Last August, The Preston Society debuted their new Instagram page with the line: “After a period of hypersomnia since 2017, The Preston Society has awakened.” Inspired by the society’s impressive legacy, which boasts a host of talented performers like Matthew Holness and Rachel Weisz, the society’s current co-President, Martha Alexander, teased a revival that would see a mix of theatre and comedy in the upcoming Michaelmas term. As we move into a new academic year, Preston – Trinity Hall’s dramatic society – continues to grow, reflecting the enthusiasm within the college for such a project. Thomas Gladstone, joining Martha this year as co-President, told me how indispensable the college’s support has been, notably from the College Master, Mary Hockaday, who has described theatre as “a chance to explore, be creative, work with others and learn new skills alongside academic work”. In light of this long history, she adds that it’s lovely to see the society thriving.

The support from the college is reflected in the society’s ambitions. Martha echoes this sentiment, noting that it’s vital for college drama societies to receive the platform they deserve, so that they might act as a bridge into the wider theatre community. Thomas tells me he wouldn’t have chosen a college without a drama society. Having worked Trinity Hall’s summer open days myself, this was a question I was faced with a lot: “Which colleges are best for theatre?”. While Pembroke easily rolls off the tongue in answer, smaller dramatic societies like Preston are gaining momentum: a testament to the creative spirit that pulses through colleges.

“It’s vital for college drama societies to receive the platform they deserve, so that they might act as a bridge into the wider theatre community”

Moreover, as Martha comments, there is a “lack of college drama societies doing comedy,” and Preston aims to fill this gap. By hosting smaller-scale smokers and comedy nights, they aim to provide that crucial first step into comedy: blending sketches, improv, and theatre in low-pressure settings. As they expand the society into both comedy and theatre, the pair remain committed to providing the open, inclusive environment that brought them here to begin with.

Their jovial approach to performing was best exemplified by their recent production of Henry IV, Part 1, performed last Easter in the Fellows’ Gardens of Trinity Hall. Thomas recalls how Shakespeare’s writing “lends itself naturally to comedy,” and how outdoor performances encourage a playful, liberating chaos. After such an intense academic year, these light-hearted productions are exactly what Cambridge students long for. Thomas describes the joy of working in college gardens such as these, which are just “made for theatre”. Access to these beautiful open spaces is a unique element of college societies, and both Thomas and Martha reminisce about the joy of shaping performances within such an environment.

“After such an intense academic year, these light-hearted productions are exactly what Cambridge students long for”

I had begun the interview with the question, “Theatre or film?” Before coming to Cambridge, Thomas admitted he would have answered the latter. However, he praises the Cambridge theatre scene for shifting his opinion towards the former. As we close the interview, he points now to the “joy in finding something special out of every project”. Martha seconds this, adding that it is “never too late” to be involved. In a university so steeped in historical legacy, it is important to remember that, at the end of the day, this is all a bit of fun. Looking ahead, the pair tease a potential production of a JB Priestley play, an alumnus of Trinity Hall. Such a production, he notes, would honour both Preston’s dramatic legacy and the tradition of thought-provoking theatre. With momentum building, the Preston Drama Society has not only awakened, but is thriving.

My penultimate question: “How can we get involved” is met with a unanimous answer – “just come along”. Whether you want to act, direct, handle stage production, or simply be an audience member, college drama societies are a perfect entryway into the world of theatre and comedy. They stand as a reminder that creativity thrives wherever there’s space to perform, and a community ready to listen.