- Duration: 50 Mins
- Tickets: £5/ £8
- Ages: 5+
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
Grab your broomsticks and join WhatNot Theatre as we whisk you away on a mystical mayhem of an adventure. Meet Esmeralda Blunder, a lovable but calamity prone apprentice Witch who just can’t quite seem to master the art of spells and potions.
Patient Professor Charms despairs at Esmeralda’s mishaps, who is often found amongst a puff of smoke and an overflowing bubbling cauldron. But despite all her capers and an accidental Toad transformation, Professor Charms encourages the young Witch to persevere and work hard at her craft to pursue her dreams.
One blustery and thunderous night whilst rummaging through the ancient library Esmeralda discovers a cobweb covered spell book hidden away. Containing a forgotten language of spell crafting where the hands create the magic to cast spells instead of a traditional wand, Esmeralda comes to realise that she is a natural.
With courage and determination to prove herself, and with the help of the audience, she discovers that she always had the power within…she just had to learn it for herself.
The Witch without a Wand is a playful and visually rich experience for all the family, combining the storytelling of British Sign Language & Sensory Practice integrated into the heart of the performance.
In collaboration with Sign Together Uk, The Witch without a Wand is a relaxed, participatory show for 5+ years and their families; designed with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Neurodivergent community at the forefront of its development.
WhatNot Theatre creates original inclusive and participatory theatre from scratch. For family-friendly audiences in relaxed and accessible environments, our productions give the audience an opportunity to get involved.
A little piece of magic for a frigid afternoon… Colourful, creative and crammed with kindness… It blows the little ones away, but enthrals even adults and teenagers.
Review of The Ugly Duckling by Lucy, OFS, 2022
Please note: This show is suitable for children 5 and above. Children under 3 are eligible for a free ticket, seated on their parents lap.
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.