Oxford Theatre Guild launches its autumn season with a first visit to the North Wall arts centre at St Edward's School, Summertown. The company is staging the funny and moving play Wit, which won its writer, Margaret Edson, a Pulitzer Prize and a New York Critics’ Circle Best New Play award.

The play’s central character, Dr Vivian Bearing, has forged a successful career as a scholar and expert in the poems of John Donne. Diagnosed with cancer, she now finds herself under study in a university hospital. She uses her intellect, ingenuity, and wry humour — her wit — to probe this new situation. OTG promises a thought-provoking evening. This is less a play about dying of cancer and more an exploration of the importance of a balance between head and heart. Director Georgina Ferry says “Wit is one of the best-written modern plays I’ve ever seen, and I’m thrilled to be directing it for OTG.”

Helen McGregor (pictured in the lead role) has previously performed for several professional companies, including seasons at the National Theatre and at the Glasgow Citizens’ Theatre. She says: “This is one of the most challenging roles I have done but it is a fantastic play. I am delighted to get a chance to perform at the North Wall — it’s a lovely venue for audiences and actors.”

Proceeds from this production will go to DIPEx, which supports patients, families, carers and health professionals.