Private Lives – Lucy Farmer

Bringing 1930s glamour to the ADC, Clementine Rice’s adaptation of Noel Coward’s Private Lives certainly proved a highlight of this year’s Cambridge student theatre. Encapsulating the most theatrical and concealed characteristics of a relentless yet enticing love, Kate Woodman and Leo Morad bring to life Amanda and Elyot’s charismatic, irresistible chemistry, while skilful directorial decisions allowed moments for these individual actors’ talents to radiate throughout. Perhaps what this play does so masterfully, is speak to our guilty pleasures and the facades of unvanquished love that we so frequently prescribe to. Teeming with wit, comedy and sensitivity, Private Lives clearly proved a public success.

The Great Gatsby – Ella Hardy

The Great Gatsby is one of my favourite stories. This production perfectly captured the essence of everything I love about it. From the flapper dances and sparkling dresses to the bold lighting and smooth New York accents, every aspect blared with the unashamed charisma of the Jazz Age. Lost in their own wealth and exuberance, joyful moments of self-indulgence and eccentricity were juxtaposed with a romantic longing which makes this story endlessly relevant, even to us today. This play gave actors the chance to breathe new life into some of the most loved characters in the literary canon, and does so wonderfully!

A Streetcar Named Desire – Nikita Vajrala

A Streetcar Named Desire is encompassed by tension, psychological complexity and the sultry New Orleans surroundings. Directed by Bella Ofo, the actors in the ADC’s production brought Williams’ fascinating characters to life. In particular, Coyle’s enamouring southern accent and intricate rendition of Blanche’s trauma swept me back to the National Theatre production with Gillian Anderson. The actors playing Mitch and Stella, Lauren Akinluyi and Jacob Mellor, captured the essence of their characters – Mellor’s balancing act between aggression and Mitch’s awkward masculinity were exquisitely expressed and Akinluyi’s cry to Blanche brought tears to my eyes. Without a doubt, a five-star production with incredible performers.

Noises Off – Eleanor Baldwin

Staged on an incredible rotating set, Noises Off was a side-splitting iteration of Michael Frayn’s formidable farce. Amid the fiasco’s synchronized timing and carefully rehearsed movement, the cast embodied their characters perfectly. Each actor moved seamlessly through the dysfunctional drama, pulling the audience through their emotional whiplash with admirable comedic timing. The stage crew should be equally highly commended, coordinating the complex details of the slapstick anarchy. As a farce within a farce, this play delightfully demolished the fourth wall, guaranteeing laughter from its audience. It truly was the best show I have seen in Cambridge to date.