The must-see events around Cambridge this month
Laugh out loud: Comedy highlights
This month at the Corn Exchange, don’t miss Henning Wehn’s latest show, It’ll All Come Out in the Wash, on 26 March. The self-declared “German comedy ambassador to the UK” gives us his spin on the pandemic, with tips on how to clean up the ensuing mess. On 31 March, meanwhile, Bafta-winning stand-up Dylan Moran takes the mic with We Got This, to address the everyday absurdities of modern life – from nightmare neighbours to banal breakfasts and fruit fixations.
At the Junction you’re spoilt for choice, with a dazzling line-up of some of this country’s hottest talent. Catch Catherine Bohart in This Isn’t for You on 15 March, as she shares what it’s like to live through unprecedented times as a serial planner, or get tickets to see the award-winning comic Matt Richardson on 19 March for Imposter, which was highly acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe. For audience participation at its very best, check out Andy Zaltzman’s Satirist for Hire, on 26 March. The host of Radio 4’s The News Quiz and popular podcast The Bugle invites his audience to submit their whims, worries and woes before the show, to be satirised on the night. Finally, on 29 March, join Nathan Caton for Let’s Talk About Vex, where he tackles topics ranging from race and politics to scented candles and love in lockdown.
The ADC’s programme for March sees budding stand-ups rubbing shoulders with seasoned pros as the Footlights Spring Revue returns from 1 to 5 March, followed by a rip-roaring performance by one of Britain’s best impressionists, Luke Kempner, in Macho Macho Man on 20 March. Luke’s videos have amassed over ten million views online and he is part of the current Spitting Image cast, providing the voices of Piers Morgan, Harry Kane, Joe Wicks and Gary Lineker.
There’s good news for local laughter addicts, as Custard Comedy gradually resumes a regular live schedule after months of disruption. The latest show will be held at Impington Village College on 25 March, with Rich Wilson as the headline act, followed by Eric Rushton and Pauline Eyre. Wilson has sold out shows at the Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival and New Zealand Comedy Festival, and written for BBC Three, Sky Arts and Channel 4. Rushton is one to watch, having won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award in 2020, following in the footsteps of Romesh Ranganathan, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas. Last, but not least, Pauline Eyre offers a humorous portrayal of middle-aged life, with natural warmth that is guaranteed to please.
In the spotlight: March’s top theatre picks
Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book Private Peaceful will be brought to life at Cambridge Arts Theatre from 14 to 19 March. Adapted by Simon Reade and directed by Elle While, the production channels all the emotions of the original novel as we join Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches of World War I. The play delves deep into cherished memories from Tommo and his brother’s past, unearthing a heartbreaking tale of love and loyalty at all costs.
From 8 to 12 March, don’t miss the Marlowe Society’s adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing at the ADC, starring an all-BME cast. The play follows two polar-opposite couples who become entwined in a chaotic world of romance, betrayal and dishonour. Fizzing with music, dance and celebration throughout, this is early romantic comedy at its finest.
Also at the ADC this month, from 16 to 26 March, musical lovers are in for a treat with Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club’s performance of Singin’ in the Rain. For the uninitiated, it’s set at the dawn of the ‘talkies’, threatening squeaky-voiced Lina Lamont’s career. The studio’s fate lies in the hands of aspiring actress Kathy Selden, but when love gets in the way, things become complicated.
For a musical twist on classic Greek myth, secure your tickets to Medea the Musical at the Town and Gown from 7 to 10 March. You’ll be transported to a courtroom, where four souls face trial – and you are the jury. Hear their testimonies via rock renditions of how things went down, then decide who you believe.
