- October 2017
"I'm not saying he wasn't put in a dreadful position. But it's an inescapable fact he did it. He commanded those pilots to dive. To their deaths. Whatever the reasons."
Nikolai Koslov is a renowned architect about to open his biggest project yet, but when his family die in a plane crash on their way to see him, he resolves to see justice done. In his unwavering quest for answers he goes after those who he believes responsible for his loss and when an inquest fails to explain what truly happened to his family his grief turns him into the person he hates.
- June 2017
---INTERACTIVE PHYSICAL THEATRE PIECE ---
'An exhilarating monologue drama for a young performer, from the writer of the recently released West End play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and award-winning Television dramas, including: Skins, This is England '86, This is England '88, The Fades and Glue.'
Synopsis: 'Katie is a feisty and intelligent 18 year old. When her boyfriend Abe gets into a fight, his mates insist they track down the kid who attacked him. What starts as an adventure becomes more dangerous as Katie is thrust into a journey she'll never forget. The complexities of multicultural inner-city life are vividly exposed in this remarkable coming-of-age tale.'
- February 2017
Hell is empty
All the devils are here
- November 2016
CADS’ Christmas Panto is finally here! Prepare to be taken on yet another wild ride (this time with a plot!) as we follow the events of an industrial sales pitch gone awry.
This year’s Panto takes us up north, to Yorkshire, to visit the family mine of old-money entrepreneur Rupert Buttock. Having reached retirement age, Rupert is now making preparations to sell his mine to the extravagant Dame Ivanna Sukyoff, the daughter of an unfortunately named billionaire. Unsurprisingly, something goes rather wrong during Rupert’s sales pitch to the Dame (entirely the fault of his incompetent mine Foreman, George), which results in all three of the aforementioned humans becoming trapped deep in the Buttock mine.
Stuck with no clear exit, the trio decide to explore the shaft for some means of release – a quick spelunk never hurt anyone, right?
There will be drama. There will be magic. There will be a panto horse
- June 2016
"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"
An open-air production of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream - performed by fairy light in the shadows of the Mulberry tree.
- March 2016
You've loved the timeless Disney Classics. You've seen Christ's School Musical. You may have even accidentally watched The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills. But now, prepare yourselves for The Real Housewives of Disney!
In this Disney spoof, inspired by the SNL sketch, Cinderella is having a ball, and all the biggest names in the Enchanted Kingdom will be there. There'll be love, surprises, and a considerable amount of name-calling.
- November–December 2015
The show stars Gabriella, an innocent girl following her dreams by joining the esteemed local Convent. But rather than living a quiet life of pious servitude she finds herself thrust into a maelstrom of debauchery, espionage and cheeky banter. There will be shocks. There will be scandals. There will be a panto horse.
- October 2015
From the team that brought you the sell out hypnotism show last year, we present The Hypnotist: Séance.
The Corpus Playroom has been transformed into a bridge to the spiritual world, through which the audience can interact with the dead, via The Hypnotist.
Prepare to see, hear and feel the dead in this brand new hypnotism show.
Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, can refuse at any point
to continue taking part in the performance.
- August 2015
* The Tab .
“Captivating” TCS .
“A brilliant translation of Conrad’s haunting parable” **** Varsity.
In Edinburgh after a successful Cambridge run, this is Conrad’s famous novel - the inspiration for Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now - adapted into an epic one-man show. Join Marlow on the deck of his steamboat for a story of greed and cruelty, fallen heroes and petty monsters. A journey up the Congo river and into the dark heart of 19th century European colonialism.
“The conquest of the earth is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much…”
- June 2015
CADS are back for May Week and putting on a show to celebrate the end of the year! In true CADS fashion, we’re here to entertain you and having a blast while doing so. What awaits you in this May Week Extravaganza you may ask, well: A series of brand new sketches, musical performances by our outgoing-President, Jodie Coates, King of Pantomime, Richard Kish, and more (Which may be confirmed at a later date), and magic from The Hypnotist, Kyle Fearn! It’s going to be big, it’s going to be fun, and considering most people may or may not be at least a little bit tipsy from May Week Sunday drinking, it’s bound to be a laugh! If you want a fun end to the day or something to pass the time before taking to the clubs, make sure to drop by.
- March 2015
Family Matters is a dark comedy about the Johnsons, who are, by all means, very respectable people. Donald and Barbara, the parents, their daughter Mary and their soon to be son-in-law John, visit Paul, the old grumpy grandpa, for a weekend on his request. What could possibly go wrong? After all, everybody loves family reunion…
- January 2015
Providenciales, a Caribbean paradise. A local woman and two tourists meet on a hot patch of sand.
"Why would I do what I do back 'here' when I aint back 'here' - I'm 'there' - don't make no sense - I'm not at home am I. Am I? I'm 'there' on holiday"
One subject. Two worlds. Three points of view.
A darkly humorous and quietly brutal meditation on female sex tourism, investigating the indignities inherent in international trade through the lens of first-world women visiting a third-world resort, purses stuffed with local currency and British Kitemark condoms, searching for something special.
As the sun beats down and another 'highball glass of su'un sweet' is consumed, disturbing transactions take place; sex and romance, consumer and consumed, victim and perpetrator become ever more difficult to tell apart. On this beach, 'tourism' is the title under which indignities thrust by one culture onto another are permissible in the name of commerce, and for the alleged betterment of a flailing economy.
- December 2014
A dream is a wish your heart makes…
Yet, will wishes be enough for Cinderella to escape her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her two ugly stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella?Will Buttons ever confess his love to Cinderella or will he have to let it go? Will Prince Charming ever get to do what he wants? More importantly – will Cinderella be home by the stroke of midnight?
There really is only one way to find out!
It’s time to enter into the wonderful world of CADS Pantomime where the camp factor is high, the jokes dirtier (most definitely not suitable for children) and the fun is better than ever before! With suitably cheesy good old fashioned musical numbers and a colourful cast, Cinderella is going to be the biggest and best Panto Christ’s has ever seen! If you’re looking for a hilarious, Christmassy spectacle, make sure to come on down to the Yusuf Hamied Theatre at Christ’s College to experience Cinderella: A Christ’s College Pantomime!
- November 2014
Arthur seems to be a well-meaning, attentive husband. Miryanna is his wife, slowly coming to realise the truth about her husband's dealings, comes to realise the true purpose of her existence in Arthur's eyes. At Sixes and Sevens is a devastating exploration of a failed drive for individuality, subverting all idealistic considerations of the human condition.
This performance is part of the ADC's Papercuts series. Papercuts is produced in the Larkum Studio at the ADC Theatre, and is intended to let the writer see their work given a voice.
Come along, grab a drink from the bar, and watch new theatre in its purest form.
- November 2014
CADS present the first hypnotism show to hit the Cambridge theatre scene: The Hypnotist. For one night only, witness the power of The Hypnotist as you lose the ability to remember your own name, or even speak in your own language, but acquire the ability to speak a new one. This ADC One Night Stand promises to blow away sceptics and believers alike.
- June 2014
CADS presents the perfect end to May Week. Headlined by Footlights smoker regulars and accompanied by the newest sketch and musical comedy talent, pop along to Christ’s for 90 minutes of comedy gold.
- March 2014
Owen is ready for another week of parties and procrastination when he finds out that his parents are arriving that evening for dinner, under the impression that he has booked a restaurant and that they will meet his new girlfriend. Will Owen pull off the greatest deception of Lent term? Will he find love in the back room of Curry Queen? And will the whole thing be derailed by a bad French accent?
CADS present the 2014 Christ's College Freshers' Play, written by Paul Tait and Alasdair McNab
- February 2014
- December 2013
Unbelievable sights and indescribable feelings await as Aladdin attempts to get the girl of his dreams, Princess Jasmine, and save his mother's failing Laundrette business! With his brother, Wishy Washy, in tow, the two are about to be flung into a world of magical genies, evil men with talking parrots, good old fashioned musical numbers and the occasional dirty joke...
What will happen to Widow Twankey and her Laundrette? Will she have to sell her ancient carpet? Will Princess Jasmine ever be free of the palace and her father, the Emperor? Will she be able to be Part of Your World? And just what is hidden in the Cave of Wonders that the villainous Abanazzar wants so badly? The only way find the answer is to come and see Aladdin: A Christ's College Pantomime!
There's comedy, there's slapstick and there's references galore in the biggest Pantomime ever to come out of CADS! Get ready for this spectacularly cheesy, wonderfully dirty, musical extravaganza coming to the Yusuf Hamied Theatre at Christ's College, courtesy of CADS!
- May 2013
Seize the day! Seize the carpet! Wait, that’s not right – this is a standup show, not a fun on the floor free-for-all - Get up! Continue seizing the day!
Siân Docksey and Zoë Tomalin bring their genre-defying comedy show to the ADC for one night of unparalleled linoleum fun. Brilliant, bewildering and grit-resistant – an explosive (con)fusion of standup, poetry, music, special guests, lighting and jam. Described as 'hugely funny' (Varsity), 'genuinely hilarious' (The Tab) and 'funnier than they had any right to be' (The Cambridge Student), spruce up the shag piles and roll out the rugs for a fearless comedy romp.
Coming soon, to a carpet near you. Assuming you’re close to the front. If not, something’s gone very wrong. Err, that’s not your carpet. You should probably leave, swiftly.
All proceeds going to Flack, Cambridge
- March 2013
After such a success last year, CADS is putting on another Christ's Holy Smoker! Again we promise no burning of any of the holy works, but instead a enjoyable night of hilarity. We will be holding auditions on Sunday 3rd of March at 3-6pm and I heavily suggest you apply. Last year we had a mix of stand up and sketches and a wondeful audience (I'd give that audience 5 stars). And for only £3 you just can't afford not to come. It shall be on the 8th of March from 9.30-10.30pm, doors open at 9.15pm
- March 2013
This year's Christ's College Freshers' Play is a brand new comedy written by our very own Adrian Gray (most famous for his Footlights Smokers appearances) and George Lord (a classicist- oh the inevitable puns..)
Bad Information promises to be a witty and exciting farce - written, directed and acted entirely by Christ's freshers. And as if that wasn't enough, it contains anything up to six jokes, a prat fall and some snogging. Win!
- November 2012
The Importance of Being Earnest - a trivial comedy for serious people. A farce of miscommunication, misguided lovers, and a misplaced handbag. The serious Jack Worthing and the audacious Algernon Moncrieff both adopt the fashionable name Ernest to get their dream girl, but there are still the relatives to deal with.
- October 2012
Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, Ken Cheng, creator of Mark Liu and comedian, brings a one-off evening of stand-up to the ADC, featuring several support acts from the Cambridge comedy circuit.
Previous praise includes:
“formidable…wry, pragmatic brand of comedy produced floods (and, in my case, actual tears) of laughter” – Varsity
“the star act” – The Tab
“witty and intelligent humour” – TCS
"you were really good tonight" - drunk guy who mistook him for Phil Wang
- March 2012
Christ's Amateur Dramatic Society presents its first ever smoker (yay), and it's for charity (double yay). Although college was incredibly concerned that we were going to be burning religious iconography, it's going to be a night of larks and jollity with absolutely no sacrilege. Slots of variable length available, all types of comedy encouraged. We'd love to see you at audition, so much so that all auditionees get a reduced entry of £2. Contact Zoe Tomalin (zat20) for more details.
- February 2012
A sketch show, appearing and unravelling before your eyes.
Tucked away in a cramped and decrepit old attic, two writers keep the cobwebs, sleep, and reality at bay. But through the caffeine-induced haze, things start to come alive. And once ideas are released, they tend to take centre-stage; when they start to fight, well, writer’s block is the least of your worries...
Creative control takes on a whole new meaning.
Previous praise for writers:
"Some of the most original comedy I’ve ever seen in Cambridge... got serious claps from me" - The Tab "As much standout as it was stand-up" - Varsity "Extremely well-delivered and engaging" - Varsity "delivery was superb with the standard of their show high and their material unique" - The New Current "A group of promising young comedians... no sketch failed to elicit laughter" - The Stage "Got the new playroom a little steamy" - The Tab "Bright and kooky and fun" - Varsity "I want to see more of this guy" - The Tab
- November 2011
A new play to be performed this term, "Anderman" tells the story of Joseph Anderman. He's brilliant – a visionary – a genius. Or so people say. But what’s certain is he only has a few months to live.
He’s not alone, of course. He has loyal friends, devoted followers and a girlfriend who adores him. What he wants, though, is to create a work of art that will outlast him: that will allow him to live on in the minds of others.
He will cast away every kind word, every caring glance, and exploit his closest friends. His urge to achieve is obsessive – insatiable – and with his time running out he will do anything to succeed. He’s more than willing to destroy in order to create.
- January 2011
CADS Presents Joe Orton's blackly comic Farce-Thriller, Lent Week 1, Christ's Yusuf Hameid Theatre
In a quiet suburban vicarage, Pastor McLeavy is deep in mourning for his recently-deceased wife, and immersed in preparations for the perfect funeral.
Meanwhile, a mile or so away, the McLeavy's son Hal is carrying out a bank heist of over a hundred thousand pounds, and gets away scot-free.
But as McLeavy tries to stave off the manipulative advances of his late wife's nurse, and Hal's mate Dennis tries to simultaneously follow McLeavy's extensive funeral stipulations AND conceal the ill-gotten gains, a man named Truscott breaches the house - ostensibly from the water board, but asking a lot of disconcertingly official questions. And with £104,000 in notes to conceal, Hal begins to see his mother's coffin in a whole new light...
- August 2010
A sketch show jam-packed with as much variety as we can fit into 55min. A diverse group of creative minds has been pooled and picked to create a huge range of comic settings, all aiming to tackle some of the big unanswered questions - just how good would Agatha Christie be at Cluedo? When the vet examines your beloved pet, how thorough is too thorough? And why use meerkats to sell car insurance?
The Occasional Students was originally performed at Christ’s College, Cambridge, and has been re-worked over the past 5 months in preparation for Fringe performance. The original script has been pruned, added to, and stuffed full of new lines by the team of 8 writer/performers (each with a strong pedigree from the lawless wilds of the Cambridge comedy scene) to ensure the flow of ideas never lets up.
This is a production that really aims to maximise the diversity available to the sketch show format by incorporating a range of themes and styles, combined with performers acclaimed for their versatility. Ultimately The Occasional Students are set on providing a fast-moving, dynamic, and above all hugely enjoyable night out for a wide range of audiences.
- June 2009
CADS and friends present a May Week show: Sense and Sensibility (adapted from the novel by Jane Austen).
Dates: 5pm Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th June.
Venue: The beautiful gardens of Christ's College.
A tale of two beautiful sisters who find and lose love… and then find it again! Classic Jane Austen brought to life in the beauty of a college garden. The perfect May Week show.
- June 2008
To celebrate the year of Milton’s quatercentenery CADS and the Marlowe society are reviving his most celebrated masque: Comus. Annilese Miskimmon, an accomplished professional director, will be directing the piece. Miskimmon was a staff producer at Welsh National Opera from 1996 until 2001; she has also worked with English National Opera and extensively with the BBC Orchestras and Proms, and at Glyndebourne. She has been Artistic Director of Opera Theatre Company since December 2003. The artist, Lachlan Goudie will be designing the production.
Set in a wood in 1920s Britain a young lady has been separated from her two hapless brothers and falls into the hands of the bacchanalian figure Comus. However the young lady and her brothers are being protected by a Spirit who conjures the water nymph Sabrina, the protector of chastity and virtue, to save the lady from Comus and his bestial clan.
This peripatetic performance is set in the beautiful Christ's College Fellows' Garden for the performances on the 19th-21st; on the 22nd and 24th the performances will be, for the first time in a very very long time, in the college Hall. Our production will constitute the first half of a longer piece which also includes the Marlowe production 'Comus: An Anti-Mask'.
Please note there is no performace on the 23rd of June.
- October 2006
One things for certain, the first CADS sketch show of 2006 will be memorable!
Who will escape the rapier wit of CADS' crack writing squad? Certainly not Colin Farrell, Walt Disney, David Cameron and his lot, The Femidom... the list continues. There may even be a Gorilla. In a coma. Banter. So if your feeling blue, or just happen to be sleepwalking naked in the Christ's area, why not pop down to the NCT for a "good" hour of "quality" entertainment. Who knows what will happen? I'm organising it and haven't got a clue!
Lots of love and kisses,
Ben x
- June 2006
- November 2005
For two fateful nights in November, Christ's Amateur Dramatic Society present an hour's worth of sketches, monologues, and very obvious filler material, written and performed by CADS' very own committee and a plethora of hot young talent. Bananas. Bananas? Bananas. Yes, this sh*t truly is bananas.
- March 2005
Affabulazione is a modern tragedy of politics, patriarchy and psychoanalysis that charts the descent into madness of one man, known only as the Father and the events leading up to his murder of his son. Through the prism of this one father-son relationship, the play examines the whole fabric of Western culture. Our production will make use of film to explore the Father's state of mind, with thoughts and dream sequences projected behind him and all of the characters as they speak.
- February 2005
CADS is proud to present its annual freshers' show after last year's storming success, 'Comic Potential'.
The year is 1797: the inhabitants of the sleepy East Anglian village of Dangling Wallop have been subject for months now to the attacks of a ferocious, man-eating beast; fear and rumour are rife amongst the townsfolk. The local landowner, Lord Oswald, a judge with an extremely large penal authority, is deeply concerned: the beast's ravages are losing him money, customarily earned from the regional industry of aubergine farming. Meanwhile, his precocious daughter Eugenia is about to gain a brand new tutor, an old friend of her father's, a French poet and libertine by the name of Zafira...
