• Tickets: Standard: £12 | Pay more: £14 | Pay less: £10
  • Company: Marvellous Machine
  • Ages: 14+
  • Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

Morveren.
Cornish, noun: sea maiden, mermaid

Ambitious banker Keren is determined to make her mark. In a male-dominated industry, she’s learned that the way to get ahead is to speak loudly, strut your stuff, and sell sell sell. But the siren’s song is calling her name, drawing her back to her roots.

Meanwhile, Keren’s grandmother Morwen knows it’s time to pass down her wisdom, knowledge and place in her grieving community. Inheriting the village’s leadership was never part of Keren’s plan, but her daughter, mermaid-obsessed Ellie, loves it here.

Drawing on Cornish mythology, Morveren is centred around a hidden coastal village where women make the rules and no one has to shout to be heard. Using theatrical magic and a digital choir to imagine an alternative way of living, Morveren is a celebration of community and a coming of age for three generations of women.

From the creators of The Tiger’s Bride and Orlando, Oxford’s Marvellous Machine Theatre Company return with their first original play, Morveren by Kate Webster. With direction by Lou Corben, and featuring new music by Becki Jayne Reed with the voices of London City Voices and Oxford Community Choir.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “a curious and intriguing tale, brought to life by committed and convincing actors” – LondonTheatre1

“A stunning play exploring folklore, family struggles and what it means to find your own place in the world. Brilliant, lyrical writing from Kate Webster.” – Scott Matthewman, Theatre Critic

“An enthralling theatrical experience.. I was enchanted.. a feel- good evening in the company of exceptionally talented female artists.. a captivating and immersive experience” – West End Evenings

“heartfelt, moving and thought provoking” – audience member

“Deftly weighs today’s priorities against older, deeper values. Moments of magic grounded in the everyday; strong performances; an inspired soundtrack. Thoughtful and rewarding.” – audience member 

For Orlando:
“a masterful adaptation… a splendid piece of theatre” – Daily Info
“succeeds in teasing out provocations within Woolf’s story… [an] intriguing, thoughtful production.” – Newbury Weekly News

For The Tiger’s Bride:
“A plush and captivating take on one of Angela Carter’s famously subversive fairy tale retellings… There is luxury enough to sink into” – Daily Info
“A small-scale show thinking big. Wonderful” – Newbury Weekly News

 

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.