You don’t have to have trod the boards yourself to appreciate a good bit of performance art. This being Cambridge you’d expect a few thesps to be lurking in our midst (what with our high percentage of intellectuals, public school boys and people lured here by the idea that once they blag their way into the Cambridge Footlights they’ll be on ‘Have I Got News For You?’ in a shot)…. and you’d be right.

But it’s not all twilight musings about Shakespeare’s use of symbolism - here’s the crème de la crème of Cambridge’s theatrical venues…


ADC Theatre, Park Street (01223) 503333
Both amateur and professional groups have their chance to shine, getting to bask in the limelight for a couple of hours. The local springboard for some truly stunning talent and occasional venue to the Footlights comedians, who perform ‘smokers’ sets throughout the year.

Arts Theatre, Peas Hill (01223) 503333
From serious productions to ‘look behind you’ panto, you’re bound to find something to fit the bill here. Lubricate your vocal cords in the bar, and get ready for a serious heckling session. Also boats a swanky new spilt level bar/restaurant called ‘B’.

Cambridge Drama Centre, Covent Garden (01223) 322748
Keep your eyes peeled for new productions taking centre stage here. If you think you can do better, or are of the ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ mentality, make sure you take part in their drama workshops at the weekend.

Mumford Theatre, East Road (01223) 352932
One of the best places to catch performances by smaller companies and student groups. Settle back and watch the faces of the future air their potential.

Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street (01223) 357851
Intermittent productions still manage to hold their own thanks to their superb performances. For the most part you’ll encounter critically acclaimed musicals stopping off briefly during their whistle-stop national tours.

The Junction, Clifton Road (01223) 511511
A live music venue by trade, but the few and far between plays they do stage tend to be talked about for months. Often controversial, always challenging, and enough conversational fodder to keep you chewing the fat for months.