- March 2016
Looking for yet more academic absurdity?
Dislike Socrates?
Need a way to get out of ever-increasing debt?
Enter the Thinkstitute.
One of the oldest comedies still currently performed, Aristophanes' 'The Clouds' is an irreverent and surprisingly relevant commentary on the dubious powers of logic and reason.
- February 2016
"Naturally, maids are guilty, when madame's are innocent. Oh Madame... if I had been your executioner, I would have carried out your sentence to the last drop. The tea you have refused to drink - I would have broken your jaw open and poured it down your throat."
'The Maids' by Jean Genet, inspired by the infamous Papin sisters, is the sinister story of two sisters - Solange and Claire - who are maids to a wealthy society Lady. From sadomasochistic fantasies concerning her and each other, portrayed through elaborately constructed 'rituals', to poignantly challenging notions of so-called morality, middle class values and upper class entitlement, this play questions where the true balance of social power lies, while power swings not only between the social divide but between the two sisters themselves.
"I'm getting carried away by the devil! In his fragrant arms he's lifting me. I'm taking off! I'm high!"
- February 2015
Dreaming of Leaves is a piece of new student writing, a dystopian vision which combines music, movement, and lyricism to create a world set in an indefinite future. A strange family rattle around a derelict church at the top of a hill, whilst the rest of earth seems to be submerged under water. All is somewhat peaceful, until nature makes a sudden appearance, an appearance that could unsettle the fabric of their fragile existences. But will it last?
- May 2014
Ever fancied donning a pair of knickerbockers, duelling your way across the stage à la ‘Romeo and Juliet’, or sending up the middle-class entirely surrounded by multicoloured feathers? If so, ‘LE BOURGEOIS GENTILHOMME’ (1670) by MOLIERE may be for you.
La Compagnie Ephèse is searching for French-speakers (non-native perfectly fine!) to act in their upcoming performance, held 8th-9th May, in Week 3 of Easter Term. No previous acting experience necessary, just enthusiasm. Funding and performance space has been secured and we are anticipating a witty and polished show. ------------------------------------------------
Auditions: Monday 10th February, 4-6pm. Mong Hall, Sidney Sussex College.
Any questions, contact Ruby Zajac (rzrz2) or Helena Kernan (hrk28). Extracts can be sent in advance, but a choice will be available on the day.
- March 2014
The Stage Manager never gets any credit, despite literally MANAGING THE ENTIRE STAGE.
Now one Stage Manager has had the courage to speak up.
Her name is Sidney Belony.
- March 2014
Dijana Polančec knows exactly how much she is worth.
'1000 Euros because that is how much Babac paid for me. To put this in easy language, that is like two and a half iPhones.'
The Larkum Studio provides a malleable canvas for it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now by Lucy Kirkwood. As disturbing as it is radiant, it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now is an immersive journey through the landscape of Dijana’s life; a volatile terrain of optimism, bravado and the painful reality of life as a trafficked sex-worker.
Presented by Old Labs Productions and the Dryden Society
- February 2014
'We stand and serve, we grin and smile'
Kick off Lent term in style with a visit to Shakers, our very own cocktail bar in the grounds of Newnham.
With an all-female cast who play both the waitresses and clientele of the bar, John Godber's Shakers: Re-stirred affords its audience a witty and sensitive look into the lives of those who live to serve.
- October 2013
‘I have had a dream; past the wit of man to say what dream it was’. A string quartet is playing as the audience are led into The House by a bustling team of maidservants and butlers. Here the Duke and Duchess are busily preparing for their wedding, whilst young lovers plan to steal away towards The Woods. They don’t have to walk far. The Woods is a 1920s club of fairy girls in flapper dresses and impish men in trilbies, a sleaze den of cigar smoke and blaring saxophones, presided over by Oberon and his mistress Titania. This is not just a show. It is an experience.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a much-loved classic; but it has never been performed like this before. Set in the decadent 20s, the audience will be immersed in the action, given 'Love in Idleness' cocktails, and led around the grounds of Newnham College following a team of wandering Mechanicals and arguing lovers as they enter 'The Woods', our very own 20s jazz den, for the first time.
- January–February 2013
‘Why was I born if it wasn’t forever?’
King Berenger is dying, not that he’d like to admit it. And he’s not the only one: his shrunken empire is neglected, his subjects are decrepit, and now the palace appears to be falling down. Even the sun has given up on him, but the King has other worries. Where does everybody keep disappearing to? Why is it so dark in here? And why does he feel like the room is getting smaller? The countdown has started, but when the time is up the play won’t be the only thing ending. It’s starting to look like a really bad day…
Enter the kingdom nestled in Newnham's gardens and witness a reign of centuries coming to an end in Ionesco’s triumph of absurdist black comedy. This is the last evening in the entire universe - won’t you spend it with us?
- February 2012
A father and daughter trapped on an enchanted isle; a helpful spirit, an enslaved monster. You know the people, but what about the place? Is anything trustworthy in a world where disembodied spirits sing songs of grief, and storms swirl up out of nowhere?
In a production featuring original music and choreography, and bursting with colour, The Newnham Anonymous Players welcome you to the island, a place where past truths cannot remain secret and nothing is quite what it seems.
Prospero has been waiting years for his revenge, and now it's on its way...
- November 2011
‘Ten little soldier boys
Went out to dine
One choked his little self
And then there were Nine.’
The year is 1939 and ten strangers have gathered in the living-room of the only house on Soldier Island. Shortly after their arrival, it becomes clear that things are not quite as they supposed; has anyone actually met their mysterious hosts? A storm rages outside, preventing contact with the mainland just as the guests begin to be murdered, one by one, according to a macabre nursery rhyme. Will any of the ten leave the island alive?
Performed in the isolated Newnham Old Labs, this intimate production will transport the audience to the island where they will experience the confusion, realisation, guilt and terror of the guests of this unknown madman.
- March 2011
“We’re on a stage, my darling! And what’s a stage? Well, don’t you see? It’s a place where you play at being serious. A place where you act out a play. And that’s what we’re going to do now – play, only seriously....”
Pirandello’s ‘Six Characters in Search of an Author’ plunges the audience into a struggle between acting and living. It is an exploration into what makes an actor true and the transformation of a character from paper to play. A small group of unsuspecting actors are abruptly interrupted by mysterious characters who are requesting the work of an author to complete their story. The audience sees the scandalous lives of these characters unfurl in front of them as the line between creation and real life begins to blur and the actors are left with uncertainties...and a body count.
But did it really happen or was it all just a play?
- November 2010
- February 2007
- February 2006
Will someone be my baby?
An age famous for its vibrancy, liberation and free love. But in a lonely corner of England a group of young women struggle desperately to live with a terrible secret. A forgotten few isolated from a society that’s ashamed of them.
'Be my baby' is the tragically real story of young illegitimate mothers exiled by their own families who were simply too scared of what other people would think.
Poignant yet witty, 'Be my baby' exposes the unforgiving nature of a time not so long ago. The hope and determination of a group of girls convinced that they can never hide from the truth, just looking for a way to be happy.
- June 2003
