A new concert for the Abingdon Music Calendar, do join us for an evening of performances from our drummers. Performing on the Amey theatre stage with full sound support, this is a unique opportunity for our numerous drum students.

Our second and final Solo Platform of the term sees performances from a range of instrumentalists. Admission is free and all are most welcome to this evening recital.

Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award® -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry.

For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with each of her 12 prime ministers in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her prime ministers on matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.

Peter Morgan’s Netflix phenomenon The Crown was based on this hit play that was captured live from London’s West End in 2013 and went on to become one of the most-watched NT Live productions.

This production has an approximate running time of 149 minutes (including a 15 minute interval).

This production has been rated 12 by BBFC.

Presented by Speakers from the Edge

Join legendary climber Leo Houlding for his next new show, Exposed, a gripping live experience with stunning visuals, film, and storytelling from the world’s wildest places. After three decades on the edge of adventure, Leo now explores with his young family—kiting across the Norwegian Arctic, canyoning in the Arabian desert, paddling remote Pacific islands, and spending a week vertical camping with the kids up El Capitan. 

A story of risk, resilience, and reward—Exposed will inspire you to embrace discomfort, confront fear, and chase your own horizons.

The peasant girl Giselle has fallen in love with Albrecht. When she discovers that he is actually a nobleman promised to another, she kills herself in despair. Her spirit joins the Wilis: the vengeful ghosts of women hell-bent on killing any man who crosses their path in a dance to the death. Wracked with guilt, Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave, where he must face the Wilis – and Giselle’s ghost.

Peter Wright’s 1985 production of this quintessential Romantic ballet is a classic of The Royal Ballet repertory. Set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score and with atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane, Giselle conjures up the earthly and otherworldly realms in a tale of love, betrayal and redemption.

With a number of Chamber music groups who rehearse weekly, do join us for our annual evening of Chamber Music. With a range of ensembles including Piano duets, String Quartets, Clarinet ensembles and other smaller ensembles across the breadth of the pupil body, this promises to be an exciting evening of music making. Tickets are free but need to be booked.

Experience an unforgettable evening of thrilling adventure – up on the big screen!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival features a brand-new collection of short films filled with extreme journeys, untamed characters and captivating cinematography! 

Join the world’s top adventure filmmakers and thrill-seekers as they climb, ski, paddle and ride into the wildest corners of the planet!

There are two shows, each with a totally different selection of films – the 2026 Red Film Programme (5 March) and the 2026 Blue Film Programme (30 April). Amplify the adventure by coming to both.

With free prize giveaways, this is an unmissable event from the world’s most prestigious mountain festival – guaranteed to spark your passion for adventure, action and travel!

For more information about the film festival and the films screened, please visit www.banff-uk.com.

Please note that the ticket links below take you to an external booking website ran by the event organisers.

Picture by Paul Zizka. 

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.

The annual Cabaret evening takes place in the stunning setting of the Pavilion.. This is an evening of Jazz and light music, compered by boys in the U6th with items from the Chamber Choir, Academicals alongside the Big Band. Under the direction of Simon Currie, Jason Preece and Richard Stafford, this promises to be an evening of show stopping music accompanied by a meal during the interval. Tickets are to be purchased and will be released in stages with performers’ accessing ticketing in the first instance.

Angels Performing Arts is proud to Present our Annual showcase, featuring out Talented Students as they take the stage.

Do join us for our annual service of thanksgiving as we celebrate the Abingdon foundation. With prep school choristers joining the Chapel choir, this is a service which features a massed choir with anthems, hymns and a homily. Tickets are free but need to be booked.

Join us in the Amey Theatre for an evening of Rock Music which will blow your mind away! With a variety of bands performing from across the breadth of the school, this will be a fast paced and varied evening of music making. All are most warmly invited to hear the progress and performance of Abingdon’s bands.

This term’s organ recital takes place in Chapel with a number of performances from the school’s organists. All are welcome to hear this fine instrument played by the pupils under the direction of James Brown and Lewis Morrin.

Following on from the House Music competition, Abingdon Young Musician of the Year, earlier in term, a number of pupils have been selected as part of the Intermediate category of the competition. For performers between grades 6 and 8, this will be an evening of varied performances and a concert for all! Tickets are free but need to be booked.

Adjudicator: Mr Thomas Neal, Director of Music at New College School, Oxford

Do join us for an evening concert given by Music Award Holders of Abingdon School as part of the Stonevale Concert series in St. Giles’ Church. With a range of performances alongside some Chamber Music, this will be an evening showcasing some of the most talented musicians in the school.

Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS is widely recognised as the foremost communicator for science, cosmology and astronomy in the world. He is Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society. In September 2025 he was appointed as The Francis Crick Institute’s first-ever Crick Scholar. Brian has presented a number of highly acclaimed, award-winning science programmes for the BBC watched by billions around the world including ‘Adventures in Space and Time’ (2021), ‘Universe’(2021), ‘The Planets’ (2018), ‘Forces of Nature’ (2016), ‘Human Universe’ (2014), ‘Wonders of Life’ (2012), ‘Wonders of the Universe’ (2011) and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ (2010).

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.

Our annual School Choirs’ evening takes place in the Amey Theatre  this term with a programme performed by the School Chapel Choir and Abingdon School Choral Society. The Chapel choir will perform a number of items in preparation for their forthcoming tour to the Netherlands whilst the choral society will perform larger choral works by Finzi, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Parry. Accompanied by a full orchestra, this promises to be a wonderful evening of choral music.

Our Junior final of Abingdon Young Musician of the Year takes place in the Charles Maude Room as a number of our pupils perform a varied programme of music. Alongside the hope of being crowned the first Junior Young Musician of the Year, this is a wonderful performance opportunity for the schools’ musicians below grade 6 standard.

Adjudicator: TBC

Further to a Concerto evening in the Michaelmas Term, nine pupils have been selected to perform concerto movements with a professional orchestra. With a range of concerto movements  for all instruments including Piano, Marimba, Bassoon and Cello, there is music by Elgar, Scriabin, Hummel, Prokofiev and Bruch. Do join us for an evening of wonderful musicianship.

ATOM Festival is proud to lead FameLab Academy Oxfordshire, part of the internationally recognised FameLab initiative that began with the Cheltenham Science Festival. After two successful years nurturing the Oxfordshire competition, FameLab Academy 2026 is now open to a wider range of schools than ever before.

 

This exciting opportunity invites Year 9 students to develop their science communication skills and confidence through an inspiring, hands-on competition. Working with a STEM Mentor from academia or industry, and supported by their teachers, students will craft a three-minute presentation explaining a scientific topic in a clear, engaging, and entertaining way.

 

Presentations are judged on content, clarity, and charisma, challenging students to make complex ideas accessible and captivating.

 

School winners will earn a place at a Science Communication Masterclass and go on to compete in the Oxfordshire Finals in March 2026, held during the prestigious ATOM Festival.

Every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a pregnant woman needlessly dies. Often her baby too. This is despite health care workers  and policy makers knowing, for many years,  how to prevent or treat many of the  underlying  problems, often at little or no extra cost.

The avoidable deaths of nearly 300,000  mothers a year represents the largest global public health inequality today.  Although lessons  are being learnt, and solutions put into practice,  progress has been painfully slow, and, in some parts of the world,  is now being reversed.

To  better understand the causes of death and disability, and to describe the barriers to safe motherhood faced by mothers in low- and middle-income countries,  Professor Gwyneth Lewis will use the case of Mrs X,   a  “universal mother”,  to highlight the difficulties she  might  encounter in her journey though  pregnancy and birth. She will show how the lessons learnt from reviewing their deaths have helped save millions of women’s lives in the past 25 years, and the significant challenges that  remain.

2026 is the 80th anniversary of the establishment of "The Atomic", officially the "Atomic Energy Research Establishment" at Harwell.

Originally built in a "rural backwater" to develop UK leadership in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, "The Atomic" has transformed scientific understanding across the whole range of scales, from quarks to quasars and protons to proteins as well as altering local geography and society.

Today ATOM rightly celebrates Abingdon as the epicentre of big science. Not only did Harwell's early work lead to Calder Hall, the first commercial source of nuclear energy, but it developed the standards for nuclear safety, radiobiology, development of radioisotopes for medicine, and more. The Medical Research Council was one of its first clients.

Today the campus includes work ranging from vaccines and the structure of matter to the vastness of space and astronomy.

The talk will show how science and technology have changed our world in the last 80 years and how much of that change can be traced back to Harwell. Harwell @80 is time to celebrate our nuclear heritage.

Our final concert of term sees the larger ensembles take to the stage. The Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonietta, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Sinfonia and Symphony Orchestra will all perform their term’s work. Interval refreshments will be served in the Pavilion. Do join us for a wonderful evening of music making to round off the term’s musical activities.

Abingdon Operatic Society are bringing the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, to Abingdon. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, this international sensation – that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide – includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity…

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment.

He breaks his parole in the hope of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle

for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector, Javert, who refuses

to believe that Valjean can change his ways. During the Paris student uprising of

1832, Javert must confront his morality after Valjean spares his life and saves that of

the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre presents a powerful and moving show which

includes classic songs such as ‘Do You Hear the People Sing’, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’,

‘On My Own’ and many more. Immerse yourself in this timeless musical performed

entirely by Oxfordshire school students supported by instrumentalists from

Oxfordshire County Music Service.

Age rating 14+

Princess Pamina has been captured. Her mother, the Queen of the Night, tasks the young Prince Tamino with her daughter’s rescue. But when Tamino and his friendly sidekick, Papageno, embark on their adventure, they soon learn that when it comes to the quest for love, nothing is as it really seems. Guided by a magic flute, they encounter monsters, villains, and a mysterious brotherhood of men – but help, it turns out, comes when you least expect it.

Mozart’s fantastical opera glitters in David McVicar’s enchanting production. A star cast including Julia Bullock as Pamina, Amitai Pati as Tamino, Huw Montague Rendall as Papageno, Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night, and Soloman Howard as Sarastro, led by French conductor Marie Jacquot in her Covent Garden debut.

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge).

 

One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions?  

Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.

This production has rated 15 (TBC) by BBFC.

Following her acclaimed 2024 company debut in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin. Baritone Igor Golovatenko reprises his portrayal of the urbane Onegin, who realizes his affection for her all too late. The Met’s evocative production, directed by Tony Award–winner Deborah Warner, “offers a beautifully detailed reading of … Tchaikovsky’s lyrical romance” (The Telegraph).

Consider yourself at home (!) as Abingdon's Drama Department invites you to step into the bustling, fog-filled streets of Victorian London, in this year's Lower School Musical of Oliver! Jr.

You will see the Amey Theatre transform from the grim workhouse to the criminal underbelly of the city. Follow the journey of the young orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates a world of petty thieves and pickpockets in search of a family to call his own.

With a talented cast of over 40 performers - featuring students from Abingdon's Lower School and MTSD students - get ready for an evening of energy, heart, and timeless musical numbers.

Don't miss out on this heartwarming story of hope and belonging - get your tickets now!

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

This production has an approximate running time of 150 minutes.

This production has been rated 12 by BBFC.

WCB Comedy lands in Abingdon for the very first time – and we’re not messing about.

After years of sell-out shows across East Anglia, WCB Comedy brings its proven, no-nonsense comedy nights to Abingdon with a line-up that’s absolutely stacked from top to bottom.

Headlining: ED BYRNE

One of the UK’s most loved stand-ups. Star of Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, QI and countless sold-out tours. Effortlessly funny, razor-sharp, and a genuine heavyweight of British comedy.If you’ve ever said “I’ll catch him next time” — this is next time. And it will sell out.

Opening the show: MIKE GUNN

Mike has toured extensively with major names, played theatres across the UK, and is revered by comics and audiences alike for his immaculate delivery and perfectly judged punchlines. This is a headline act in a “special guest” slot — don’t underestimate how strong this is.

Middle act: INGRID DAHLE
Fast-rising, fearless and brilliantly sharp. One of those acts people always end up Googling afterwards.

MC: JUSTIN PANKS

Trusted WCB favourite. Safe hands, quick wit, and exactly who you want steering a night like this.

This is WCB Comedy’s first ever gig in Abingdon, and if past form is anything to go by, the locals will take to it very quickly. Our shows have a habit of selling out — not through hype, but because people come once… and then don’t miss the next one.

If you like your comedy proper, your nights out slick, and your tickets secured before they vanish — don’t hang about.

??? Book now. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path.

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

This production has an approximate running time of 150 minutes.

This production has been rated 15 (TBC) by BBFC.

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!