Blue Plaque unveiled at Language Centre

Arts 18 Oct 10 A Blue Plaque has been unveiled at the Oxford University Language Centre on 12 Woodstock Road, to commemorate the fact that the Oxford Playhouse began life there in 1923. The building housed the theatre until 1938, when the Playhouse moved to its present site on Beaumont Street, and first opened in 1906 as a big game museum. The Language Centre moved to 12 Woodstock Road in 1992, and retains a number of features which date back to its days as a museum and theatre. We get a strong sense of its theatrical past, which goes well with its present purpose. After all, what are language teachers if not performers with the classroom as their stage? Dr Robert Vanderplank, Director of the Oxford University Language Centre, said: 'We love being in this building. The striking original ceiling ironwork is still present in the Language Library and sections of the proscenium arch are still visible in some of the self-study booths. It's a wonderful space for the 140 languages which students and staff can come and learn.' Dr Vanderplank added: 'Even the name 'Big Game Museum' can still be faintly seen in the glass panes at the front of the building.