- Duration: 30 mins
- Tickets: Free - Just come along!
- Extras: Held in Gloucester Green
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
A plan, a man, a plant. Technology and nature do battle with an unlucky fool caught in the middle. Sublime slapstick and poetic pratfalls, mad music, peculiar props and hilarious physical comedy. A unique and unusual performance.
The Trap is an homage to the great silent film comedians. A mix of eccentric dance, physical comedy, acrobatics, absurd prop play and slapstick. Imagine Buster Keaton on the loose at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Trap features Oxford-based physical theatre artist, Joe Dieffenbacher. His solo shows have been featured at top festivals in Europe and the UK, in Asia and North America. He’s collaborated with British pop sensations Take That, and was featured in the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics Closing Ceremonies. He was Director of Clown Conservatory at the Circus Center in San Francisco, Circus Skills Director at the Scottish National Opera in Glasgow, Physical Theatre Director for productions at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He is the author of CLOWN: The Physical Comedian published by Bloomsbury/Methuen Drama.
“Nakupelle’s performance at Manchester’s Xtraxx Festival was one of my personal favourite shows of the year. The energy, the relationship with the audience and the simple audacity of the show, were all tremendous.”
Jonathan Holloway, Festival Director National Theatre, London
“The high point of the festival. Every detail of his show is carefully constructed. With a never-ending stream of comic business, movements, actions and reactions, he kept the audience spellbound. The talent to pretend as if he invents and experiences everything for the first time during his performance, highlights every detail. A clumsy virtuoso … an elastic looser. This is slapstick in the very best tradition, that of Chaplin and Buster Keaton.”
Jos Prop, Limburgs Dagblad
Free Event – Just Come Along
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.