• Duration: 70mins approx.
  • Tickets: Standard: £15 | Pay more: £17 | Pay less: £13 | Previews: £10
  • Company: Attic
  • Ages: 12+

Details

“We’ll tell the same old stories, all over again. And we won’t complain. Because it’s Christmas.”

It’s Christmas Day. Three generations of a family are busy preparing a feast, and you’re invited. But someone is missing from the table.

The Last Noël is a funny, moving, uplifting play with live music and original songs by Chris Bush. Make this a Christmas you’ll never forget.

★★★★ “As welcome as a glass of mulled wine: warming, comforting and with just the right amount of kick.” – The Guardian

★★★★★ “The Last Noël is everything a seasonal show should be: effervescent, joyous, and touching.” – BroadwayWorld

★★★★ “A warm-hearted story about the importance of surrounding yourself with the people you love, even when everything isn’t perfect.” – StageTalk

“A joyfully eccentric patchwork of monologues, songs and banter about the ridiculousness of Christmas” – Daily Info

“Sweetness…tempered by darkness, like the kick of coffee in a gingerbread latte. It captures the complexity of feelings around Christmas, from excitement and joy to resentment and regret.” – Exeunt

“Touching, immersive and funny, The Last Noël makes you look at Christmas rather differently. Story-telling at its best.” – Ox In A Box

★★★★ “Bush’s piece radiates warmth but has a tinge of melancholy… It fills you with that same cheery feeling when you first see the Christmas decorations go up” – My Fair Theatregoer

“Connects directly with the audience…emotional truth along with the cheer. I was quietly, unexpectedly moved.” – Lyn Gardner

★★★★ “Filled with festive spirit” – Spyinthestalls

“Heartwarming, tear-jerking, hilarious” – View From The Cheap Seat

Post show Q&A
Tuesday 17 December
Stay after the show for a Q&A with playwright Chris Bush, director Jonathan Humphreys and other members of the creative team, hosted by Oxfordshire Theatre Makers.

Accessible shows

Relaxed performances: Both performances on Thursday 12 December will be relaxed. You are always welcome, but we know the theatre can feel intimidating for audience members who can’t always control when they move or make noise. A relaxed performance is an environment where you can feel free to be yourself. Babies are also welcome to this performance.

Captioned performances: Both performances on Thursday 19 December will be captioned, for audiences who are D/deaf or hard-of-hearing, or who find it difficult to follow speech during a show.


Award winning writer Chris Bush’s previous work includes The Assassination Of Katie Hopkins at Theatr Clwyd, Pericles for the National Theatre, Standing at the Sky’s Edge with Richard Hawley and Steel at Sheffield Crucible. ★★★★★  “The rich, beautifully interconnected script…confirms Bush as one of the UK’s most exciting young playwrights.” – The Stage on Standing At The Sky’s Edge (2019)

Attic are a touring theatre company taking original work by leading writers to new audiences. ★★★★ “A powerful, thought-provoking, richly rewarding piece of theatre” – WhatsOnStage on 1936

Directed by Jonathan Humphreys | Arrangements by Matthew Winkworth

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.