• Duration: 2hrs
  • Tickets: £17
  • Details
  • Parking & Access

Details

A journey through the minds that populate the planet and may populate the universe beyond.

An hour of joy and curiosity with the presenter of the multi award winning Infinite Monkey Cage. Expect stories of chimpanzees and astronauts, of star light and falcons. We are the neurodiversity of the universe, a place of many minds and many imaginations.  

In his books, such as The Importance of Being Interested and Normally Weird…Weirdly Normal, Robin has looked at the psychological and the astronomical, engaging with artists and astrophysicists. This new show is a celebration of our possibilities in a time when we have given too many platforms to the mean and the bullying, let us elevate those who strive for beauty and camaraderie. 

  With Professor Brian Cox, Robin has presented over two hundred episodes of the Infinite Monkey Cage and toured the arenas of the world. He has won awards for his books, his comedy and his science communication. If you have never seen him before, expect fireworks and undiluted passion.  

Please include on all listings: Presented by The Cosmic Shambles Network 

Why See This Show? 

Robin Ince is many things. A comedian, an author, a broadcaster and a populariser of scientific ideas. The Guardian once declared him a ‘becardiganed polymath’ which seems about right.

He is probably best known as the co-host of the Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox. He has also co-hosted a number of other successful podcasts including They’ve Made Us with Dr Helen Czerski, Book Shambles with Josie Long and An Uncanny Hour, all three of which are a part of the science and culture entertainment network, The Cosmic Shambles Network, which he also co-created with producer Trent Burton.

As a stand up he has toured the world and won three Chortle Awards, the Time Out Outstanding Achievement Award and was nominated for the British Comedy Awards Best Live show. The Guardian once wrote that, ‘When someone writes a history of modern comedy, they should make room for Robin Ince’ and of his latest show The Scotsman described it as an ‘alchemic mix of enthusiasm, knowledge and observation’.

 

What the Critics Say: 

“You need Robin Ince in your life.” – Natalie Haynes 

“One of the UK’s most accomplished comedians.” -The Bookseller 

‘Joyfully entertaining. Full of warmth, wisdom and affectionate delight in the wonder and absurdity of being human’ – Observer on I’m a Joke and So Are You 

‘A delightful and scintillating hymn to science’ – Professor Carlo Rovelli on The Importance of Being Interested 

‘When someone writes a history of modern comedy, they should make room for Robin Ince’ – Time Out 

‘An alchemic mix of enthusiasm, knowledge and observation’. – The Scotsman An outrageous, laugh-out-loud rollercoaster” – The Scotsman 

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.