- March 2013
"Packed full of jokes with a fast-moving plot. It launches straight in and never lets go." — Stefan Golaszweski
The Cambridge Footlights present Cloying, a farcical murder mystery and the winner of this year’s Harry Porter Prize for a one-hour comic play.
When Jolene and Michael step aboard the cruise ship HMS Cloying, everything seems rather pleasant. There’s plenty of distractions; a lovely sea view. It’s just a bit of a shame about the murderer.
This is the tenth anniversary of the Harry Porter Prize. Cloying was selected by Stefan Golaszweski, member of the sketch group 'Cowards' and creator of BBC Three's 'Him & Her’.
Join us for a cruise worth killing for.
- March 2013
Cambridge's brightest Footlights are decked out, dolled up and dressing down.
With unforgettable characters and the finest wardrobe this side of Narnia, they present a hilarious, gregarious new sketch show. It's bursting at the seams with imagination and wit, and guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
The Footlights Spring Revue is one of the biggest shows in Cambridge, and has sold out for the last six years. Made to measure by writers and performers from 'Act Casual', 'i am, i am', 'The ADC/Footlights Pantomime' ,'The Footlights Spring Revue 2012' and countless Smokers, 'Dressing Down' promises to be another smash hit from the world-famous comedy club.
- February 2013
What is the meaning of life? What are the side effects of drinks imbued with mysterious crystals? And what exactly is going on at the Lost Property office? Some of these questions, and more, will be answered, for those who are willing to find out. Lost Property is a new sketch show, (now better than ever) for Lent 2013, written by Simon Copley and Oliver Taylor.
- November–December 2012
- June 2012
The Cambridge Footlights are the most famous student comedy group in the world and the Footlights International Tour Show is the biggest event in the Footlights calendar; responsible for launching the careers of some of the greatest names in the comedy and entertainment industry, including David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Sasha Baron Cohen, Simon Bird, Richard Ayoade, Matthew Holness amongst others. After a preview run at the ADC theatre, the show will visit venues across the UK, have a month at the Edinburgh festival, a month tour of the American East Coast and a final ADC run - having been seen by over 20,000 people.
- March 2012
Odds and Ends - Cambridge Footlights Harry Porter Prize Winner 2012 by Joey Batey
'I've come to the arduous, long and drawn-out conclusion that death...well death's just a bit rubbish'.
A prisoner of war camp. An hour left to live. What would you do?
From the bloke who brought you (exactly one sixth of) Good Clean Men (Corpus Playrooms) and To Have and To hold (Edinburgh Fringe), comes Odds and Ends, this years Harry Porter prize winning comedy.
- February–March 2012
“Wh – wh- where am I? A hospital? Northwestfield Hospital Ward B Room 26? Wh - why?” Brian’s had a terrible accident, and an even more terrible operation. He’s been left with a mind that’s not quite his own... genetic tissue. Since dying is boring, and you’ve seen your own life before, wouldn’t it be better if other people’s lives flashed before your eyes? Yes. It would be hilarious.
The Footlights’ Spring Revue is one of the most funded and preemptively acclaimed shows of the year! ‘Donors’ is a sketch show that promises to flood your brain with laughter-induced endorphins.
- February 2012
That's right. It's coming. For one night only, the Cambridge Footlights play host to the Oxford Revue and Durham Revue.
At 7.45pm, on Sunday 26th February, the UK's top three student comedy troupes are descending upon the Cambridge Arts Theatre for a night of unbridled, giddy funny-ness. Be sure not to miss it.
- November 2011
What would you do if you found a mysterious treasure map? Well that’s irrelevant. Treasure Island is the story of what young Jim Hawkins did. And what he did is very much the meat of this year’s ADC/Footlights Pantomime.
When a disgusting old sea captain leaves Jim a crusty old treasure map along with a whole heap of trouble, Jim sets off to unearth the legendary booty. Along with his bumbling friends and a love interest of sort, Jim sets sail.
But all is not well. The charming ship’s cook - a certain Long John Silver - is not all he seems, and there are whispers of mutiny.
Will Jim save the day? Only one way to find out! Join him as he swipes more swag and buckles more swash than any literary character to date (but not so much that it becomes repetitive).
The ADC/Footlights Pantomime is one of Cambridge’s theatrical highlights of the year, and brings together the finest comedians, actors and musicians in the University. Treasure ahoy!
- October 2011
- June 2011
The biggest show of the year from "the most renowned sketch troupe of them all" (The Independent). Performing to over twenty thousand people across two continents, ‘Pretty Little Panic’ will travel around the UK, head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and then take on both coasts of America, stopping off in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles amongst other major cities. Make sure you grab a "must-have ticket" (The Times) to the show that has launched – and continues to launch – many of the greatest names in comedy.
- March 2011
The Cambridge Footlights present the winner of this year's Harry Porter Prize for a one hour comic play. The prize was set up in 2003 in honour of the late Dr Harry Porter, who served as the Footlights' Senior Archivist until his death, and was the longest standing member of the Footlights Committee. Join us to herald the realisation of the latest Porter-winning playwright's comic vision.
This year the winner was chosen by the one and only Tim Key; a former footlight and winner of the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award. He knows his laughs. Have a look at him here: www.timkey.co.uk
Written by Mark Fiddaman, this is footlights first: An all female, one-woman, production.
- March 2011
What are the odds that you would lose a mansion, all your money, most of your dignity and your wife in the space of one very miserable week? Unfortunately, they are pretty high for the likes of this particular homeowner. Welcome to the Footlights Spring Revue 2011, the sketch show which shows you that with a big house comes big responsibility.
The Footlights Spring Revue is one of the biggest comedy events in Cambridge. It's sold out for the last five years in a row, and 'Odds' promises to be another smash hit from the world famous comedy club.
- March 2011
An epic showcase of the country's top three student comedy troupes. For one night only the Cambridge Footlights, Oxford Revue and Durham Revue present an evening of unrelenting hilarity.
- December 2010
Imagine literally as many rats as you can imagine. Now imagine they’ve all brought a plus one. You’ve just imagined the situation in old Hamelin town. The bumbling Mayor and his lederhosened lackies are powerless to stop them, until an eccentric and mysterious trouble-shooter – known as the Pied Piper – shows up.
The Piper amazes all with his rat removal skills. But when the Mayor refuses to stump up, the Piper takes his revenge by stealing all the town’s children! Hamlin’s only hope lies in a plucky, young hero and his ramshackle alliance, who together must brave the trail to the Pied Menace’s secret lair in Koppelberg Hill…
The ADC/Footlights Pantomime is the biggest, loudest and funnest show of the year, where Cambridge’s finest comedians, actors and musicians team up to blow a frankly ridiculous budget. So bring all the family along for ein über-Fest of REVELRY, ROMANCE and RODENTS.
- June 2010
The Footlights National Tour Show is the biggest show of the year from the most famous student comedy society in the world.
For these first ten preview shows, expect an all-new, full-length, main show from some of the most talented and hard-working young comedians around. This is your first chance to see the Footlights Tour Show before it travels off to the Edinburgh Festival, and around the United States.
Previous Tour Shows have kick-started the comedy careers of countless famous faces. And this year it’s going to be better than ever. So come join us. Because this is where it all begins.
- March 2010
Footlights Harry Porter Prize Winner 2010: ‘Hostage’ by Keith Akushie Judged by Jesse Armstrong, the BAFTA-Television Award winning, Oscar nominated co-writer of PEEP SHOW, THE THICK OF IT and IN THE LOOP Making small talk can be hard enough; it’s even worse when it’s with your own kidnapper In an ordinary high-street bank, three co-workers find themselves being held captive and having to spend the night together, trapped in a tiny office with their kidnapper (he’s not that much of a threat to be honest). Hostage is a new comedy about killing time, all trying to get along, and just making the best of a bad situation really From the co-writer of Wishful Thinking: 2009 Footlights National Tour Show, co-writer of Derek: 2009 Spring Revue and winner of the 2008 RAG Stand-up Competition, ‘Hostage’ is this year’s winner of the Harry Porter Prize, awarded to Cambridge’s best new one-hour comedy play. “Strong characters, strong situation, strong laughs. This play is basically just so incredibly strong there’s a strong chance it’ll wrestle you to the floor and beat you up, while you laugh” Jesse Armstrong
- March 2010
ADC main show Lent Term Week 7, March 2nd-6th
The Heavens have been watching us. God isn’t happy. In fact, he’s so completely fed up that he’s decided enough is enough. Welcome to the sketch show that marries certain doom with reckless levels of funny.
The Footlights Spring Revue is one of the biggest comedy events in Cambridge. It’s sold out for the last four years in a row, and ‘People Watching’ promises to be another smash hit from the world famous comedy club.
- November 2009
Welcome to the desert.
In their 126th year, the Footlights team up once again with the ADC for a return to traditional pantomime...ish. Join Ali and his street-wise chum Cassim, as they struggle against the nasty Chief Nalu (boooooooo!!!) in a bid to free the beautiful (and remarkably physically and emotionally strong) Morgiana. Also, meet Jeanie, the genie, as he tries his best to be a Genie, Jamiel and Amara, the loveable misfits, and no less than forty whole thieves!!! And some real Camels…ish.
The ADC/Footlights Pantomime has been playing to sell-out crowds for loads of years, and with a traditional script by Daran Johnson, Abi Tedder, and Liam Williams, an original score by Richard Bates, and direction from Matt Bulmer, this year will be no different. Although it will be a little different. The script will be different. Better still, perhaps? Judge for yourselves. And as usual this year boasts performances from Cambridge’s bestest comic actors all ready to Panto your mime. Tickets go fast, so book, book, book, (book).
- October 2009
It’s here! The Footlights National Tour Show is the biggest and most famous show of the year from the biggest and most famous student comedy society in the world.
Experience an all-new, full-length, home-grown show on home ground from some of the most talented and hard-working young comedians around. From monologue to many-logue, sketches to stories, get ready to laugh your heads and your socks off until your sides split.
A preview show of epic proportions, this will be your first chance to see the culmination of the Footlights year, before the show sets off on a three-month comic odyssey to the Edinburgh Festival, around the United Kingdom and back again.
Previous Tour Shows have kick-started the comedy careers of countless famous faces. And this year it’s going to be better than ever. So come join us. Because this is where it all begins.
- March 2009
Cambridge Footlights present the winner of this year's Harry Porter Prize for a one-hour comic play.
The prize was set up in 2003 in honour of the late Dr Harry Porter, who served as the Footlights' Senior Archivist until his death, and was the longest standing member of the Footlights Committee. It is open to all students from both Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities.
Over the last five years the entries have been judged by prestigious figures such as Stephen Fry, Bill Oddie, Michael Frayn and Declan Donnellan, and the 2007 winning play, Coat by Rory Mullarkey, went on to receive high acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Join us to herald the realisation of the latest Porter-winning playwright's comic vision, by watching a play written, chosen, cast, and then performed: all within a matter of whirlwind weeks.
- March 2009
Exciting, charismatic, talented and sexy - Derek Fish is none of these things. But we’ve written a show about him anyway. Derek is the life of one man, told through sketches. Join us as we veer haphazardly from one moment in his life to another; some earth-shattering, some trivial, some intimate, some barely involving him at all. Get to know this normal loser and the vibrant characters who suffer his company. The show features jokes from Cambridge comedians James Moran, Keith Akushie and Lucien Young, as well as a cast of the finest performers around.
The Footlights Spring Revue is one of the biggest comedy events of the year. Filled with ideas, energy and laughter, this promises to be another smash-hit from the world-famous comedy club.
Ladies and gentlemen: it’s time to meet Derek.
- November 2008
The 2008 pantomime is here, and it’s going to be an absolute legend.
Join Theseus on his quest to the mystical kingdom of Crete to hunt the bull-man minotaur that romps and chomps beneath the island. Boo at the tyrannical King Minos as he stops his daughter going to Falaraki. Cheer as Daedalus and Icarus attempt flight. Laugh all night with Nanna the horse-dog. But whatever you do, don’t get lost in the labyrinth!
The ADC/ Footlights pantomime is the biggest show in the theatrical calendar. This year it boasts jokes by Tom Evans and tunes by Léon Charles. And with Cambridge’s funniest comic actors playing your pantomime favourites, including Manson the Snake Priestess and Little Nav, Theseus and the Minotaur promises to be a-maze-ing.
Pleasantly heart-warming, a little bit scary and very, very funny- this is one for all the family and then some. Book now to avoid disappointment.
- October 2008
On their 125th anniversary, the world famous Cambridge Footlights come charging back with their eagerly anticipated, brand new show, "Devils".
Throughout their long and grand history, Footlights continue to be an unparalleled force in British comedy. The club's luminaries range from Peter Cook and John Cleese to present day stars such as Mitchell and Webb, Sacha Baron Cohen, and last year's if.comedy Best Newcomer, Tom Basden. "Devils" is the culmination of a fantastically successful year for a club, as the finest few comedians have been plucked from one of the largest and hardest-working comedy institutions in the world, to present a stunning mosaic of sketches, monologues, songs and more.
- June 2008
On their 125th anniversary, the world famous Cambridge Footlights come charging back with their eagerly anticipated, brand new show, "Devils".
Throughout their long and grand history, Footlights continue to be an unparalleled force in British comedy. The club's luminaries range from Peter Cook and John Cleese to present day stars such as Mitchell and Webb, Sacha Baron Cohen, and last year's if.comedy Best Newcomer, Tom Basden. "Devils" is the culmination of a fantastically successful year for a club, as the finest few comedians have been plucked from one of the largest and hardest-working comedy institutions in the world, to present a stunning mosaic of sketches, monologues, songs and more.
Sharp, exciting and unfailingly hilarious, "Devils" promises to be a sparkling comic treasure, and a landmark event in Footlights's 125-year history.
Edinburgh Festival Sell-Out Show 2007
"A must-have ticket" - The Times
"**** impeccable, excellent, fautless" - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
"Fast, well-observed, hilarious - lives up to the hype" - Fest Magazine
"I was charmed and delighted - really good" - Simon Amstell
- May 2008
Footlights' famous evening comedy shows hit Queen's this easter term in association with BATS.
- March 2008
Rob's being moved from Intensive Care tonight. Shel wants to see him but Alex doesn't. She'd prefer to stay in and make Louis cry. They have to go but the phone rings. It's Janet. She likes leopard print garments and dead Shitzues. Betty is having a turn. She has a grater. And a colander. So they're coming over. With juice. Locked in a house together guerilla warfare ensues, people forget and (fake) leopard print flies. Step into the Cooper family living room for a story about lunacy, happy dinosaurs and loss. A very unoriginal family comedy then. But that's kind of the point.
The Harry Porter Prize was established five years ago to celebrate the contribution to Footlights of the Club’s Senior Archivist, Harry Porter. In past years the award has been judged by Stephen Fry, Bill Oddie, Michael Frayn and Declan Donnellan, and we are pleased to announce that the prize this year will be judged by Mike Newell, the multi-award-winning director of television and screen productions such as 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.
- March 2008
A lot of stuff has happened before now. The dinosaurs were around before you were even born, for example. This show of occasionally true snippets lays siege to the history books, doctors the documents, annuls the annals, crucifies the chronicles, blitzkriegs the bulletins and pillages the village. They offer answers to all those questions you ask yourself about history, and some you don’t: “What happens if you try to fit the names of all 267 popes into songs by the Beach Boys?”
The Footlights Spring Revue is one of the biggest and funniest shows of the year. On the 125th anniversary of the word-famous comedy club, Snippets promises to be another innovative addition to the Cambridge Footlights’ illustrious history.
- November 2007
Once Upon a Time… there was an ADC/Footlights Pantomime.
You want traditional? This is traditional. The panto is back, and back to basics.
In a land where bulbous beanstalks grow, dark forests lurk, and the monarchy teeters on the edge of survival, get ready to see your favourite characters as you’ve never seen them before. From the three little pigs to the Fairy Godmother, and a big, bad pantomime wolf. Prepare to boo and hiss as you encounter the wicked Stepmother and cheer as Prince Charming tries to save the day.
The biggest and boldest show of the theatrical calendar, this year's pantomime features a script by Footlights regular Alex Clatworthy and Footlights Harry Porter Prize winner Rory Mullarkey, a catchy-as-hell original score by Harry Winstanley and performances from Cambridge's top comic actors. Once Upon A Time… is guaranteed to be fantastic fairy-tale fun for all the family. Oh, yes it is!
- August 2007
The Cambridge Footlights are the world-famous comedy troupe who first aired the talents of some of the foremost British comedians and actors of this century. Footlights is the only student comedy society to have a national tour show, and also the only one to have an Edinburgh Fringe show composed of entirely new material.
The Tour Show, the most prestigious show in the Footlights year, is one of the most eagerly anticipated productions in the Cambridge theatrical calendar as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Tour Show attracts the best of Cambridge's infamous comedy and considerable technical talent.
Reviews for last year's Tour Show 'Niceties':
"A proper funny sketch show with great performances" - David Mitchell, 'Peep Show'.
"A breakneck round of fast-paced sketches, each one funnier than the last…ingeniously hilarious…the country’s most famous student comedy troupe is back on top form" – Cambridge Evening News
- March 2007
So there's this man in Russia and he's not happy with his coat. So he gets a new one. And he loves it. And there's this man and woman in England and they're not happy with each other but they probably don't want new ones because they already quite love each other. Or maybe just like each other a lot. Partly based on the humour and tales of Nikolai Gogol, Coat flicks between nineteenth century St Petersburg and the here and now. It's sort of a romantic comedy but it's also about other things for instance eg. apple and blackcurrant squash for example. So if you like love and you love like, this is the play for you.
The Harry Porter Prize was established four years ago to celebrate the contribution to Footlights of the Club’s Senior Archivist, Harry Porter. In past years the award has been judged by Stephen Fry, Bill Oddie and Michael Frayn, and we are pleased to announce that the prize this year will be judged by Declan Donnellan, the multi-award-winning director and playwright, co-founder of Cheek by Jowl, and author of 'The Actor and the Target.'
- February–March 2007
This world is a big place. This show is a big show. As the planet spins on its axis the sun shines on every inch of the globe. THIS IS SCIENCE. Like the sun, ‘Interconti-mental’ burns as a gigantic LUMP of comedy gases - illuminating people, places and stuff from every nook of our wonderful world.
There are 6 BILLION people in the world There are 6 PEOPLE in this amazing show That means they are representing 1 BILLION people EACH! But don’t worry, they’re no bigger than the average person, it is just their comedy talent that is of colossal proportions
See the world like you’ve never seen it before… Visit places you’ve only ever dreamed of… And meet people so different from you, they might even be different people!
You’re a world dweller, we all are. So come with us, let’s all join hands and experience the joys that can be squeezed from going INTERCONTIMENTAL!
Come see it, it will rock YOUR little world.
- February 2007
Consistently "fast and hilariously enrelenting" (TCS), the world-famous Cambridge Footlights presents a jam-packed hour of stand-up, sketches, songs and more. Sometimes quirky, sometimes edgy, some trad, some silly, some sad - the one thing a Smoker never fails to be is "uproariously funny" (Varsity). Over the past fifty years, Footlights has been producing some of the UK's most exciting and innovative comic writer-performers. The Smokers are where it's all learned and all honed, all tried and all tested. Come watch the finest in Cambridge comedy talent perform brand new material in a massive range of styles, from the absurdto the natural, with everything between and beyond. They've sold out for four years running, so book early to avoid disappointment. These really are not to be missed.
- December 2006
Dodgy deals with devils and dames.
The big fat Footlights pantomime is back: and this year it's going to be Hot as Hell.
What are your deepest desires? What are your wildest dreams? What are they worth? Three Wham bars? ALL your pogs? How about your EVERLASTING SOUL?
Come join us on the Faust-track to the Underworld and barter with temptress Mrs Topheles, fall in love with history's hottest tottie Helen of Troy, and quake before Satan himself.
It's big (it's massive) and it's clever (it's pretty clever), but above all FAUST will be full of thigh-slapping hell-arity for all the family.
Book now before it sells out. Come on, everyone: Go to Hell.
EXTRA PERFORMANCE ADDED THURSDAY 2.30pm !!
www.faustthepanto.com
- June 2006
The Cambridge Footlights are the world-famous comedy troupe who first aired the talents of some of the foremost British comedians and actors of this century. The Tour Show is one of the most eagerly anticipated productions in the Cambridge theatrical calendar as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Tour Show attracts the best of Cambridge's infamous comedy and considerable technical talent.
- March 2006
COMEDY. FRIENDSHIP. LOVE. BETRAYAL. WRITING. OPERA.
A park bench. Hugh tells Henry his life story. Henry joins in.
Our Rossini-obsessed hero has rather too strong an imagination, and as he takes his new friend through his emotional past, things begin to get out of control... There's an over-eager waitress, a Wild West shoot-out, a villainous Mr Darcy, a wedding and an aria. The Harry Porter prize is the annual Footlights award for best new comic writing. Come and be a part of this exciting production that promises laughs, love and a few surprise twists...
"fresh and lively and entertaining" (Michael Frayn, judge)
