Oxford Playhouse: Coffee Morning takes centre stage

The beautiful 88-year-old venue, in the heart of Oxford’s medieval city centre, has over the years welcomed some of the biggest names in British theatre, including Rowan Atkinson, Dame Judi Dench, Ronnie Barker, Dirk Bogarde, Dudley Moore and Dame Maggie Smith.

The theatre’s Coffee Mornings have become about more than fundraising too. The events have sparked conversations about cancer, helped break down barriers and brought together Oxford Playhouse’s staff and 100-strong volunteer team, many of whom have been affected by cancer themselves.

Last year's Coffee Morning was a typically thoughtful, and inclusive event and offered something everyone could enjoy.

Rachel Baker, Duty Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at Oxford Playhouse, organises the events. She says: “Our volunteers are like one big family. We have people who’ve been volunteering with us for around 40 years, which is amazing.

“Nearly all our volunteers are theatre ushers. They scan tickets, sell ice cream and programmes and help people to their seats. We couldn’t function without them. Of course, a big perk of volunteering is being able to see many of the shows we have.”

Rachel decided to host the first Coffee Morning in 2018 after people close to her had been affected by cancer. “We are also a charity, and our CEO [Mike Tweddle] is really supportive of everything we’re doing for Macmillan, which makes a huge difference.”

The pandemic paused the event in 2020, but the Coffee Morning returned stronger than ever. Sadly, the reasons for supporting Macmillan have also become increasingly personal, with the theatre losing much-loved staff and volunteers to cancer.

“The theatre has lost 3 ushers to cancer. We lost Joyce, who had volunteered for us for many years. I went to visit her when she was in a hospice. I told her, we’re going to do a Coffee Morning for you, and she was so proud to hear this.

“Then there was a member of staff who used to work behind the bar when he was a student at Oxford University, and had gone on to be high flying in his career. He was really passionate about the Playhouse and later worked in the technical crew here helping to build sets.

“Very sadly, 3 years ago he was diagnosed with a rare and terminal brain cancer. He had intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford but there was nothing more they could do and we lost him too.”

In late 2025, staff were rocked by the news that their Technical Director, Ashley Bale, had terminal cancer.

Rachel says: “He was an incredible lighting designer as well as being our technical director. He’d worked on shows all around the world and was so dedicated.

“It was a very short time between Ash being diagnosed and him dying at the end of November, and he even attended the first night of panto a week before his death. It was devastating for his family and all of us here.”

This year’s Coffee Morning will therefore have added poignancy. Alongside raising funds for Macmillan, staff and volunteers are once again using their creativity to support the cause.

Volunteer usher Carol, a keen seamstress, makes bunting to sell at the Coffee Morning, with proceeds going to Macmillan. “Carol uses beautiful fabrics she’s collected, she will be back this year too. Another volunteer, Bridget, has previously sold beautiful bags she has made using fabrics gathered on her travels, and again kindly donated proceeds to the coffee morning.”

Rachel’s advice to anyone thinking about hosting a Coffee Morning is simple: “Never be afraid to ask for help. People will want to help you. I just put an email out to all our volunteers and said, I think I’m thinking of doing this. Would any of you be interested in supporting it or coming along? I had such an overwhelming response.

“We had no idea how the first one would go but everyone pitched in and we’ve just kept going because they’re really fun events.”

A huge thank you to Oxford Playhouse for your continuing support for Macmillan. Thanks to you, we can do whatever it takes to support people with cancer – including your staff and volunteers who we are there for too.