It’s always an amalgamation of different styles.”Īre there any weird pig’s-head initiation-type rituals involved in becoming a Footlight? “What has always stood out for me about Cambridge comedy is that everyone is so aware of the fringe scenes, up-and-coming London comedians and super-obscure things on the internet. It would be silly to expect that the only people we are interested in are those who were in their prime 40 years ago,” said Coslett. “Cambridge students are nerds and just as nerdy about comedy. The consensus among these society members is that it makes sense. The Footlights are branching out into different areas of performing to bring in a more diverse perspective. ![]() The society is addressing gender and class imbalances via general-accessibility discussion groups, and the application process has changed considerably since any of the members interviewed joined as performers, comedians and writers. Weir is the first Footlights female vice-president, as well as a writer and performer. This led to what is believed to be the first reorganization of the society in many years. But even something as revered as this group can sometimes need a good round of re-examination and The Footlights saw president Ruby Keane quit amid claims that the group was elitist and lacking in diversity with no ethnic-minority students on its 10-strong committee. So a style of comedy that is whip smart, introspective and, frequently, zany can be seen as The Footlights’ signature. “It’s better than being dicks about it, really.” “We know we have a substantial amount of privilege being allowed to study here, and are very self-aware in the knowledge,” said Ash Weir. “Because they are taking the mick out of themselves.” “You will still find that the butt of the joke is often the people who attend these very same red-brick universities,” said Coslett. For North Americans, where humour tends to be targeted at the Ivy League rather than from it, this idea needs some expanding upon. But it’s a cool thing to keep aspiring to nevertheless.”Īll the members in the interview touched upon the way that the “unique atmosphere” of the campus has created a style of comedy different from others. “But the pressure is off a bit when you remember that John Cleese didn’t write the Dead Parrot sketch when he was 19. “Knowing these people have all gone to the same pubs as you have to write and performed on the same stage as you, it all feels a bit like hallowed ground, I guess,” said Coslett. But Coslett, who is reading English at Cambridge, keeps things in perspective. Keenly aware of the sense of legacy that accompanies anything to do with the group, the pressure was on during the writing week. “It’s also just a brilliant thing to be involved in for the fun of it, too.”Įmery and writer/performer Meg Coslett were preparing material for The Footlights’ coming North American tour. “Oh there is no denying that it carries weight to have The Footlights name attached to yours if you are hoping to pursue this as a career,” says co-director Daniel Emery. ![]() This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Being a Footlight means joining a historic legacy of humour. For 135 years The Footlights have presented their unique style of comedy, and graduated some of the biggest names in English wit.Īmong those whose names have graced past revues by the group are Monty Python’s John Cleese and Eric Idle, The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade, Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, and - in 1981 - the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Perrier Award-winning crew of Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Tony Slattery, Penny Dwyer and Paul Shearer.Īs members of the society gear up to take the sketch-comedy show titled Pillow Talk to North America, there are some pre-tour jitters. ![]() The Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club was founded in 1883 for students to have a bit of fun. The next issue of Sunrise presented by Vancouver Sun will soon be in your inbox. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. Manage Print Subscription / Tax ReceiptĪ welcome email is on its way.Vancouver Sun Run: Sign up & event info.
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