• Duration: 2hr 15mins approx.
  • Tickets: Standard £16 | Pay more £18 | Pay less £14
  • Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

!This event has a content warning warning +

Contains strong language.

It’s 1950 in Washington DC: Meet the Martindales and the Baxters! Two picture-perfect couples living side-by-side. Bob and Norma work at the State Department, Jim teaches high school and Millie throws the best cocktail parties in Georgetown. Two happy marriages, two spotless homes, smiles all round.  

But that’s not the real story. Because Bob loves Jim. Norma loves Millie. And that’s definitely not allowed in 1950s America. So, our undercover couples live-side-by-side, their homes connected by a hidden closet door. What could be a more Perfect Arrangement than that? 

But Washington is in the grip of the Red Scare. One rumour can end a career. When the boss and his wife come to dinner, keeping up appearances has never mattered more, or been harder. Doors slam, stories unravel and the cover ups get more outrageous by the minute. 

Winner of the American Theatre Critics Association’s Award, Topher Payne’s Perfect Arrangement was met with acclaim in Washington and Off-Broadway. The New York Times called it a “clever canapé of a comedy”. Set 20 years before Stonewall in the heart of the Lavender Scare, it is both moving and laugh out loud funny. Keep smiling. Everyone’s watching. 

Following their sell-out performances of A Very Expensive Poison, Quiz, Home, I’m Darling and The Watsons, Ronin Theatre return with a funny, heartfelt and moving night of theatre.  

“a theatrical gem… huge applause to Ronin for bringing such a prescient, clever, engaging play to Oxford with such apparent ease” – Ox in a Box on A Mirror 

“A deeply impactful evening of theatre that is not to be missed” – Daily Info on Home I’m Darling 

“gripping [and] thought-provoking…a really entertaining treat” – Daily Info in Quiz 

“The acting was superb across the board” – Daily Info on Young Marx 

 

Why See This Show? 

If you love heartfelt stories or theatre that makes you laugh and then makes you think, this one is for you. Perfect Arrangement takes a notorious era of prejudice and witch hunts and turns it into a funny but also tender night out. It is funny, moving, and stays with you long after the lights come up. 

 

What the Critics Say: 

Reviews for the original Off Broadway production:  

★★★★ “buckle your seatbelts…an extraordinary play” (New York Theatre Guide)  

★★★★ “Deft and witty…its social and political sensibilities [are] poignant aspects of the play” (The New York Time)  

★★★★ “comic gold …and then it became an emotional wallop” (Broadway World) 

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.