Raspberry Ripples: a social group for Queer Disabled People
🎭 This month going to the theatre! 🎭
Please note: This event has a content warning warning, it contains strong language, themes of an adult nature, flashing lights and potential nudity.
Health warning: Haze will be used during this performance.
Oxford’s biggest and boldest queer competition is back — and this year, the spuds are sizzling hotter than ever!
Now entering its third sensational season, Oxford’s Next Hot SPUD has become a cornerstone of the city’s queer cultural calendar, showcasing an extraordinary range of talent from drag, comedy, burlesque, live art, and everything in between.
Hosted by the incomparable Scarlett Von Kok, whose razor-sharp wit and irresistible charm keep audiences on their toes, Season 3 promises to be the most ambitious and unpredictable yet. Guiding the competition are this year’s stellar judges: Cairo Iman Ali returns as Head Judge, joined by the ever-radiant Sera Tonin and two of Oxford’s reigning queer royalty — previous winners Henry VIII and Lily Lovelace.
What began as a grassroots drag contest has now evolved into a fully-fledged queer spectacle — a joyous, inclusive celebration of artistry and identity. The show has built a reputation for championing individuality and community spirit, providing a platform for new performers to cut their teeth and for seasoned artists to push creative boundaries.
As The Oxford Times raved, “Oxford’s Next Hot Spud has become a beacon of queer joy — part cabaret, part competition, and entirely unmissable.” Meanwhile, OxMag hailed it as “a riotous blend of glamour, chaos, and genuine heart — proof that Oxford’s queer scene is thriving.”
Season 3 promises a feast of talent, laughter, and emotional highs — a reminder that no matter who you are or where you come from, there’s always room at the table for another Hot Spud.
If you need additional access needs other than the ones listed below for the venue, please e-mail info@tartproductions.co.uk.
🎟️ Sign up here for tickets! 🎟️
Accessibility
-
There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).
If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us and we will talk with you about your needs.
-
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift). -
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please contact us or e-mail at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980 directly.v
-
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – please e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
-
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
-
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.
How to get here
-
Oxford town centre is well-served by buses. We are less than 10 minutes’ walk from any bus stop in the town centre. Take a look at the Oxford Bus Company website to plan your journey.
-
Oxford has a lot of cyclists. You can plan your cycling route using this interactive map. For general information about cycling in Oxford and the surrounding area, visit the Oxford City Council pages on cycling, or of local cycling advocacy group Cyclox.
-
Old Fire Station is a 15-minute walk from Oxford rail station.
-
Oxford is not a particularly car-friendly city. There are plenty of car parks in Oxford, but the congestion is high and Oxford’s temporary congestion charge for cars is now in effect, we recommend that you use the Park & Ride, or a different method of transport.
💖 SAFER SPACE POLICY
This inclusive space welcomes people of all ages (18+), genders, sexualities, races, religions and identities. We will ensure that the bathroom in the venue is gender neutral & accessible for the event.
We will not tolerate any kind of homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, ableism, fatphobia, biphobia, femmephobia, interphobia, or non-consensual touching. Any behaviour of this sort will result in expulsion from the event. Treat everyone with respect, and we'll send that love right on back to you 🌈
If anyone at any of our events makes you feel uncomfortable or you believe they are in breach of this policy, please speak to the event staff or e-mail directors@tartproductions.co.uk.