As the new year begins, Oxfordshire offers the perfect mix of music, theatre, comedy and live entertainment to brighten up the winter months. From tributes to music legends to gripping drama and laugh-out-loud comedy, January is full of opportunities to get out, wrap up warm and enjoy the best of local culture. Whether you’re a theatre lover, music fan, or simply looking for a great night out, there’s plenty to enjoy across the county.
A small selection below of what’s on in Oxfordshire this January 2026:
Enjoy The Silence – Depeche Mode
Friday 9 January 2026
Fat Lil’s, 64 Corn Street, Witney
Depeche Mode fans are in for a treat as Enjoy The Silence UK return to Fat Lil’s for another sell-out night of synth-pop perfection. Formed by members of leading tribute acts including Speak & Spell, Love Distraction and Retro Electro, the band capture the sound and energy of Depeche Mode’s 80s and 90s heyday.
Expect a setlist packed with anthems such as Just Can’t Get Enough, Personal Jesus, People Are People and Behind The Wheel, performed with authenticity and flair. A night of pure nostalgia and electronic brilliance awaits.
Coldplace – The World’s Leading Tribute to Coldplay
Friday 9 January 2026
The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames
Experience the magic of Coldplay’s biggest hits as Coldplace, the world’s leading Coldplay tribute band, bring their stunning live show to Henley. The only tribute act to have worked directly with Coldplay, this acclaimed group recreate the band’s record-breaking live tours with lasers, confetti and those famous Xyloband LED wristbands.
From Yellow and Fix You to A Sky Full of Stars and Viva La Vida, every moment captures the uplifting energy of Coldplay at their best. Expect a spectacular, immersive concert experience that makes the audience feel part of the show.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: The Ronnie Scott’s Story
Thursday 15 January 2026
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
Journey through the smoky clubs and swinging sounds of Soho with The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars as they celebrate the history of London’s most famous jazz venue. Blending world-class live jazz with storytelling, rare photos and archive footage, the show brings to life the extraordinary story of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.
From the struggles of its early years to its encounters with gangsters, stars and jazz greats, the evening is full of fascinating tales and classic tunes. Expect an evocative mix of history, humour and timeless music in this unique celebration of British jazz culture.
Simon Evans: Staring at The Sun
Saturday 17 January 2026
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
Sharp, intelligent and always thought-provoking, comedian Simon Evans returns to the stage with his latest show, Staring at The Sun. Blending his trademark wit with reflections on technology, nostalgia and the strange simulation of modern life, Evans explores how the world has changed – and how some things haven’t at all.
A master of observational comedy, Evans takes audiences from the analogue days of hitchhiking and pub bets to today’s AI-driven world, proving that even in an age of algorithms, the human sense of humour remains gloriously unpredictable.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January 2026
New Theatre Oxford, 24–26 George Street, Oxford
Oxford’s most famous detective takes to the stage in Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts, the first-ever major theatre adaptation of Colin Dexter’s iconic creation. Written and directed by the original TV team behind the BAFTA-winning series, this new production stars Tom Chambers as the brilliant but complex Chief Inspector.
Set in the world of Oxford’s theatres, Morse and DS Lewis investigate the mysterious on-stage death of a young actress – a case that soon unravels into something much darker. Atmospheric, intriguing and quintessentially British, this is a must-see for fans of classic crime drama.
James Phelan – The Man Who Was Magic
Thursday 22 January 2026
The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames
Prepare to be astonished as world-renowned magician James Phelan returns with The Man Who Was Magic. Following five years of sold-out performances worldwide, this all-new show promises an evening of laughter, wonder and jaw-dropping illusion.
Praised by critics as “unforgettable” and “pure magic”, Phelan – the first magician to sell out a solo run at The Magic Circle blends humour and mystery to create a performance that’s as emotional as it is mind-bending. Expect to leave questioning what’s real and what’s truly magical.
Dear England
Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 January 2026
New Theatre Oxford, 24–26 George Street, Oxford
After sell-out runs at the National Theatre and the West End, James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play Dear England arrives in Oxford for its first-ever UK tour. The gripping production explores how Gareth Southgate transformed not just the England football team, but the spirit of a nation.
Charting moments of triumph and heartbreak on and off the pitch, the play captures Southgate’s quiet leadership, his influence on team culture and his impact far beyond football. A powerful and uplifting story about courage, unity, and what it means to represent modern England.
My Life with Kenneth Williams
Thursday 29 January 2026
The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames
Celebrating the centenary of the legendary Carry On star, David Benson revives his acclaimed one-man show My Life with Kenneth Williams. First performed to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1996, the show offers a brilliant, heartfelt and often hilarious portrait of the complex comic genius.
In this new version, Benson explores his lifelong fascination with Williams, blending impeccable impressions, personal stories and insight into one of Britain’s most iconic entertainers. A masterclass in storytelling and character acting, it’s a must-see for comedy fans and theatre lovers alike.
Discover More This January
From high-energy tribute concerts to gripping stage dramas and thought-provoking comedy, Oxfordshire’s cultural calendar starts 2026 with style. Whether you’re enjoying an evening at the theatre, a cosy night of live music, or a magical performance in Henley or Oxford, there’s no shortage of entertainment to lift your spirits this winter.
Why not make a weekend of it? Oxfordshire is home to a wealth of charming B&Bs, boutique hotels, and cosy country inns, perfect for turning a great night out into a relaxing winter getaway.
