Upcoming Events
Durham Drama Festival 2025
DDF 2025 will be a week long celebration of new student writing from February 16th to February 23rd.
Join Durham Student Theatre for the 50th Anniversary of the Durham Drama Festival. Featuring nine new plays across three venues, explore the wealth of emerging talent at the UK's largest and most prolific student theatre scene.
It's OK. We'll be OK.
A soulful drama about a young couple, Matt and Jen, coming to terms with their relationship, as one of them has to move across the country for work.
Matt and Jen have come home from work to their Edinburgh flat and are going about their evening as usual. Except there is an elephant in the room. Matt has a new job. And it’s in London. As much as they don’t particularly want to face it, the discussion of how it will affect their relationship is inevitably imminent.
The D'Oliviers 2025
Come and join us for a night of friends, fun, and awards as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Durham Drama Festival! This annual event will take place at the end of Week 6, and is a chance to celebrate all those involved with DDF this year, alongside everyone else in the Durham Student Theatre community.
Expect a drinks reception, entertainment, live music, awards, and much more!
Iolanthe
Durham Opera Ensemble presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, a witty and whimsical operetta combining political satire with fairy magic, great music, and unforgettable characters.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Set in the Southern multicultural haven of New Orleans, Tennessee Williams' era defining commentary on the divided cultural American psyche, tackling the complexities of love, power, and class.
'Sick Dog' and 'I CANT STOP THE LONELINESS
Fourthwall and Rocket Theatre are thrilled to announce their double bill showcase of Sick Dog and I CANT STOP THE LONELINESS.
Sick Dog follows Winnie, who is dying - despondent, miserable and fed up. Although she has isolated herself from her friends and family, she is not quite alone. Eliza is the new top-model AI companion-carer, who looks after Winnie in her sickness.
I CANT STOP THE LONELINESS follows Isao Takahata, a Japanese salary man and Henry Curtis; an up-and-coming British consultant, bridled with an addiction to self-harm that’s putting his life at risk.
The Little Mermaid
Set sail with The Little Mermaid, following Ariel as she explores her dreams and the challenges of the sea. This production promises unforgettable moments and a magical experience for all.
Romeo and Juliet
Set in the turbulent heart of the French Revolution, the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet details the fate of two ‘star-crossed lovers’, whose dizzying romantic entanglement ends in tragedy.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Society has collapsed. Freedom is shackled. A rebellion has been formed. Jesus leads the charge, but has he gone too far?
The stakes are high, the emotions even higher and betrayal lurks around every corner. It's the ultimate rock musical, the ultimate anarchy, told from the eyes of the traitor who thought he was only ever doing good.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole: The Musical
Based on the classic bestselling novel by Sue Townsend, this critically acclaimed West End musical brings Britain’s best-loved spotty teenager’s story to life for a new generation of theatergoers.
St Mary’s College’s 125th Anniversary Play
Celebrating St Mary's College’s 125th anniversary, Foot of the Hill Theatre Company has assembled a group of student writers to delve into the rich and empowering history of our beloved college from past to present.
Slam of the North
Slam of the North brings together the best performance poets from five northern universities to compete over one exciting evening!
Durham Drama Festival: Opening Night
Get ready to celebrate 50 years of the Durham Drama Festival with a brilliant line up of the Durham Revue, Shellshock! Improv, StandSoc and last but certainly not least Durham University’s Musical Theatre Troupe. A fabulous evening not to be missed before a week of extraordinary theatre from some of Durham’s most talented students as part of the UK’s largest and most prolific student theatre scene!
Durham Taskmaster
Ooook! are delighted to announce their now-annual performance of Taskmaster - this year performing in the Gala Theatre on Saturday 15th February.
The Addams Family Musical
America's darkest family comes to life in this comedy musical about love, family, honesty, and growing up.
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
It is 1811 in the English countryside. A turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner, begins in their meeting at a ball. Surrounded by their lovable yet chaotic kin, will the pair overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice and accept their love for each other?
Finalists' Showcase 2025
Showcasing the best of what Durham Student Theatre has to offer is some of this year's finalists in a celebration of all they have done over the time at Durham. As a last hurrah come and watch them act and sing their hearts out in a one-night extravaganza of all different types of theatre that we have to offer. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be sad to see them go. The finalists' showcase is not one to miss.
South Performing Arts Showcase
Join South's performance groups - Oswald's Players, Music Society, Dance Society, and Comets Cheer - to celebrate our college's diverse range of talent in 'Through the Decades', our inaugural Performing Arts Showcase!
Step into the wonderful Mount Oswald Hub Hall and allow South College's performing arts societies to whisk you on a tour through the decades, starting in the 1920s and ending in the 2010s.
ComedyFest 2025
Three universities. Three comedy groups. One night.
Award winning sketch comedy troupes The Durham Revue, Cambridge Footlights and The Leeds Tealights perform together for one night only.
From the groups that brought you Olivia Colman, Ed Gamble, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Nish Kumar, Ambika Mod, Stephen Fry and many more, this is not to be missed!
February Story
Follow twenty-eight days in the life of eighteen-year-old Patrick, as a mysterious wooden box helps him control his destiny, for better or for worse.
A coming-of-age tale with fantastical elements, confronting our struggles of grief, identity, and the desire for control in a chaotic universe.
New Year's Resolution Check-In
Our first show of Epiphany Term where we’ll be checking who’s actually stuck to their New Year’s Resolutions.
Bringing back our roster of comedians (and hopefully some newcomers who said they’d try something new in 2025) for another open mic night where we check just how many New Year’s Resolutions we’ve all failed.
Lettice and Lovage
Peter Schaffer's delightful comedy follows the adventures of Lettice Duffet, an enthusiast for architectural beauty with a tendency towards exaggeration and the dramatic- come along for a heartwarming and uplifting comedy!
Martyrs' Shrine
Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre
Yoghurt Theatre Company is presenting the 'Martyrs' Shrine'. It sets in the turbulent late Qing Dynasty, 'Beijing Fayuan Temple' follows monks, revolutionaries, and intellectuals wrestling with faith, patriotism, and change. In the ancient temple’s serene yet oppressive atmosphere, ideals clash, and sacrifices are made, capturing a pivotal moment in China’s struggle between tradition and revolution.
Crazy for You
Jam-packed with dazzling dance routines, hilarious hijinks and a sensational score including I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You and Someone To Watch Over Me, Durham University’s oldest theatre company celebrates their 75th anniversary year with this timeless tale of falling in love, following your heart and the magic of making theatre – ‘who could ask for anything more?’
White Liars and Black Comedy
Pitch Productions takes on one of “the funniest and most brilliant short plays” in its rendition of White Liars and Black Comedy, the hilarious double-billed farce by Peter Shaffer.
Everything Means Nothing to Me
Charlie journeys to Los Angeles to uncover the truth behind Elliott Smith’s death, meeting lost dreamers and faded stars, exploring the delicate balance of dreams and disappointments, and finding reasons to keep living.
New Year’s Cabaret
For one night only, DULOG returns to the Assembly Rooms with their annual New Year's Cabaret! Durham University’s oldest musical theatre society brings you a spectacular set list of showtunes – from classic ballads to contemporary belters and countless more besides – sung by a lineup of familiar faces and fantastic first-time talent!
The Truth
Conspiracy? Corruption? Fake news and misinformation? Is this a modern-day news article or is it Terry Pratchett's 'The Truth'!? A journalistic crime thriller in the fantastical world of Ankh-Morpork.
The Last 5 Years
The Last Five Years is a heartfelt, two-character musical by Jason Robert Brown that explores the rise and fall of a young couple’s relationship over five years. Told from opposing timelines—Cathy’s story moves backward from heartbreak, while Jamie’s starts with their budding romance—the show blends emotional storytelling with a powerful, jazz-inspired score.
Doctor Faustus
Christopher Marlowe’s seminal ‘Doctor Faustus’ sees ambition meet the supernatural in a gripping tale of power, temptation, and tragedy.
Martyrs' Shrine
Yoghurt Theatre Company is presenting the 'Martyrs' Shrine'. It sets in the turbulent late Qing Dynasty, 'Beijing Fayuan Temple' follows monks, revolutionaries, and intellectuals wrestling with faith, patriotism, and change. In the ancient temple’s serene yet oppressive atmosphere, ideals clash, and sacrifices are made, capturing a pivotal moment in China’s struggle between tradition and revolution.
Merry DUMT-mas!
“Merry DUMT-mas!” is Durham University Musical Theatre Troupe’s festive showcase, featuring Christmas classics and musical hits from Anastasia, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf the Musical and more to get you in the mood for a very Durham Christmas!
Laugh Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Laugh yourself a merry little Christmas,
Watch an improv show,
We will keep you laughing 'til you're all aglow!
Elektra and The Women at the Thesmophoria
"Elektra" tells the tragic story of the daughter and son of the late king Agamemnon planning retribution for their mother who murdered him. "The Women of the Thesmophoria" is a satiric comedy featuring the playwright Euripides that makes fun of the tragic genre and the role of women within it.”
Bonnie and Clyde
A musical about the most infamous bank robbing & murdering duo in American history - romance, crime, and an incredible soundtrack.
A Christmas Carol: The Immersive Experience
Walkabout Productions return with an innovative immersive take on a beloved Dickens Classic, beating their own record for the UK’s largest work of immersive student theatre.
Merrily We Roll Along
Sondheim's cult classic 'Merrily We Roll Along' traces the life of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their lives – in reverse!
1984
This adaptation of 1984 reimagines Winston Smith's reconstruction, where he is forced to re-enact key moments of his life and his 'thoughtcrimes' with the help of others convicted.
Sex Cells
FOURTH WALL Theatre Company presents its Michaelmas Term show Sex Cells by Anna Longaretti.
In a busy call centre, the four female employees of Aphrodite, a sex toy manufacturer, take telephone orders for Teasey Maids, Titivators and rotating pearl g-strings. Sex Cells is a very funny, poignant play about motherhood, friendship, love and loss.
Myths and Legends: The Intercollegiate Showcase
FHTC is excited to announce ‘Myths and Legends: The Intercollegiate Showcase’!
The intercollegiate showcase is back for its second year, raising money for Children of the North East. This year with the enchanting theme of myths and legends, each college theatre company displays its niche while celebrating a shared love of theatre. From Camelot to Hadestown, this showcase has it all, perfect for everyone.
A Night at the Opera
Durham Opera Ensemble presents a spectacular evening of opera’s finest arias, duets and choruses spanning Mozart to Gilbert and Sullivan.