Oxford Playhouse has a reputation as one of Britain’s leading theatres and has done since its foundation in 1920. The theatre has strong links with the University and has helped to launch the careers of many of Britain’s biggest acting stars such as Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Ronnie Barker and Dirk Bogarde. The theatre offers a wide variety of plays throughout the year from classics to contemporary and also hosts dance and performance art.