• Ages: 14+

Details

!This event has a content warning warning +

The show discusses mental illness and suicide

A new show from James Rowland featuring his captivating mix of theatre, comedy and music.

From Land’s End to Llandudno, Ipswich to Inverness James has been touring his storytelling theatre shows for half his adult life. This tour was different though. Returning home after his first stint away he received a letter that exploded his life and the tour became a search; for the person who sent it, for a sense of where he comes from and to maybe save a life.

In “Piece of Work” James explores how the landscapes we exist in physically effect the way we think and feel. How searching for something is an end in itself regardless of whether the search is successful. It’s about our sense of home and the hope that makes our lives liveable.

Through music, song and story it will paint a picture of our country in all of its beauty, grime, pain and kindness. This remarkable road trip follows James critically acclaimed LEARNING TO FLY and FRIENDSHIP TRILOGY.

★★★★★ – “Above all, the story is about love and its complications, beautifully told, ringing with authenticity.” – British Theatre

★★★★ – “An agile, vivid feat of storytelling.” – the Scotsman

★★★★ “An affecting account of fathers, sons and Shakespeare…beautifully crafted.” – the Guardian

★★★★ “Beautifully delivered storytelling laced with the words of Shakespeare” – The Stage

Praise for James:

★★★★★ ‘A riveting, remarkable hour of theatre’ – The Guardian (full review)

★★★★ ‘He delivers his story with grace and self-deprecating humour’ – The Times (full review)

★★★★ ‘Very funny, disarmingly honest and surprisingly tender’ The Scotsman (full review)

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.