Drama, Theatre and the Arts

Music, drama, and the arts have long played a significant role in life at Magdalene, offering a wide range of opportunities for students of all abilities.

Whether you are an experienced performer or simply looking to try something new, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Music is an integral part of life at Magdalene, offering students countless opportunities to perform, collaborate, and enjoy live music. Whether you're an accomplished musician or simply love listening, you'll find a welcoming and vibrant musical community.

The University offers Choral, Organ, and Instrumental Awards for gifted musicians. Choral and Organ Awards are open to students in all subjects. Magdalene students also benefits from the Lincoln Fund Music Awards, offer prizes of up to £400 to candidates who can demonstrate an appropriate level of musicianship and ability on their instrument or voice. Musicians and groups from all genres including instrumentalists, vocalists and composers, are welcome to apply.

The College Choir sings Choral Evensong twice a week, as well as at major College events and special occasions. Each summer, the Choir embarks on a tour and regularly performs in cathedrals and other venues across the UK, Europe and beyond. The Chapel is frequently used for concerts featuring the Choir, Organ Scholars, and instrumental recitals.

If you are interested in music at Magdalene, please contact the Director of Music for more information.

The Magdalene Music Society hosts weekly concerts on Monday evenings during term, showcasing talented College musicians alongside guest performers from across Cambridge. A highlight of the year is the May Week Concert, held on the riverbank, where audiences enjoy Pimms while listening to live performances in a stunning setting.

The Magdalene Jazz Band is a high-energy student ensemble, known for its lively performances and diverse repertoire. The band regularly plays at concerts across Cambridge, including May Balls and major student events. Open to new members, it's a fantastic opportunity to develop your musical skills and be part of one of Cambridge’s most exciting student music groups.

Students who play orchestral instruments can take part in a variety of University-wide ensembles. Magdalene is part of the Orchestra on the Hill, which brings together musicians from Churchill, Fitzwilliam, Murray Edwards, Girton, and Magdalene.

The College is fortunate to have three outstanding performance spaces:

• Cripps Auditorium, a 142-seat venue with room for a small orchestra.
• Benson Hall, a galleried chamber auditorium with a Bechstein concert grand piano and excellent acoustics.
• The Chapel, used for choral services and concerts with chamber organ.

In addition to these, there are two dedicated Music Practice Rooms available to students.

Cambridge has a thriving arts scene, offering endless opportunities for students to perform, direct, produce, or take on backstage roles. Whether you’re passionate about theatre or simply love watching live performances, there’s always something exciting happening.

The Magdalene Drama Society (MDS) supports student-led productions, ranging from comedy to serious drama. Meanwhile, the Magdalene Musical Production Society (MMPS) stages the annual Magdalene Musical each Lent Term, turning the Cripps Auditorium into a vibrant showcase of song and dance. Past productions include Godspell, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, and Cabaret.

Magdalene is just minutes from the ADC Theatre, England’s oldest university playhouse and the heart of Cambridge student drama since 1855. With performances nearly every night during term, the ADC has launched the careers of stars such as Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Tilda Swinton.

The Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC), the country’s oldest student theatre society, is based at the ADC and stages around 20 productions each year. Students of all experience levels can get involved in acting, directing, set design, technical theatre, and production.

Beyond the ADC, performances take place across the city, from traditional playhouses to open-air productions in College gardens.

For those with a passion for creativity, The Fleapit is Magdalene’s dynamic arts society, hosting film screenings, poetry readings, life drawing sessions, and termly exhibitions. The society collaborates with creative groups across Cambridge, making it a lively space for artistic expression.

Magdalene also has its own Poetry Society, a welcoming community for writers to share their work, attend workshops, and hear from leading poets. The society frequently partners with other arts groups, strengthening its role in the city’s cultural life.

Whether you want to perform, write, create, or simply enjoy the arts, there’s a place for you at Magdalene.