19:45, Tue 12th – Sat 16th October 2010 at ADC Theatre
14:30, Sat 16th October 2010 at ADC Theatre
Michaelmas Week 1

The world-famous Marlowe Society ("a powerhouse of theatrical expertise" - Sir Ian McKellen) is proud to work with the ADC Theatre to bring to life Jonson's finest masterpiece.

Living in a stolen house, Face, Subtle and Dol Common are making themselves a fortune. Imagine, if you can, a world full of the greedy, false and ambitious, all out for everything they can get. Imagine a world where the desire for money and sex drives individuals to believe the most outrageous things. Imagine a world where such an indulgent philosophy leads its residents into farcical and extraordinary situations. Our three heroes are master con-artists. Employing a spectacular array of characters and costumes they entice, seduce, deceive and hustle their way through the playwright’s most colourful and eclectic collection of characters with hilarious results.

Ben Jonson wrote The Alchemist to satirise the London of his time, however, his precise, witty and enlightened depiction of humanity remains shockingly relevant today.

The Marlowe Society exists to perform Elizabethan, verse, and non-realist plays and to provide unique opportunities for the students of Cambridge University. The Marlowe Society continues to involve and invite their alumni. There is a strong possibility that some of these alumni, including Simon Russell Beale and Ian McKellen, will come back to watch and support this show and give speeches before the performance begins. The opportunity to be a part of such an adventurous production to be performed for such illustrious audience members is something few shows can offer in Cambridge.

Any questions or queries please contact the director, John Haidar, on jh705.