Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, the ADC Theatre is Britain’s oldest university playhouse and a vibrant hub for student and community performance. Established in 1855 by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC), the theatre has nurtured generations of talent, including Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, and Stephen Fry. Today, it remains a dynamic producing venue, run almost entirely by students, offering professional-standard productions across drama, comedy, musicals, and experimental work. The ADC Theatre is more than a stage—it’s a launchpad for creativity, collaboration, and theatrical innovation. With a rich legacy and a forward-looking spirit, it continues to shape Cambridge’s cultural landscape while welcoming audiences and aspiring performers alike.
Cambridge United KingdomThe ADC Theatre is centrally located at Park Street, Cambridge CB5 8AS, just north of Jesus Lane and moments from the heart of the city. The theatre is within a 30-minute walk from Cambridge Station: follow Hills Road, Regent Street, St Andrew’s Street, and Sidney Street into the centre, then turn right onto Jesus Lane and left onto Park Street, where the venue sits on the left. It is also about a 10-minute walk from Drummer Street Bus Station, via St Andrew’s Street and Sidney Street, before turning onto Jesus Lane and Park Street. The recently reopened Park Street Car Park offers convenient parking directly next door, with the Grand Arcade and Castle Hill car parks also nearby. Close attractions include the tranquil Jesus Green, the historic Sidney Sussex College, and the River Cam, which is perfect for scenic punting tours. A short walk leads to King Street’s popular cafés, bars and restaurants, and shopping streets filled with city life.