From Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to Olivia Colman and Emma Thompson the Footlights have played a worryingly large part in Britain’s cultural life – has this been for better or for worse? Have we become dominated by a narrow sect of comedians from middle-class backgrounds writing sketches about the cosy middle-class, or has this remarkable institution produced some of the most challenging and innovative comedic changes in the last fifty years. The Cambridge Footlights were at the forefront of the wave of alternative comedy, but have they left us all stuck with what was revolutionary comedy back then? In short, have the Cambridge Footlights ruined British Comedy? This debate is brought to you in collaboration with the Cambridge Footlights. For this debate in the audition for student speakers preference will be given to auditionees from the Cambridge Footlights. However these auditions are open to all members. This day will mark the exact 205th Anniversary of the founding of the Cambridge Union Society, following the debate there will be an anniversary themed cocktail available in the bar, and a small celebration.
Kindly sponsored by
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