It’s all systems go at the city’s biggest venues this season, with a selection of fantastic highlights to look out for
The month of October is filled with eclectic fun over at the Junction. Multi-talented performer Symoné presents her surrealistic pop-culture experience Utopian on 7 October. Joined by her two accomplices, the adventure is packed with pole dancing, high-heel roller skating and dazzling aerial performances.
The Thinking Drinkers promise to be another must-see, and will be appearing on 23 October. They’ll bring the ultimate pub quiz to town – and with five free beverages, to boot! Simply strap yourself in for an evening of alcohol-fuelled hilarity, and let the pair of award-winning experts lead the way.
Following that, the Junction’s upcoming Palaver Festival – on 28 October – is a day-long celebration of inclusive performance. The venue will transform into a hub of family fun, with discos, workshops and DIY costume-making all on offer, alongside fabulous storytelling, music and performance spaces. This year’s festival will be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK legend Ginny Lemon, with events and activities spread across the day from 10am until 5pm. Keep an eye on the Junction’s website and social media channels for full programme details.
It may be a little soon to get into the festive spirit, but it’s never too early to secure your seats at the panto – and Cambridge Arts Theatre has recently announced this year’s production will come in the shape of Aladdin. Hoping to live up to pre-pandemic expectations with a show that’s bigger and better than ever, this spectacular production will be granting all
your wishes from 2 December through to 9 January 2022.
A little earlier on, enjoy a theatrical reimagining of The Good Life, starring seasoned comedian Rufus Hound, alongside Bend It Like Beckham and EastEnders actress Preeya Kalidas. Jeremy Sams directs this stage-set version of the much-loved sitcom, leading the characters through hilarious adventures. Don’t miss it – the curtain goes up from 9 to 13 November.
Later on in November, spectacular puppetry show Dragons and Mythical Beasts provides a spellbinding, family-friendly escape. It’s a magical world of myths and legends, filled with dark secrets to unveil, magnificent monsters to marvel at, creatures to terrify and comical characters to keep you laughing. It will be running from 18 to 20 November.
Over at the ADC Theatre, the latter half of the month has a few smash-hit shows to keep you entertained. The first of these asks an age-old question: can successful women truly be allowed to ‘have it all’? Caryl Churchill’s play Top Girls sees protagonist Marlene receive a promotion at her job agency, and to celebrate, she hosts a dinner party for her most interesting female friends. There’s nothing strange to note… until you realise her guests include a 13th-century Buddhist monk, a pope, and a figure from Flemish folklore. Catch it from 19 to 23 October.
Then, from 26 to 30 October, two shows run in tandem at the ADC Theatre and Corpus Playroom. Pass Over sees this script in its debut amateur production, following critically acclaimed, professional performances on Broadway and in London. The emotional, lyrical story exposes the unquestionable human spirit of two young men stuck in a cycle they’re desperate to escape. Or, if that doesn’t pique your interest, catch Ghost Quartet at the Corpus Playroom. Accompanying a story that spans seven centuries and four generations, this intoxicating song-cycle features live music alongside strange tales of love, revenge and spirits – alcoholic or otherwise.
