Play: Within These Walls
Marking the Warneford’s 200th Year
Directed by Anna Tolputt
Designed by Lizzy McBain
Produced by Amy Enticknap
The premiere of a moving new play exploring 200 years of life inside a mental health institution comes to Oxford in June. Written by Janet Bolam, Within These Walls is a collaboration between Human Story Theatre and Oxford Health Charity to mark 200 years of Warneford Hospital in Headington.
Described as “compassionate and deeply human“, the play reflects on the lives of those who lived within institutional walls, the people who cared for them, and the enduring healing power of human connection.
The production will run for two weeks at Warneford Hospital’s former chapel, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to support the work of Oxford Health Charity. This will be followed by three further performances at the Old Fire Station theatre in Oxford.
The story follows ‘Stu’ and ‘Lucy’, two patients seeking refuge from painful circumstances. Plagued by questionable treatments, separation from their children, and fragile confidence in their own mental resilience, they form an unlikely bond – one that quietly ignores a haunting suspicion that their friendship may not be what it seems.
Human Story Theatre Co-founder and Creative Producer, Amy Enticknap, said: “Within These Walls reflects on the lives of those who lived within institutional walls, the people who cared for them, and the enduring healing power of human connection.”
The production offers a powerful lens on changing attitudes to mental health care, resilience, and dignity across generations.
Each performance will be followed by a post-show panel discussion featuring mental health professionals, guest experts from partner organisations, and opportunities for audience members to be a part of the conversation too.
Book your tickets in the Sanctuary
Click below to book your tickets on the Oxford Health Charity website.
Dates and venues:
23 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
24 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
25 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
26 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
27 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
2.30pm
27 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
30 June
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
1 July
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
2 July
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
3 July
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
4 July
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
2.30pm
4 July
The Sanctuary (former Chapel) at the Warneford Hospital, Oxford
7.30pm
10 July
Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford
7.30pm
11 July
Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford
7.30pm
12 July
Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford
7.30pm
Book your tickets in the Old Fire Station
Click below to book your tickets on the Oxford Health Charity website.
