Cambridge ADC Theatre.

The Amateur Dramatic Club is Cambridge University's oldest Playhouse. It was founded in 1855 and the society met in 'The Hoops' coaching inn which was on this site. There were at first fears from the University Proctors, but their grudging approval was given when the Prince Of Wales became a member, (the future King Edward VII)   In 1933 the building was gutted by fire  and was replaced by the present theatre. It is home to the Cambridge Footlights, an all male domain until Eleonor Bron was allowed to join in 1959. Then Germaine Greer and others followed. At that time male and female had separate universities and were not mixed. Some famous names started their careers in this theatre....including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Stephen Fry, David Frost, Peter Cook, Hugh Laurie , Tilda Swinton, Sandi Toksvig and Emma Thompson  Also Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Peter Hall and Sam Mendes, the well known directors. I haven't been there for quite a while, must go again sometime. Quite a mix of productions these days, from fringe, comedy, drama, musical and an occasional late night 'smokers' performance.