Family favourites and festive fun in Cornerstone’s biggest autumn/winter season yet

Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot launches its biggest and best autumn/winter season yet, bringing an exciting mix of family entertainment, theatre, comedy, live music and festive favourites to Didcot – good news for all its hundreds of new members.

The packed programme follows a hugely successful 12 months for the arts centre, with membership growing by more than 200 per cent and its annual pantomime attracting some of its biggest audiences in recent years. Nearly 4,000 tickets were sold for 2025’s Beauty and the Beast, an increase of more than 12 per cent compared with the previous year’s production.

Building on that success, Cornerstone’s biggest ever autumn/winter season showcases an even wider range of entertainment, with something for all ages and interests.

Family entertainment is a big part of the programme, with high-energy K-POP ICONS and magical Dance in the Dark, which includes a relaxed performance for a more accessible theatre experience. The popular Bring Your Own Baby comedy shows also returns, giving parents and carers the chance to enjoy top UK comedians without needing a babysitter.

Literature lovers can enjoy classic stories this season with Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape, Jane Eyre and Of Mice and Men, while the programme also features live music and comedy from acts including Rosie Holt, Flat and the Curves, Jazz Sabbath and Once in a Lifetime – 80s Tribute.

Rounding off the programme is Cornerstone’s Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, running from Friday 18 to Wednesday 30 December. Following the success of 2025’s Beauty and the Beast, audiences can expect another festive adventure packed with laughter, music and family fun.

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cornerstone continuing to grow and attract new audiences. The success of last year’s pantomime and the increase in membership show just how valued the venue is by local communities and visitors. We’re really excited to share this bigger programme, with something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find family shows, classic theatre, comedy, live music and our much-loved Christmas pantomime and we can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to Cornerstone.”

Tickets for the autumn/winter season are on sale now. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Cornerstone Arts Centre website.