• Tickets: Standard: £13 | Pay more: £15 | Pay less: £11

Details

Has your heart been broken? Or are you made of stone?

Hammer & Tongue returns with a bang with a super-special guest and a slam themed on the most powerful force in human nature: heartbreak!

Poets are invited to add to the explosive energy of the event by formulating and sharing a piece that harnesses the creative energy of that infamous split. Whether your recent experience spills raw visceral blood, or you touch us with callous reflections of a bitter distant past, we want you to spend one night in the Heartbreak Hotel that is Hammer & Tongue on 2 July.

The event is run in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University research fellow Sally Holloway – the first in a series of heartbreak themed events that aim to start many a conversation about an often taboo subject.

And if the sharing of the innermost thoughts and feelings of the Oxford poetic brethren is not enough of an extravaganza in itself for you, we have lined up one of the most eminent figures in UK performance poetry as a special guest – the one and only John Hegley! John has been enthralling and entertaining audiences since the 1980’s, daubed “the poet laureate of alternative comedy” John always offers up touching poetry, unique insights, and a lot of laughter. He is a master of his craft, an absolute joy to behold on stage and we are pleased as punch that has agreed to relaunch our event after its pandemic pounding.

The event will be hosted by former International Slam Champion and slave to the scene Steve Larkin with assistance from Anna McCrory and Owen Collins. Spinning “Love Will Tear US Apart”- style tunes will be DJ Mustapha Ali Firth.

Please sign up for the slam in advance by emailing oxford@hammerandtongue.com

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.