Oxford Playhouse production of Terence Rattigan's rarely performed play 'In Praise of Love', directed by Mike Tweddle.
Terence Rattigan's In Praise of Love runs at the Oxford Playhouse from 13 February to 6 March 2027, with press night on Wednesday 17 February. It's directed by Artistic Director Mike Tweddle, who also helmed the Playhouse's 2026 production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
In Praise of Love is Rattigan's penultimate play, written towards the end of his life and rarely performed. He described it as one of his most heartfelt and autobiographical works, driven by love and haunted by his relationship with his father. Set in 1970s London, it follows Sebastian, a celebrated literary critic, and his wife Lydia, a refugee from wartime Estonia. Their marriage begins to unravel when an old friend arrives and their son starts questioning their motives.
The production marks the 50th anniversary of Rattigan's death. He had a long connection to the city: he read History at Trinity College and was an active member of the Oxford University Dramatic Society, co-writing his first play, First Episode, as an undergraduate. He later called In Praise of Love his favourite.
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Alongside Tweddle, the creative team includes set and costume designers Liz Ascroft and Amanda Stoodley, composer and sound designer Robin Colyer, and lighting designer Will Hayman. The play is recommended for ages 14 and over.
