The Oxford Playhouse Trust

Also known as: Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Playhouse is a 600 seat presenting and producing theatre. The high quality programme includes drama, new writing, children's theatre, comedy, music, local student and amateur work, lectures, poetry and talks. The Playhouse manages the Burton Taylor Studio featuring student and professional shows. The theatre runs an extensive learning and participation programme in the local community.

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Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Region

England

Financial Information

Latest Income

£5,333,701

Latest Expenditure

£4,831,578

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 75.4%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 24% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 780). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 83.2%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 21% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 7.6%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 40% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £1,173,134

Charitable Activities £3,443,876

Other Trading £539,940

Investments £16,643

Other Income £160,108

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £4,022,182

Raising Funds £331,719

Governance £37,822

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £477,677

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£5,333,701	£4,831,578	£4,022,182	£2,583,893	£551,963	35 / 95
2024	£4,576,008	£4,459,159	£3,714,009	£2,195,220	£558,196	28 / 85
2023	£4,187,987	£4,570,513	£3,821,866	£2,078,371	£206,008	29 / 61
2022	£4,157,142	£3,863,251	£3,226,268	£2,460,896	£604,846	37 / 25
2021	£1,962,231	£1,687,747	£1,218,058	£2,167,005	£365,754	39 / 17

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Oxford Playhouse Trust

What does The Oxford Playhouse Trust do?

How much income did The Oxford Playhouse Trust report in 2025?

The Oxford Playhouse Trust reported total income of £5.33m and reported expenditure of £4.83m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is The Oxford Playhouse Trust?

The Oxford Playhouse Trust has a program ratio of 75.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 24% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 780 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was The Oxford Playhouse Trust registered as a charity?

The Oxford Playhouse Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 13 July 1989 as charity number 900039. It has been registered for 37 years.

Who runs The Oxford Playhouse Trust?

The Oxford Playhouse Trust is governed by a board of 13 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Oxford Playhouse Trust operate?

The Oxford Playhouse Trust operates in England, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is The Oxford Playhouse Trust a registered charity?

Yes — The Oxford Playhouse Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 900039.