- February 2014
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
The world is crumbling and the British people have turned to The Party to keep them safe. Britons have willingly sacrificed their rights and freedoms in order to protect themselves from an unknown yet ever-present threat. War constantly rages with an unidentifiable enemy; opposition is forbidden and futile; dissent is a crime and defiance is treason.
Adapted by Matthew Dunster, Orwell's classic novel is brought into the 21st Century to show a horrifyingly dystopian vision of our future.
- January–February 2014
- January–February 2014
‘A woman who expends her energy exercising the brain does so at the expense of her vital organs.’
It is 1896 at Girton College, Cambridge, and Elizabeth Welsh is preparing for battle.
Girton is the first college in Britain to admit women. The girls there have risked everything to go to University. They study ferociously. They match their male peers grade for grade. And they leave empty handed.
While the men graduate and are awarded their degrees, the girls gain only the stigma of being a ‘blue stocking’- an unnatural, educated woman. They are unqualified and, worse, unfit for marriage.
Principal Elizabeth Welsh is determined to win the girls the right to graduate, whatever the cost.
CUADC presents Blue Stockings in its first University Production following a critically acclaimed debut at the Globe just four months ago.
This Lent, the blue stockings return to Cambridge to fight for their right to an education.
'The only thing a woman can own is knowledge... We must build our Trojan horse and infiltrate from the inside.'
- January 2014
A chance meeting in a service station. A dance-off in an arcade. A private escort with a box cutter. A new dark comedy.
Adam and Harold, two strangers, meet at a Welcome Break. As time ticks away the pair sip coffee, discuss fast food, and break the ice.
And Adam realises two things. The first is that Harold is not the private escort he claims to be. The second is that he's sure he's met Harold before. When the pair step outside and Harold pulls a boxcutter, Adam's past begins to catch up with him.
"Ok, finish your nuggets, I'll get this blood off my hands, then it's hometime."
- January 2014
Cambridge University Dance Society invites you to spend a magical evening exploring the hinterland between dreams and reality. From the society that brought you Enigma comes a spectacle that showcases some of the best dance talent in Cambridge and will take you on an enchanting journey of fantastical discovery.
- January 2014
The finest of Cambridge’s musical theatre talent will be joining forces to create an original musical... in just 24 hours! Following a similar format to the ADC’s incredibly successful 24-Hour Plays, several creative teams will be given a theme for a musical and will have just 24 hours to compose and rehearse their song. Overnight, the composer and lyricist for each team will write their song and the following day their performers will learn it in time for their one-off performance at 11pm. The result will be an eclectic and brand-spanking new musical, and a spectacular celebration of new writing. Just bring along yourself a song to perform, preferably a musical theatre song!
- December 2013
The king is dead. The show must go on. A new star is waiting in the wings. Richard of Gloucester is a born performer, stepping up as director and leading man as he stages his own irrepressible rise. Casting two performers in the role of Shakespeare’s infamous murderer-king, the prestigious European Tour Group takes a fresh look at the rise and fall of an icon.
“Richard loves Richard. That is, I am I”
- December 2013
Nick Warburton's brand new adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, directed by Colin Lawrence.
- December 2013
Joyful Joyful : A Journey through Gospel tells the story of gospel music in an hour-long piece scattered with music, dance and poetry.
Everything began in the fields. Deep, powerful, soulful music asserted the slaves’ power of speech, the remnants of their humanity. We sing ‘Oh Mamma Blue’ and ’Swing Low’. Early gospel was the ultimate expression of pain and suffering, but it grew into something more uplifting : a celebration of life, a manifestation of joy.
We pay tribute to the genre in its widest sense: from ‘Man in the Mirror’ and ‘World’s Greatest’ to ‘Oh Happy Day’. We want to share with you the joyful sensation that gospel music brings. Because after all, gospel gives you the 'feeling there is a cure for what’s wrong' (Mahalia Jackson).
- December 2013
Once upon a chime and (not so) far away the CU Show Choir was formed. Now they present a 60 minute extravaganza of brand new arrangements, original music and dance, tied together by three well known tales with a twist.
Join Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole into her fresher year, Ben as his partying ways bring him to the attention of the academics of Cambridge Past, Present and Future, and the tragic romance of Bromeo and Jules.
As each characters stories twist their way through a multi-genre setlist, let’s hope they can all live gleefully ever after.
- December 2013
Three White Guys returns to the stage to give you a taste of Cambridge comedy. This multiple act standup show comprises of some of Cambridge's finest comedians, previously seen at gigs such as Clare Comedy, the Kings Jest, the Wolfson Howler and the Corpus Smoker.
Previous praise for Three White Guys:
‘These comedians are highly accomplished and, on the whole, very funny ... showed real affection for comedy’ - The Tab ★ ★ ★ ★
‘A fun show with lots of great lines ... big laughs even from the exam-stressed crowd’ - The Cambridge Student
‘Fresh and varied ... I hope they get the full house they deserve.’ - Varsity
- December 2013
It's back. Since its inception in Manhattan's Lower East Side over 15 years ago, the 24hr Plays have appeared all over the world, pushing theatrical talent to its limit and creating unforgettable performances.
What will happen when Cambridge is asked to create 5 new plays in just 24 hours to be performed in front an industry judge? The clock is ticking...
- November 2013
“I couldn’t forget about gender, it was the elephant in my mind”. Bess and Bobby are twins. They sit at a table in the Vesper cafe. They sit at this table every day, because it suits their hipster image, which may or may not be ironic. They aren't sure. Sipping coffee and smoking, they spend their time scrutinizing the lives of other regulars, and trying to get the cat's attention. There's a cat. Then one day a story comes along, a story that they want to be true, that they need to be true. And somehow they must bring it to life. But as their obsession grows, their plans become increasingly daring, and they start to forget where the story started. And now they’re not sure where it will end. The story is gender.
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- November 2013
- November 2013
When Odysseus finally came home, after years at sea, he ruthlessly hanged twelve innocent maids. Whilst this was a mere footnote in Homer's original story, Margaret Atwood has given these women a voice, in her dark yet witty play: 'The Penelopiad'.
Presented by this year's freshest dramatic talent, in a challenging physical theatre adaptation - inspired by Frantic Assembly, see one of the world's most famous myths retold through Atwood's "cunning replotting and smart updating" (Mary Beard).
- November 2013
Winner of the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Award and Comedy Central's Funniest Student Award, Footlights alumnus Phil Wang brings his critically-acclaimed first grown-up hour of stand-up comedy to the ADC for one night only.
A collection of sharp observations and curious opinions, told with undue confidence. Prepare to meet the biggest Wang in comedy.
★★★★ "An astonishingly assured debut" - The Sunday Times
"An intelligent, attuned observer" - The Scotsman
"Slick, distinctive, and funny" - Chortle
"A skilful and hilarious individual" - Varsity
- November 2013
A village fete gone disastrously and farcically wrong. A mother trapped in baby talk. A blunderingly failed attempt at seduction. Five short plays; five instantly recognisable social encounters; five snapshots of tragically lonely and obsessed characters which will leave you “wondering whether you should be laughing or crying” (The Stage).
Cambridge’s newest acting and backstage talent presents five interlinked one act plays from one of the most successful and prolific modern playwrights, each offering a poignantly funny snapshot of human eccentricity and a cry for companionship.
"Buoyant ... sad, sharp and funny." - London Guardian
- November 2013
Two actors, Over 50 characters. A snapshot of British life.
Laugh-out-loud funny and sometimes heartbreakingly moving, these are tiny plays in which every one of us could have a starring role. They are little windows into other people's lives that reveal the triumphs, disasters, prejudices, horrors and joys of 21st-century life.
Originally published in a Guardian newspaper column, these hugely entertaining and utterly addictive plays will change the way you listen to the world around you: train journeys will never be the same again.
- November 2013
'In all of the world so far, I’m the greatest star.’
That may have been the case in 1964, but now it’s 2013 and if Fanny Brice is ‘a great big clump of talent’, she’s one of thousands. Her dreams might get her to the audition, but even a rousing rendition of 'Don't Rain On My Parade' might not be enough to keep her in all the way through to the final round.
This November, Funny Girl is re-imagined for the ADC theatre, bringing all the class and exhilaration of the original Tony-nominated musical and Academy Award-winning film right into the 21st century. Poignant, fierce and with a brilliant score full of show-stopping numbers, Funny Girl takes a look at what being a star is in a world where everyone thinks they have the X-factor.
- November 2013
This is Euripides' tale as you've never seen it before, set in the week of the London riots, August 2011. Wild Bacchants are tearing down Pentheus' city, driven by the elusive Dionysus, and in their midst is Pentheus' young daughter, Agave, caught up in this seductive and mysterious mob. Physical theatre, live percussion and multimedia footage combine to bring this ancient tale of hedonism firmly into the modern day.
- November 2013
From Joni Mitchell to Paramore, Alanis Morissette to Florence and the Machine, Blondie to brand new writing... It's Girls. And they've got guitars. Get ready for an eclectic night of acoustic entertainment and discussion celebrating about what songwriting has done for women all over the world, socially, politically and sexually, throughout the last century. Girl Power.
- November 2013
Richard Nixon has received a full pardon from Gerald Ford and will never face trial for his involvement in the Watergate affair. In an effort to recuperate some of his reputation, he agrees to an exclusive television interview with British talk-show host David Frost. Twelve interviews, no scripts, and no prior knowledge of the questions. It’s more than just a battle of wits between journalist and politician, it’s a struggle between the flamboyant and eccentric world of showbiz and television, and the sombre, tight-lipped political organisation. With time running out, Frost finds himself faced with the greatest challenge of his career: how to make a politician crumble.
This award winning show will be brought to the ADC stage this Michaelmas in a new quick, slick, ensemble based production.
- October–November 2013
Following highly-acclaimed appearances in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cambridge (Smashed Shakespeare: Hammered Hamlet, Footlights Smokers), and as heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra, rambunctious sketch troupe CowsDrinkMilk are coming to the ADC with a slick, uncontrollable hour of wild comic vignettes, several of which will comprise unlikely but humorous situations. Combining highly-honed comedy with original electro-swing sounds by Red Violin (Big Fish Ents, Clare Ents), and starring veterans of Cambridge theatre, expect nothing less than a comedy sketch show. With funnies. Lots of funnies.
Previous suitably-qualified people have said of CDM; "pitch-perfect... hilarious, immediately and consistently" * The Tab, "really really funny" Varsity, "a group of very promising young comedians" The Stage.
- October–November 2013
Cambridge University Opera Society presents The Magic Flute at the ADC!
The adventurous Prince Tamino promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird catcher Papageno, but all is not as it initially seems...
Sung in modern English, this fully staged production of an opera that has charmed audiences for centuries offers comedy, danger, romance, and drama. Cambridge University's vibrant opera scene bursts onto the ADC stage, uniting Mozart's enchanting score with an exciting theatrical spectacle.
- October 2013
A new world calls across the rehearsal room…
From the creator of 'Parade' and 'The Last Five Years' comes a stunning, usually abstract song cycle, revolving entirely around how one decisive moment can propel the subject into a new world. It is 2013, and a day's rehearsal at the theatre is coming to an end. But while the actors may want to call it a day, some stories just will not be kept from being told. What starts as the creative exploration of new worlds, accessed by the simple power of imagination, soon takes hold as the lines between actor and character merge. From the deck of a Spanish sailing ship, to the bustling streets of New York, to the depths of the North Pole - the stories may be varied; they may shock and surprise; but the decisions to be made about love, life and liberty touch us all.
- October 2013
Yellow Cup Theatre presents a rehearsed reading of its first full length play.
Brought to you by an all-female company "The Other Line" is a witty, fresh and provocative piece of new writing that follows five women over 24 hours.
Previous praise for members of the Company includes: '****'- (The Times), 'You saw them here first'- (Varsity), 'Not a weak link in the cast'- (The Skinny), 'The ensemble performance is brilliant' (Broadway Baby)', Certainly the best production I have seen in Cambridge and possibly the best production I have ever seen'- (TCS), 'If you're a person of any description you'll enjoy it'- (The Tab).
- October 2013
Sex, drugs and trance music. That’d be village gala day. Gala queen Phaedra is missing. Anarchist, waster and ex-daredevil motorcyclist Johnny “Rooster” Byron, infamous for his anti-social raves drawing the local ne’er-do-well youths, is suspected by Phaedra’s stepfather Troy of involvement. To add to Rooster’s problems, the council is sending a riot squad to evict him from his illegally parked mobile home in a wood next to the new estate. But Rooster is in good spirits. Seen by many as a menace to society, he provides safety for those from broken homes and the unconventional. He enthrals with stories of ancient myth and forest spirits. He may even be one. He is also an absentee father, has violent episodes and likes young girls. Crafted with deep intelligence and insight, fast, funny and sexy, see the “instant classic,” a vision of contemporary England that galvanized critics from London to New York.
This will be one of the first major performances of the work since it finished in the West End and Broadway.
- July–August 2013
Looking for a show? So are they.
"So you’re calling this the profession of madmen, then? We’re all crazy?"
Pirandello's modern masterpiece is hurtled into the present day in this thrilling, visceral new adaptation by CUADC. When a rehearsal is interrupted by six characters swarming the stage, demanding that their tale be put on, what can a director do? He's got a slot booked on one of the Mile stages and there's flyering to be done.
When he eventually agrees, however, the limits of reality and imagination begin to blur as the characters are driven towards tragedy.
Come along if you have the time - after all, it's only a show.
SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR returns to Cambridge after an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013.
The Characters are coming back.
"an outstanding production... never has Edinburgh seemed more metatheatrical" ★★★★ PLAYS INTERNATIONAL
- October 2013
Think Charm. Think Polish. Think Renaissance Man.
The tactless and ambitious headmaster of Cutler's Grammar School has high hopes for his latest Oxbridge applicants. Supply teacher Irwin is to teach the boys some style in the hopes of climbing the league tables by gaining places for the eight History Boys.
Hector, their enigmatic "General Studies" teacher, seeks to prepare them for more than an entrance exam - life. Meanwhile he cannot refrain from getting too close to the boys he guides.
"Pass it on, boys. That's the game I wanted you to learn. Pass it on"
CUADC brings you Alan Bennett's multi-award winning masterpiece for the first time on the ADC stage. Hilarious and moving, The History Boys forces us to ask questions about education, truth, history and whether Oxbridge really is that important.
- September 2013
Get ready for CAST's mesmerizing Measure for Measure. Now in its 14th year, the Cambridge University American Stage Tour (CAST) will once again be taking a company of Cambridge's most talented actors, directors, producers and technicians to universities, high schools and professional theatres across the USA. Stylish, intoxicating, hilarious and tragic by turn, this production will hurl you head first into modern day Vienna with vigour and passion. With a timeless aesthetic inspired by cinematic icons ranging from Fellini to Tarantino, it will be a whirlwind of political corruption, gender subversion, sex and scandal, justice and mercy...
"Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall."
The law no longer has any hold over the citizens of Vienna. Duke Vincentio's lax leadership has left everyone, including the government officials themselves, to their own devices. The sex trade has taken over the shadier pockets of society. The brittle Angelo is left in charge, but the disguised Duke has in fact stayed in the city to keep an eye on his deputy. Angelo assumes power with relentless spite: oppression and fear reign. But, after meeting the enchantingly wilful Isabella - the sister of imprisoned Claudio - he can't adhere to his own rules. Deceit, hypocrisy and scandal spiral out of control until a final effort for resolution and order makes us question what order really is…
- October 2013
Doonreagan explores the doomed relationship between Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and Assia Wevill during their brief but intense spell in Connemara, Ireland. It reflects their efforts to establish a common ground free from the towering shadow of Ted's first wife, Sylvia Plath (American poet); their longing for peace and contentment; and their discovery that, close to nature, away from the judgments, pressures, demands and expectations of the world at large, they came closer not only to each other, but also to themselves.
This is the world premiere of a new play by Ann Henning Jocelyn, known for her translations of Jon Fosse's work. The play is directed by award-winning New York director Alex Dmitriev. The cast includes Flora Montgomery (Best Irish Actress Award, Basic Instinct 2) and Daniel Simpson (London Road, National Theatre).
- September 2013
- July 2013
- July 2013
This feelgood production of Shakespeare's popular comedy As You Like It will be set in the 1960s, with songs and colourful costumes from the period, and a distinctly 'hippy' Forest of Arden.
- June 2013
Mr and Mrs Twit are disgusting. Really disgusting. They play horrible pranks on each other, they bake birds into pies, they smell because they never wash and they hate children. But worst of all, they keep monkeys in their back garden. In cages. It's time for the monkeys to get their revenge on these two most revolting creatures... This extravagant adaptation will be brought to the ADC Stage, through the use of UV Blacklight technology, recreating Dahl’s chaotic story with vivid animation, mind-boggling illusion, and ear-feastingly good music by Jeff Carpenter. This will turn your world upside-down!
- June 2013
Lowell Belfield, Jason Forbes, George Potts, and Ryan O’Sullivan return with PICK ME UP, the five-star, sell-out sketch comedy directed by Ahir Shah. First performed at the ADC Theatre in January 2012, PICK ME UP has since been revamped, redrafted and redressed ahead of the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The result is a newer, tighter and even funnier collection of comic concoctions than these former Cambridge Footlights have ever produced.
“PICK ME UP is a carefully crafted, intelligently conceived and brilliantly executed piece of comedy.” - The Tab ★★★★★
“Ingenious.” - CTR ★★★★★
“If you miss it, you’re an idiot.” - Varsity ★★★★★
