Burton Taylor Studio

The Burton Taylor Studio sits in a narrow street near Oxford’s main theatre. It occupies a small converted space that once served as rehearsal rooms. The studio was named after Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to mark the actor’s gift towards its creation. In the 1980s students from the Oxford University Dramatic Society turned it into a regular venue for performances. Today it hosts both student productions and professional shows throughout the year. The studio has a modest 50-seat capacity, making every performance feel intimate. It grew from a simple rehearsal area donated by Burton in 1966. Over the decades it has become a training ground for actors who later appear on larger stages. The space is managed by the Oxford Playhouse on behalf of the university. Its programme mixes new writing with classic plays and experimental work. Inside, plain walls and simple seating focus attention on the stage. The studio’s compact size allows audiences to feel close to the performers. It stands a short walk from the main Oxford Playhouse building. The street outside is quiet, lined with university buildings and colleges.