- Tickets: Standard £16, pay more £18, pay less £14
- Company: Ronin Theatre
- Ages: 12+
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
!This event has a content warning warning +
Contains strong language.
How far will someone go to tell the truth? How far will others go to stop them?
One day a man walks into a hospital. His life will never be the same again. Because that man is Alexander Litvinenko.
In this darkly comic tale of Kremlin schemes and ruthless politicking, truth and justice come second in a game of radioactive global politics. Together the Litvinenkos tell us their story – one full of warmth, hope, comedy and tragedy.
What follows is part political thriller, part black comedy, and entirely true. As Litvinenko fights for his life, the people who silenced him scramble to cover their tracks, and the two hitmen sent to do it make a chaotic, farcical mess of the job. At its core this is a love story: Alexander and Marina Litvinenko, refusing to let the world look away.
Lucy Prebble’s play was a five-star, sell-out hit at the Old Vic, winner of the Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play and a Laurence Olivier Award nominee. Fast-paced, full of heart and surprisingly funny, it follows the trail of a single killing from a Mayfair hotel to the gates of the Kremlin and asks what the truth is worth when a state decides it is inconvenient.
Following their sell-out productions of Quiz, Young Marx and The Watsons, Ronin Theatre return with an intelligent, gripping and sometimes chilling night of theatre. You’ve read the headlines. Now hear the true story.
“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 true crime, a clever thriller, or theatre that makes you laugh and then makes you think, this one is for you. A Very Expensive Poison takes one of the most notorious news stories of the century and turns it into a gripping, unsettling and deeply human night out. It is bold, it is true, and it stays with you long after the lights come up.
What the Critics Say:
Reviews for the original Old Vic production:
★★★★ “a compelling portrait of Russian corruption and British vacillation” (The Guardian)
★★★★ “A brilliantly bold and ferociously intelligent drama about our slippery times” (The Financial Times)
★★★★ “as tender as it is clever, as incensed as it is inventive” (The Times)
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 OxfordAccess
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.