing original productions within inclusive and accessible environments; we gently encourage audience participation, creating the world from our collective imaginations… all with a little sprinkle of magic and a simple cardboard box.
Why See This Show?
BOXES is a sensory show for under five year olds exploring what our imaginations can conjure when we look inside a simple cardboard box. Brought to life using light, sound, touch and smell; encounter mysterious characters and hidden lands as we journey through a world made of Boxes.
The show playfully explores what happens when you open up a box; the adventures waiting to be discovered inside, and how something empty can be filled with wonder from our own mind’s eye. WhatNot Theatre creates an immersive environment in which the world of play unfolds through audience participation; a collaborative encounter for young audiences to experience theatre, and the possibilities of creative expression.
What the Critics Say:
“Everyone was into it, including me and my little babe. Gifts explores the treasure of everyday equipment. A frolicsome time, it invites kiddies and their adults to think outside four straight lines and find the fun in everything.”
“Gifts introduces and expands upon the magic of the imagination; after all, what poses more possibilities than an empty box? Perhaps the snatches of glee they pull out from them. All senses are satiated. There are bubbles and there are balloons (in all states of expansion). There are swathes of gauzy fabric. There are tubes of flashing lights.”
“No one is left out. It’s a sensitive sensory explosion that hums with happiness and jiggles with joy. It is purely about play.”
“Whatnot Theatre encourages play and participation while managing to be invaluable, interesting and accessible. They make shows for kids that can be appreciated by adults: full-on family fun that genuinely engages and entertains across the generations.”
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 OxfordAccess
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.