ADC Theatre
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The ADC Theatre is a student-run theatre in Cambridge University. It is owned by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC), but is currently run as the smallest department of the university, with a staff of 3, and the CUADC as its resident company. The theatre is run on a day-to-day basis by three full-time staff: Chris Adams (Manager and Licensee), Pete Tovey (Technical Manager) and Daisy Black (Marketing & Bar Manager).
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[edit] Shows
There are normally two shows (a "mainshow" starting at around 7:45pm and a "lateshow" starting at 11pm) each week of term-time. Mainshows run Tuesday-Saturday, while lateshows run Wednesday-Saturday. This leaves the late slot on Tuesday free for one-off performances such as "one night stands" (by the CUADC) and "Smokers" (comedy evenings by the Footlights).
Outside term-time, the theatre often holds one show per week, and closes for short periods over the Christmas and Easter holidays, but for a longer period over the summer holidays. This closures allow essential maintenance work to be undertaken in the theatre.
[edit] History
When the CUADC was formed in 1855, the club members raised sufficient funds to buy the freehold on the Hoop Inn in Park Street. This building was subsequently developed into the ADC Theatre over the years.
In 1933 there was a disastrous fire, which gutted the building. The theatre was quickly rebuilt, and had not changed substantially until the redevelopment programme started a few years ago.
Many famous acting companies have worked in the theatre such as the Marlowe Society (which has seen actors and actresses like Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and Iain Moggach) which put on Shakespeare's "King John" in 2001.
[edit] Redevelopment
Since the rebuilding of the theatre in 1933, the theatre has put on more and more performances. The heavy use of the building (in particular the exchange of two audiences between the "mainshow" and "lateshow", combined with the lack of disabled access to the bar and auditorium (on the first floor of the building), meant that in 2002 an appeal was launched to redevelop the building.
Prior to the redevelopment appeal being launched, the bar had been refurbished in summer 2000.
In summer 2003, the first phase of the redevelopment was undertaken. This phase resulted in no visible change to the theatre's facilities, as it consisted of necessary work to underpin the building and move services such as water and gas in preparation for the next phase.
The next phase in 2004 resulted in major changes to the public areas of the theatre. A new toilet block was constructed on an area that was part of the theatre's yard. A huge amount of the ground floor was remodelled, resulting in an enlarged foyer and new box office for the public, and new management offices, clubroom, production office and kitchen backstage. The theatre's facade was also given a major facelift.
In summer 2005, a lift was installed to give disabled access to the bar and auditorium. In addition, a corridor was constructed to give audience access down both sides of the auditorium. A bar extension and bar roof terrace were constructed on top of the toilet block built in the previous phase.
The installation of the lift meant that the previous ladder access to the lighting and sound boxes could no longer be used. The lighting and sound boxes had to be totally rebuilt to allow access to them from the lift.
The final phase concentrates on the backstage area, and will result in new dressing rooms, a new workshop, a soundproof rehearsal room, and an enlarged green room. At present, funds are currently being raised to finance this final phase.
[edit] Groups that frequently use the theatre
During term-time, Cambridge University drama societies such as the CUADC and Footlights use the theatre, as well as College drama societies.
Outside term-time, the theatre is typically used by drama societies based in Cambridge.
[edit] Audience facilities
Since the recent redevelopment, the theatre has much better audience facilities. Since April 2005, the theatre has run its own box office to sell tickets for shows. Prior to then, the Cambridge Arts Theatre had sold tickets for shows at the ADC Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the theatre.
The theatre has a well stocked bar, which opens from 7.15pm on performance evenings, and often stays open until 2am.
The auditorium seats 227 (not including the seat reserved for the front of house staff). The front half of the auditorium (rows A to I) is raked at a shallow angle, whereas the rear half of the auditorium (rows J to P) is raked at a much steeper angle.
The theatre, including the bar, was recently made a completely non-smoking venue (except when featured in scenes on stage).
[edit] External links
- ADC Theatre website
- CUADC site with information about the theatre's history
