Prepare yourselves Didcot, because we’re back! It’s the queerest time of year, so we’re bringing another explosion of, queer, neo and boundary-pushing cabaret to Cornerstone Arts Centre. With different acts every time, from the fierce and feisty to the silly and surreal, the iconic OxPHWOARd has been a staple of the Oxfordshire scene for over 10 years.
Featuring some of the best in the UK burlesque and drag scene, prepare for a glittering array of lip syncing, striptease, and comedy, with a dash of circus to boot as we celebrate Pride the best possible way. OxPHWOARd’s resident weirdos - comedy drag queen Ginger Tart and boylesque tease Frisky Whispers - are joined by some stellar performers
⭐STARRING⭐
Donna Poderosa
Donna Poderosa is an international award winning burlesque artist with a passion for cabaret & booty shaking. In 2024 She was voted in the Top 50 most influential burlesque figures worldwide and has been spreading her love for performance across the UK & far beyond since 2022. Donna is a proud alumni of the Soho School of Burlesque by Evelyn Carnate and of the Black Burlesque School by Sadie Sinner The Songbird. Donna is also a qualified Twerk Instructor and has taught workshops as part of festivals and ad hoc.
Luspinda
Luspinda is a 6x world record breaking hula hooper and drag artist. She hosts and produces The Drag Circus and has performed on TV (Cbeebies, BBC, ITV, Discovery Channel) and the world's most exciting stages (including Glastonbury, Phoenix Arts Club, Greenman Festival, Mighty Hoopla, The Hippodrome, Southbank Centre, National Theatre). She hula hoops, roller skates, sings, and makes people laugh, sometimes all at once.
Mx Cyanide
Mx Cyanide is a captivating transgender burlesque and sideshow artist known for pushing the boundaries of performance art while celebrating gender diversity and body positivity. Nominated for best performer at the UK fetish Awards and the Sexual Freedom awards 3 years running, Mx Cyanide has been mesmerising audiences across the world for almost a decade.Combining traditional burlesque’s glamour with the raw, edgy elements of sideshow artistry they are a master of both tricks and tease
FRISKY WHISPERS
Glamorous, sultry, and a little bit tacky! This dazzling showboy and queer cabaret performer has a flair for flamboyant burlesque and isn’t afraid to show it. Combining classic tease with a contemporary feel, Frisky Whispers will have you salivating at every glove peel and fan twirl!
🎙️HOSTED BY🎙️
GINGER TART
Serving their own brand of camp ridiculousness, it’s always a party with Ginger Tart. They’ve been making a splash on the UK scene since 2015. Whether they’re being regurgitated by a shark or stripping as a cruciferous vegetable, they ooze kitsch and comic value out of their every pore with sensational kooky costumes and a face that’s more dexterous than a Russian gymnast
With a kitschy approach and a killer soundtrack, this charming show promises to gleefully question what it means to be sexy with a wry smile and a face full of glitter.
Think strong, think silly, and think sexy.
"A subversive, feel good romp" - Daily Info
This is a show celebrating the camp, queer, and eclectic. Serving fierce, funny and frisky cabaret acts - an electric evening showcasing burlesque and drag as you’ve never seen it before. Phwoar!
OxPHWOARd is an inclusive space that welcomes people of all ages (18+), genders, sexualities, races, religion and identities.
Accesibility
Please note: If you're worried about cast members interacting with you, they will not interact with you without your consent. You can also request to avoid the front row if that makes you more comfortable.
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There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
Access throughout may include manual doors, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
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There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor, first floor and second floor.
The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, first floor and second floor.
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We also have an infrared system in our auditorium for patrons with hearing difficulties. Please ask the box office for a headset. Please note we do not have a loop.
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All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome.
There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs. However, there is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
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Seats in Cornerstone’s auditorium are 45cm wide with fixed arm rests. A limited number of seats without arm rests are available, please contact our Box Office who will happily arrange reservation for you.
How to get here
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There are also four bus stops within walking distance. Services are operated by Thames Travel and Oxford Bus Company website to plan your journey.
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Cornerstone is very easy to access if you are local. We are situated in a pedestrianised area and we encourage you to walk or cycle if you can!
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We are just seven minutes walk away from Didcot Parkway train station. Trains run from Didcot Parkway to Reading, London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol and beyond.
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Didcot is accessible via the A34, A417 and A4130. The M40 is around 30 minutes away and the M4 just 20 minutes away (traffic permitting).
Parking
The venue does not have its own car park.
Short stay parking – there are two short stay car parks nearby. Orchard Centre car park (free for the first two hours and after 7pm – maximum stay 5 hours). Free all day Sunday. SATNAV: OX11 7ND. Edinburgh Drive off Didcot Broadway SATNAV: OX11 7HS
Long stay parking – next to Orchard Centre car park (just off Hitchcock Way next to Sainsbury’s) and Didcot Parkway train station.
Disabled parking is available in front of PureGym on Broadway (5 minutes walk) and in the Edinburgh Drive car park (3 minutes walk).