• Duration: 1h 10mins + 20 min Q&A
  • Tickets: Standard £12 | Pay more £14 | Pay less £10 | Group ticket for 10 + £8
  • Company: Mandala Theatre
  • Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

‘How can that be? A great sin – a mortal sin – for which I must die and go to hell – but it made me
free! One moment I was free!’

The city. A woman is restless. Women are suffocating. Women are silenced. A woman revolts.

Machinal is a pulse-pounding journey of women pushed to breaking point by the relentless
machinery of patriarchy, life, expectation and convention. Sophie Treadwell’s play written in 1928,
updated to 2025, in Mandala Young Company’s version, is as relevant today as it was then. It is a
gripping exploration of societal norms, female identity, and the consequences of rebellion.
Inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, the play delves into
the life of a young woman caught in the machinery of a rigid and oppressive society.
The play is written in eight episodes depicting ‘the different phases of life that a woman comes in
contact with, and in none of which she finds any place, any peace’. Each episode titles the location
of the social institution or the type of behaviour still expected of women in the 21st century.

 

Why See This Show?
This is not just a play – it’s a warning, a mirror, and a rallying cry. Machinal confronts the quiet
suffocation of expectation and the loud silence of being unheard. In a world still grappling with
gender roles and systemic control, this story—told through a bold, modern lens—asks the question:
what happens when a woman has no room left to breathe?
Come for the powerful storytelling. Stay for the uncomfortable truths. Leave changed.

What critics say:

“Poignant and beautiful writing! Loved the message.” – SOAS Student

“Such a brilliant performance. Such emotion was conveyed.” – SOAS Student

“The performers were genuinely believable characters. Very passionate performance due to
the important nature of the subject matter.” – Tottenham 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.