Dark Christmas comedy Glacier to make premiere at Oxford’s Old Fire Station

A new dark Christmas comedy will make its world premiere at Oxford’s Old Fire Station this December.

Written by award-winning writer and comedian Alison Spittle, new show Glacier follows three women on Christmas day, all separately seeking solace at the tranquil Lake Foxleighmere.

The production will run at Old Fire Station from 4 – 23 December with a cast featuring Debra Baker, Emma Lau and Sophie Steer.

Lucy thinks it’s the perfect place for a good scream. Jools thinks it’s the perfect place to escape her family, just for an hour. Dawn thinks it’s the perfect place to become invisible.

When all three create an unofficial tradition of swimming at the same place on Christmas Day every year, each character’s troubles bubble to the surface and friendships develop, with warmth, wit and the heartbreak of the festive season.

Madelaine Moore directs the production with set design by Cory Shipp and sound design by Robin Colyer.

Writer Alison Spittle said: “Never have I thought about Christmas so much all year round! I finished this play in a heatwave. With our director Madelaine Moore, our fantastic cast and the team at the Old Fire Station, I hope this play will make a splash. I am excited to see the new swimming groups pop up and the buzz around Oxford, it will be wonderful to see this play with a crowd. This show is an ode to the joyous, unkind and generally dull parts of adult friendships, especially around the festive season.”

Clara Vaughan, CEO of Old Fire Station, Oxford, added: “Glacier is the perfect blend of the two qualities we look for in an OFS Christmas show: it’s hilarious, and it’s poignant. Since 2016 we have built a yearly tradition of festive comedies for grown-ups and we’re thrilled to have Glacier as our 2023 show.”

Glacier marks Old Fire Station’s sixth original Christmas production, deviating from pantomime traditions to create festive, adult-focused shows that embrace both the joys and messiness of Christmas.

Sharing its space with a homelessness centre, the venue collaborates with Crisis, allowing clients to participate, work as staff, and attend shows for free. This unique partnership underscores the significance of fun yet poignant festive performances that resonate with diverse audience members.

For more information and tickets, visit oldfirestation.org.uk