INDEPENDENT OF THE MONTH Cambridge ArtsTheatre SIOBHAN GODWOOD FINDS OUT WHAT MAKES CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF LIFE IN THE CITY O ccupying a prime location in the centre of Cambridge, as well as a very special place in the heart of the city’s theatre shows from The Marlowe Society and the Cambridge Footlights.” Those relationships with university groups are still important to the Arts Theatre today. “The Marlowe Society was established in 1907 to perform Shakespeare plays
goers, the Cambridge Arts Theatre was established in 1936 by one of the University of Cambridge’s most famous alumni, John Maynard Keynes. Most well-known as a ground-breaking economist, he was also a passionate patron of the arts, being a key member of the Bloomsbury Group and married to the Russian ballerina, Lydia Lopokova. One aspect of Keynes’ philosophy of economics was the idea that the aim of work was to provide money to pursue leisure activities. He believed in shorter working hours and longer holidays for everyone. He was awarded a 99-year building lease to establish the Cambridge Arts Theatre by King’s College in 1934. By February 1936, the theatre was ready for its gala opening with a programme featuring ballerina Margot Fonteyn. “The theatre also started its life hosting University productions,” says Caitlin Clark, marketing manager at Cambridge Arts Theatre, “with
in Cambridge, and the Arts Theatre programmes one of its plays every year,” explains Caitlin. “Also, Footlights presents two nights of stand-up comedy at the Arts Theatre each year, which are always really popular. Then, every three years we host the Cambridge Greek Play, which is also produced by the University; the whole play is performed entirely in Ancient Greek and we have people coming from all over the country to see it as it’s something that’s rarely performed.” Of course, Cambridge is primarily famous for its university, and as such is seen throughout the UK as a brainy city; but does that mean the Arts Theatre only programmes highbrow plays and talks? Not at all, according to Caitlin, the Arts Theatre works hard at achieving a good balance in the types of productions it hosts, with a mix of classic and contemporary theatre, comedy, musicals,
dance and shows for children. “We are aware that there are lots of academics in Cambridge, but it’s our responsibility to try to appeal to everyone who lives in the region, regardless of what they do and what kind of theatre they enjoy,” explains Caitlin. “People associate Cambridge with the University, but the Arts Theatre is for everyone who lives here. “Ever since the beginning of its life, the theatre has been a receiving house, which means that theatre and production companies on tour around the UK and the rest of the world will come to us, most often on a week’s run, which is Monday to Saturday. “We present dramas, comedies, musicals, a bit of everything really. We have around 40 weeks of theatre planned into each year. It’s a lot about having good relationships with companies and touring venues, and picking a range of work that the people of Cambridge will love, a mix of commercial and artistic productions to give our audiences as much variety as possible. The theatre ’ s long-term aim is to continue producing our own work; our recent in-house productions include La Strada, The Real
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