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Oral Histories

Listen to opinions, memories, and experiences of Cambridge Arts Theatre, shared by some of the people who know us best…

If you are interested in recording an Oral History and are willing to be interviewed, please contact Katherine Moar [email protected]

Sally Goldsmith

‘All those times you have played air guitar, all those times you have stood in front of the mirror with your hairbrush, you could actually do that for real, and we will welcome you. That is the power of community theatre’. Chair of Cambridge Operatic Society (CAOS) Sally Goldsmith discusses amateur theatre in Cambridge and explains how the society’s annual production at the Cambridge Arts Theatre is produced.

View oral history - Sally Goldsmith

Michael Gattrell

Michael Gattrell has been involved in pantomime for over thirty years. He joined the creative team at Cambridge Arts Theatre in 2020 to direct the Theatre’s pantomime show, 'Dame Trott’s Panto Palaver'. Gattrell speaks about his career in theatre and the particular experience of directing pantomime at the Arts Theatre in the pandemic era.

View oral history - Michael Gattrell

Mike Robertson

Olivier award-winning lighting designer Mike Robertson explains the world of theatre lighting, reflects on how technological advances in lighting have influenced design and talks about his work for Cambridge Arts Theatre.

View oral history - Mike Robertson

Griff Rhys Jones

“If you want to make a mark, go on and do something – don’t wait to be asked.” Griff Rhys Jones reminisces about his formative years performing as an undergraduate at Cambridge Arts Theatre, describes life on the touring circuit, and offers advice to the next generation of student actors.

View oral history - Griff Rhys Jones

Zak Ghazi-Torbati

Zak Ghazi-Torbati is a writer, lyricist, and actor who has performed onstage at the Arts Theatre in the Greek Play and with the Marlowe Society. Formerly President of the Marlowe, Torbati discusses the difficulties of staging a student production on a professional stage and recalls working alongside upcoming and established writers, composers, and directors like Six’s Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss...

View oral history - Zak Ghazi-Torbati

Malcolm Rogers

Malcolm Rogers performed onstage at Cambridge Arts Theatre in the 1950s. He describes a life in the theatre, his run-ins with luminaries such as Alan Ayckbourn and Peter O’Toole, and the difference between theatre and television acting...

View oral history - Malcolm Rogers

Steve Puttick

Steve Puttick has been visiting Cambridge Arts Theatre for over 70 years. She first came to see a Pantomime starring Cyril Fletcher when she was 9 years old. Puttick recalls her favourite productions and her friendship with the ballet dancer Jack Skinner...

View oral history - Steve Puttick

Molly Yarn

Molly Yarn, former President of the Marlowe Society, describes the joyful and difficult process behind producing a play for the Arts Theatre stage and discusses her research on the female editors of Shakespeare works in the 19th and 20th centuries...

View oral history - Molly Yarn

Angharad Walters

Principal of Stagecoach, Angharad Walters, provides part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4 to 18 in Cambridge and Cambourne. Many children from Stagecoach go on to perform on the Cambridge Arts Theatre stage in our annual Pantomime. Walters describes coming to the Arts Theatre at a young age...

View oral history - Angharad Walters

Bill Stanley

Bill Stanley has been involved with Cambridge Arts Theatre from a very young age. He has performed with touring companies and as a Panto Babe, undertaken work experience with the Theatre, and now volunteers with Front of House. He praises the Theatre for the opportunities it has offered him and recounts his time as a member of the cast of a variety of shows, ranging from 'Jack and the Beanstalk' to 'Richard III'...

View oral history - Bill Stanley

Liza Goddard

‘…You very much feel like a family.’ Liza Goddard recalls performing in Cambridge’s Arts Theatre’s annual Panto three times, discusses the touring circuit and her favourite regional theatres, and emphasises the fundamental importance of the arts...

View oral history - Liza Goddard

Patricia Chapman

Patricia Chapman is one of the longest serving volunteers at Cambridge Arts Theatre. She discusses what her role involves, her favourite shows, and the changes she has seen during her time working at the Theatre.

An oral history recorded as part of Cambridge Arts Theatre's 'Behind the Scenes' Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

View oral history - Patricia Chapman
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