Resident Companies

There are several student companies resident in the ADC Theatre. Not every show here is produced by them, but the Theatre is the centre of their activities.

CUADC

The Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club is the oldest and largest student drama society in Cambridge.  The first performances on the site were staged by the founders of the Club in 1855.

As the Club expanded, the students bought the building (originally the Hoop Inn) and turned it into the ADC Theatre. The freehold of the building is still owned by the members of the Club today.

As well as being the main production company at the Theatre, the CUADC are a focus for student dramatic activity in Cambridge, running workshops and encouraging participation in theatre.

The CUADC present a varied programme of mainshows and lateshows at the Theatre each season, bringing together some of the finest young theatrical talent in the country.

Footlights

It's hard to think of a group that have had more influence on British comedy than the Cambridge Footlights.

Whether it's Monty Python, Fry and Laurie, or Mitchell and Webb, the Footlights really are "the most renowned sketch group of them all" according to The Independent.

The Footlights co-produce the annual pantomime with CUADC, along with their International Tour Show and Spring Revue. Their fortnightly Smokers, an original mix of sketches and standup, are a breeding ground for new talents. No other student comedy society rigorously encourages such frequent new writing, or provides as many opportunities to try out material.

CUMTS

Founded in 1998, Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society has been behind the very best musical theatre taking place in Cambridge, presenting a wide variety of shows a year and providing opportunities for all musical enthusiasts - from actors to technicians - to work on high-quality and enjoyable musical theatre productions.

CUMTS shows are eclectic, ranging from the traditional musicals to the brand-new - from A Chorus Line to SiX, for example. In addition to the big shows, the society runs popular Bar Nights and a series of social events throughout the year; furthermore, it aims to encourage training in musical theatre and is increasingly inviting eminent experts in the field to run masterclasses for its members.

Fletcher Players

The Fletcher Players are the resident company at the Corpus Playroom, and the drama society of Corpus Christi College.

The Fletcher Players have an integral role in the running of the Playroom - from helping with programming to producing several shows a term.

Named after John Fletcher, alumnus of Corpus and Jacobean playwright, their productions showcase new writing, traditional classics, comedy, cutting edge political drama, and even dance.

“I think of the ADC as the first real theatre I worked for, partly indeed because of the extraordinary standard of student work accomplished there.”

Sir Trevor Nunn