- Duration: 1hr 15mins with post-show talk
- Tickets: Standard £15 | Pay more £20 | Pay less £10
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
Human Story Theatre in Collaboration with Oxford Health Charity presents Within These Walls by Janet Bolam.
In a quiet chapel in the grounds of a mental hospital, Stu and Lucy take refuge from their painful circumstances. Plagued by questionable treatments, separation from their children and a sketchy sense of their own mental resilience, they form an unlikely bond which ignores a haunting suspicion that their friendship is not all it seems. Within These Walls is a compassionate play about those who have lived within the walls of an institution, about the people who care for them and about the timeless healing power of human connection.
Within These Walls, produced by Human Story Theatre in collaboration with Oxford Health Charity as part of www.warnford200.co.uk—Oxford Health Charity’s 200th anniversary program in 2026—it’s a moving reflection on history, resilience, and care.
To enrich every performance, each evening concludes with a post-show panel discussion. These panels feature mental health professionals & experts from organisations who reflect on the themes of the play, connecting the past to the present. Audiences are invited to stay, ask questions, and explore how these lived stories still resonate today.
Written by Janet Bolam – with contributions from Gillie Ruscombe-King
Director Anna Tolputt
Designer Lizzy McBain
Creative Producer Amy Enticknap
Why see this show?
It’s not just a play—it’s a window into real, lived history. You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and see how far attitudes to mental health have changed. Plus, you get that panel discussion—so you’re not just watching, you’re part of the conversation. It’s a unique blend of storytelling, history, and the here and now!
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.