• Tickets: Standard £6
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Details

The Importance of Being Oscar Wilde’s Valet  

A new play by JC Niala and Bobby Theodore 

Two Oxford students, Itara and Ernest, believe they have discovered the story of their lifetime. An ambitious professor, whose work drove him to death, left behind incomplete and tantalising work on Oscar Wilde’s African-American valet, Stephen Stephens. Itara is dedicated to telling the historical truth. Ernest just wants to tell a good story. Will they reveal who Stephen Stephens really was, or will he force them to find out who they really are?   

The Importance of Being Oscar Wilde’s Valet is a play set in Oxford, exploring the imagined experiences of Stephen Stephens and the impact Oscar Wilde may or may not have had on his life. It is known that Wilde met Stephens during his 1882-3 tour of the US. No-one has told his story until now. 

Join us for a rehearsed reading of the play, followed by a post-show discussion.  

Bobby Theodore is a two-time Betty Mitchell Award winner, a Canadian Screen Award finalist, and a Governor General’s Award finalist. JC Niala, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Warwick Theatre and Performance Studies department, received the prestigious Nancy Dean Prize in 2021 for her play Out of Bounds. 

Co-produced with the Cultural Programme at Oxford University and in collaboration with the Old Fire Station, Oxford. 

 

Why See This Show? 

This is the first time Stephen Stephens, Wilde’s African-American valet, has taken centre stage. The Importance of Being Oscar Wilde’s Valet is both playful and profound, exploring questions of truth, storytelling, and identity. Following a sold-out work-in-progress reading at Blackwell’s described as “fascinating,” this new play invites audiences to join the conversation and help shape the future of a major work in development. Stay after the reading for a lively post-show discussion with the writers, JC Niala and Bobby Theodore. 

 

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.