Comedy at Oxford Castle, 16th May 

Liz Nicholls

Book in for a dark tourism show inspired by Graham Norton Show to launch at Oxford Castle & Prison hosted by comedian Alex Farrow

A dandy highwayman and a pilloried bookseller will be among the guests on a one-night-only TV talk show taking place in Oxford. 

Oxford Castle & Prison will host the unique, late-night event which will blend history with humour alongside real-life characters from Oxford’s dark past. 

The show is in collaboration with the award-winning Jericho Comedy and Oxford Brooks University and will see legendary figures including Queen Elizabeth I ‘hater’, Rowland Jenkes, and promiscuous highwayman, Isaac Darkin, return to the scene of their demises. 

Kesia Middlemore of Oxford Castle & Prison says: “If you’re wondering what the night will look like, think Graham Norton with ghosts! We’re thrilled to be bringing history to life in such a bold and entertaining way. 

“Comedy at the Castle is not just a night of laughs – it’s a celebration of the colourful, and often chilling, stories that shaped our city. What better way to connect people with the past than through a comedy?” 

Comedian Alex Farrow, host of the multi-award-winning Jericho Comedy in Oxford, will begin the evening with a stand-up performance. Alex’s writing has appeared on Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, as well as in The Times as part of the best jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Alex will be joined by Caitriona Dowden, who will perform extracts from her critically acclaimed show ‘Holier than thou’. Caitriona is a DPhil medieval history researcher with a penchant for medieval bestiaries and was Chortle Student Comedian of the Year 2022. Shortly after, the ghosts will take centre stage. 

Guests ‘returning’ to Oxford Castle & Prison will include: 

• Isaac Darkin aka Dumas: The original dandy highwayman, who spent his cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention… especially if you were a married woman of means who shared his insatiable appetite. 

• Felicia Skene: Pen pal of Florence Nightingale. Felicia was a philanthropist, prison reformer, friend of the poor and sex workers. 

• Rowland Jenkes: A devout Catholic and Queen Elizabeth I ‘hater’. If only he’d kept his thoughts to himself, he wouldn’t have been put on trial for seditious libel.  

The talk show segment was the brainchild of students Milind Singh, Takumi Oya, Max Gleeson and Debarshi Kalita, who pitched the concept to the Oxford Castle & Prison team as part of Oxford Brookes Business School’s Dark Tourism postgraduate module. Comedy at the Castle follows in the footsteps of ‘Afternoon Tea with Mary Blandy which took place last year. 

Dr. Brianna Wyatt, Senior Lecturer and Module Leader of the Dark Tourism module at Oxford Brookes University, said: “The module uses experiential learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice so that students not only have the chance to apply their learning, but they are able to make industry impacts.  

“Student feedback has shown this way of learning is not only helpful for them in understanding what industry is looking for and needs in the current experience economy, but it also supports them in developing transferable skills needed for their future careers.  

“I have been impressed with all the ideas that have been pitched over the last two years of this module running. Seeing the students’ ideas implemented is a great motivator for future students of the module, and it has been a joy to watch them learn from and work with the management team at Oxford Castle & Prison. I am grateful to the Oxford Castle & Prison team and Continuum Attractions for their continued support and engagement with the students and this module”. 

Taking place on Friday 16 May, Comedy at the Castle offers audiences a rare opportunity to see the castle after dark, with shows running at 6.15pm and 8.45pm. 

The immersive format, styled as a late-night TV talk show, will include character interviews, surprising historical revelations, and a 20-minute interval to nip to the bar. Tickets are priced at £19 for adults and £17 for students, with age guidance set at 18+ due to adult themes. 

To book and for more details, visit: oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/event/comedy-at-the-castle