Durham University Student Performing Arts returns to the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre this term, welcoming a host of different productions across theatrical genres. We are also looking forward to some fantastic one-off collaborations with our alumni.
Shaping theatrical careers
Our thriving student performing arts scene offers our students ample opportunities throughout the academic year to refine their skills, or to try their hand at something new. We’re proud that we’ve helped to shape the careers of a large number of graduates through their experiences of theatre at Durham. This term, we’re delighted to welcome back several of our alumni in performances and to help inspire future actors-in-the-making. And of course, our audiences can expect to be thoroughly entertained by their creativity in the process.Raising the curtain on a new academic year
Twelve different companies are set to tread the boards at the Assembly Rooms Theatre, from a musical theatre performance about murderous duo Bonnie and Clyde , to award-winning sketch comedy from The Durham Revue. We’re getting ready to showcase the best of our student talent, in what promises to be a first-rate season.For one night only, The Durham Revue 2023/24 troupe will return for the final time to perform Mid-Laugh Crisis. After a sell-out run in London, Durham Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe, they’re back on home turf for a riveting hour of sketch comedy.
We usher in our newest cohorts as they experience their first productions at the 160-seat Assembly Rooms Theatre, the home of Durham University Student Performing Arts. Two Freshers’ productions will take the stage by storm, including the annual Freshers’ Showcase and a creative production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island .
Later in the term, audiences can expect to be enthralled by two showstopping musical theatre performances. Transporting us to America, in November Durham University Light Opera Group presents Dolly Parton’s smash-hit, 9 to 5: The Musical , which explores themes of friendship and female empowerment. At the start of December, Tone Deaf Theatre Company will bring to life the thrilling tale of infamous bank robbing and murdering duo Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical weaves a compelling tale of passion and ambition driving a couple to crime and their untimely end.
The Assembly Rooms’ resident theatre company, Elysium Theatre, will also bring to the stage their touring production of Othello by William Shakespeare. This award-winning theatre company, formed by Durham alumni, performs as part of the Durham Shakespeare Festival 2024.
Take a look at our Durham University Student Performing Arts What’s On Guide - October-December 2024 .