Our first concert of the new academic year sees us welcome the New Music Award Holders in a concert given by pupils in 3rd year. All are most welcome to support these new pupils as they embark on their musical journeys at Abingdon!

Get ready for another huge night of stand-up as WCB Comedy returns with a fantastic mixed bill of top circuit comedians — headlined by the brilliant Rory Bremner.

One of the UK’s most celebrated comedians, impressionists, and satirists, Rory is a true comedy heavyweight. Famous for his razor-sharp political impressions, quick-fire wit, and appearances across British TV and radio, this is a rare chance to see a genuine comedy icon live in Abingdon. From Mock the Week appearances to his legendary impression work on Rory Bremner… Who Else?, he remains one of the UK’s most respected and hilarious performers.

Hosting the night is the always brilliant Justin Panks. A hugely experienced MC known for his warm crowd work, quick comebacks, and effortless ability to keep the room buzzing from start to finish. Justin knows exactly how to get a comedy crowd fired up.

Also joining the bill is the fantastic Ross Smith. Ross is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about acts on the UK comedy circuit, known for his sharp writing, brilliantly relatable material and effortlessly likeable stage presence. Expect huge laughs and a set packed with clever observations and big energy.

And opening the show is the fantastic Tal Davies. One of the exciting rising names on the comedy scene, Tal brings smart writing, charm, and brilliantly relatable material that audiences absolutely love. Keep an eye on this one.

These nights are famous for their electric atmosphere and regularly sell out — so if you want to see top-quality stand-up comedy live, make sure you grab your tickets early.

Do join us for the first evensong of the term as we celebrate Abingdon School Old Chorister Association. This is a society which aims to promote a continuing relationship between the music department and Old Abingdonians. The Chapel choir will be joined by OAs singing a choral evensong in Chapel. All most welcome but please book a ticket to confirm attendance.

Our first solo platform of the Academic year sees pupils in solo performance from all levels of the school. Admission is free and all are welcome!

Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.

Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Soon, she must confront the price of speaking her truth in a world that would rather silence her.

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham directs Martin Crimp’s (Cyrano de Bergerac) highly anticipated play.

Presented by Speakers from the Edge

Jordan’s expeditions have taken him across all seven continents and to over 150 countries, from running the coldest marathons on Earth, to rowing across the world’s most dangerous waters, summiting unclimbed peaks, and attempting to be the first person to paddleboard around Britain to name just a few of his intrepid adventures. His journey is one of resilience and purpose. Through these extreme challenges and his life changing experiences, he explores how the great outdoors can inspire better mental and physical well-being while empowering people across the world to dream bigger, push their limits, and create their own path whilst having a positive impact on the world. Prepare to be inspired!

Our Chamber choir has been invited to sing evensong at the Queens’ College in Oxford. Do join us for this reflective service in one of the iconic chapels of the university. Admission is free.

We are delighted to announce that we will be giving a concert in the sublime setting of the Holywell Music Room in Oxford. Thought to be the first custom built concert hall in Europe, pupils will give an evening concert of solo and chamber music. Booking is required for this concert, but admission is free. All are most welcome to hear and see some of the most experienced and talented musicians in the pupil body at Abingdon.

Join us in the Ingham Room as the musicians of the Lower School show their musical talents in a concert of solo performances.

Join Oxbridge Professor Dr Tom Crawford as he takes us on a whirlwind tour of the maths of his favourite fantasy worlds as featured in his upcoming popular maths book 'How Many Pikachus Would it Take to Power a Lightbulb?’. Expect to learn how to calculate the insurance policy of a Hobbit, the blast radius of the Death Star, the optimal way to defeat the Avengers, and who is richer: Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog?

Do join us for the termly Open Mic Night in the Pavilion.  With a number of vocal and instrumental performances, join us for an evening of performances in this open and welcoming setting.

Climb aboard for a night of ocean adventure! The Ocean Film Festival World Tour features a new collection of the world’s most incredible ocean films!

Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland tour, this selection of short films combines breath-taking marine life and wild seafaring voyages in a cinematic celebration of our oceans.

Venturing to rarely explored depths of the planet, meet the surfers, paddlers, divers and scientists who have dedicated their lives to answering the call of the ocean. Plunge into the wonders of the big blue – without getting your feet wet!

See www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk for more.

Picture by @eviewilderness

Join us at the Family Science Club for a Saturday morning filled with exciting challenges, hands-on exploration, and plenty of fun! Designed for curious minds of all ages, our Family Science Club offers a unique opportunity for adults and children to work together as they investigate the wonders of science through creative, interactive activities.

The Family Science Club runs once per half-term and is held in the state-of-the-art Partnerships Lab within the Yang Science Centre at Abingdon School. Each session features a new theme or scientific focus, encouraging families to discover something different every time.

Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the session. Whether you’re experimenting, building, or solving puzzles together, it’s a brilliant way to inspire a love of science in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Family Science Club is delivered by Abingdon Science Partnership on behalf of Abingdon Sports and Leisure. The Abingdon Science Partnership (ASP) is primarily a science outreach organisation supported and funded by Abingdon School.

We are delighted to welcome eminent oboist, George Caird to Abingdon to give a masterclass to our oboe students. This masterclass is kindly supported and funded by Abingdon School Music Society. All are most welcome to attend but should book a free ticket.

We are delighted to welcome Connie Tanner to Abingdon to give a masterclass to our bassoon pupils. A tutor at the Junior Academy, we look forward to seeing Connie work with our bassoon students in an interactive masterclass which all are welcome to join. Tickets should be booked. This masterclass is kindly supported and funded by Abingdon School Music Society.

Two of opera’s most extraordinary artists return to The Met: Live in HD for Verdi’s thrilling take on the immortal Shakespearean tale of the scheming couple determined to seize power at any cost.

Baritone Quinn Kelsey is the Scottish king haunted by the ghosts of his murderous ascent to the throne, opposite soprano Lise Davidsen as the power-mad Lady Macbeth, whose ruinous ambition damns them both. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium for a penetrating production by Louisa Proske. Rounding out the all-star cast are tenor Freddie De Tommaso as Macduff and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as Banquo.

Josh O’Connor (The Crown; Challengers) leads the cast in this searing revival of Clifford Odets’

knockout American classic.

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a

future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional

boxing. He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side. Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre. Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.

Do join us in Chapel for the first of two concerts which will commemorate those lost in conflict during this period of Remembrance. There will be individual vocal items, solo instrumental performance and chamber music alongside a series of readings. Please book a ticket if attending for capacity purposes.

On Remembrance Sunday, the Chapel choir will give a performance of Faure’s iconic Requiem. The first half will feature a number of choral items and chamber music including music by Rutter, Elgar and Wood. Set in the wonderful setting of Dorchester Abbey, all are most welcome to join us as we commemorate those lost in conflict on Remembrance Sunday.

Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don José. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds.

Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera. An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s electrifying and sensual score.

Our concerto concert returns as we  are delighted to welcome Tim Johnson to adjudicate our Concerto Competition Concert. Tim is currently Precentor and Director of Music at Eton College. Pupils will perform an array of solo concerto movements, accompanied by piano, in preparation for possible performance in March in our Concerto Concert. All are most welcome to join us!

Presented by Speakers from the Edge. Danny Hart is one of Downhill Mountain Biking’s racing elite; 2x World Champion, Red Bull Hardline winner, multiple National Championships winner and 2x World Cup overall silver medal winner, the ‘Redcar Rocket’ has secured his place in mountain biking history, including an iconic first World Championship winning run that is still legendary today. In ‘Won’t Sit Down’, Danny will bring his dry wit and cool composure to take audiences on a journey through his life and impressive racing career and give a glimpse behind the scenes of what becoming a World Champion really takes.

 

Our second  solo platform of the term sees pupils in solo performance from all levels of the school. Admission is free and all are welcome!

At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops.

Peter Wright’s production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs.

Join the award winning, championship section Wantage Brass Band in a family Christmas concert featuring the best festive tunes to leave you feeling more Christmassy than ever before! The concert with centre around a performance of the soundtrack to the 1982 popular short film, The Snowman along to a showing of the film itself. This is a must see for Christmas 2025 and the band can’t wait to welcome you to the Amey Theatre, Abingdon for this spectacular festive event!

Puccini’s exhilarating drama of the Wild West returns in a new staging by Richard Jones, marking the company’s first new production of La Fanciulla del West in more than 30 years. Soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė makes her Met company debut singing the role of Minnie, the tough tavern owner with a heart of gold who finds love when she least expects it. Tenor SeokJong Baek is the dashing bandit who rambles into the remote California mining town to steal her heart, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as the lawman determined to deliver justice—and win Minnie for himself. Maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the podium to conduct one of opera’s most action-packed adventures, live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide.

Spurred on by a bet, two young men hatch a plan to test the fidelity of their girlfriends. What follows is a slippery game of seduction and power, the four lovers plunging into a dizzying world of shifting reality, where truth becomes increasingly unstable. 

Presented by Speakers from the Edge.

Allie Bailey is an ultrarunner, coach, speaker and podcast presenter who has run in some of the most extreme places in the world, with a number of world firsts to her name.

In ‘Ultrarunning: Can you Hack It?’, the follow-up to her successful first tour ‘Running Won’t Save You’ and based on her second book, Allie offers a zero bulls*** mindset masterclass for the modern runner, as well as insight into her big adventure runs; the 200-mile ultras, the Dragon’s Back race and The Winter Spine race

PLEASE NOTE: THIS SHOW WILL CONTAIN VERY STRONG LANGUAGE

Comedy Buoys returns to The Amey Theatre with another fantastic night of live stand-up comedy, headlined by the unmistakable Milton Jones.

One of the UK's most celebrated comedians, Milton is renowned for his brilliantly surreal one-liners, quick-fire delivery and unique comedic style. A regular favourite on Mock the Week, he has also appeared on Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and House of Games, while his hugely successful live tours have entertained audiences across the country. Expect an extended headline set packed with inventive wordplay, absurd observations and the type of jokes that only Milton Jones could deliver.

Guiding the evening is the superb Matt Price, whose warm, engaging style and razor-sharp crowd work make him one of the circuit's most sought-after hosts.

The bill will be completed by two additional comedians, ensuring a packed evening of laughs from start to finish.

Early booking is recommended.

At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser…As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream? Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland burst onto the stage in 2011 in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography. Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real. The result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment and ingenious music and design.

Princess Odette is bound by a curse, turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. The spell can only be broken by a pledge of eternal love. When she meets Prince Siegfried, he is immediately enamoured by her fragile beauty and pledges to free her. But freedom is not promised for Odette as Von Rothbart conspires to thwart the lovers’ plans. Liam Scarlett’s production for The Royal Ballet brings together Tchaikovsky’s towering score and John Macfarlane’s picturesque designs to create an enduring ballet spectacle of love, treachery and forgiveness.

Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi live for each other and for their art. But when Cavaradossi helps an escaped prisoner, the lovers make a deadly enemy in the form of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police. At the mercy of Scarpia’s twisted desires, Tosca is forced to make a horrific bargain: sleeping with the man she hates, in order to save the man she loves. Can she find a way out? Oliver Mears’s acclaimed production returns, setting Puccini’s operatic thriller in a contemporary, war-torn Rome. Daniel Oren conducts Aleksandra Kurzak, who returns to the title role, joined by Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi and Christopher Maltman as Baron Scarpia. 

Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers is transformed in Kenneth MacMillan’s mesmerising ballet. The flourishing of young love is just as present in Romeo and Juliet's meeting on the balcony as in their final moments when they desperately cling to life in the tomb. Prokofiev’s evocative music sets the scene for stolen romantic moments and deadly feuds and sweeps the ballet towards its inevitable and tragic conclusion.