Arts and Culture Editor, Ollie Cochran, recounts his first-year experience of navigating the dramatic arts in Durham.
The first term of university is, in many ways, a complete blur. A massive transition with novelty in every corner — new friendships, lifestyle, city, societies. For me, at least, the latter was of utmost importance. After having my later years in school heavily affected by COVID, I thought that university would be the perfect opportunity to rekindle some of the pastimes that had occupied me in my younger years. Michaelmas 2023 was a formative term for me in many regards but primarily thanks to my partaking in the Durham student drama scene.
Durham Student Theatre (DST) is the largest student theatre society in the country, boasting an impressive 100+ shows a year across almost 40 distinct theatre companies (including Johns’ very own Bailey Theatre Company). I have been lucky enough to immerse myself fully in the society, meeting numerous fantastic people along the way, and it has truly shaped my first year Durham experience. For anyone looking to get involved in theatre in any capacity — be it performing, directing, producing, musical directing, tech, and more — DST is truly the perfect springboard.
Although I had read about drama in Durham and the many separate companies that fall under the umbrella of DST, I was still overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the dramatic arts when I arrived last September. At the Freshers’ Fair, for instance, student theatre dominated much of the main hall, a table designated to every company with presidents and other executive members trying to tempt you to get involved with their first show of the year. It blew me away — firstly, because I couldn’t believe how many likeminded people also immersed themselves in theatre alongside the degree, and, secondly, because I was slightly daunted at the prospect of having to choose which shows to participate in!
In the end, I settled on a few different projects for Michaelmas; I was lucky enough to be accepted as Assistant Director for both the university-wide Freshers’ play, Agatha Christie’s ‘A Murder is Announced’, and Durham University Classic Theatre’s (DUCT) ‘The Rivals’ by Richard B. Sheridan — both of which were due to be performed in the main student theatre venue, the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms. Having never directed before, I thought it would be a great experience to involve myself in this side of a production first, as it gave me the opportunity to understand how DST actually functioned — how auditions are run and rehearsals are conducted, and what the expectations are for all involved.
These shows were absolutely brilliant, and a fantastic introduction to the drama scene. The Freshers’ Play, in particular, presented me the chance to meet both other people in my year who will continue to take part in DST productions down the line and members of the main DST committee (two of which have become some of my closest friends in Durham) who offered their own experiences of theatre in Durham from a 3rd year perspective. From my personal experience, this is absolutely the best way for a Fresher to get involved as everyone is in exactly the same boat and it is a process guided, though not ran, by older years who can ensure a smooth run.
In Epiphany term, now armed with a better knowledge of the workings of DST, I set out to perform in some shows. Admittedly, I did partake in a few too many projects, especially since they were all substantial projects with many rehearsals a week, but I was very much running with the principle of it being a ‘formative first year’ at the forefront of my mind! In the end, I ended up acting in 3 shows, each completely different in genre, location, and company.
The first was ‘Influenced’ — a one-man play that was part of Durham Drama Festival (DDF), a week-long celebration of student writing with plays (and a musical!) in 2 venues. This week is a staple in the DST calendar, with judges that come to watch all the shows and an awards ceremony at the end, it truly is a fantastic experience that anyone should get involved with to support the talented student writers. (Or you could get writing a play yourself!) I also performed in ‘Rabbit’, unique in Epiphany for being performed in an immersive location, namely a pub. Considering the play is set in a bar, it really added to the play’s atmosphere, creating a truly delightful performing experience as characters closely mixed with audience in the location. My final show of the term was DUCT’s ‘Measure for Measure’, a Gothic-inspired adaptation of one of William Shakespeare’s more provocative and notoriously tricky problem plays. With an immense set and fantastic tech elements all round, this show really solidified to me the power that DST has in all fields, be it onstage or off.
Moreover, although I unfortunately didn’t find time to do any shows with Johns’ Bailey Theatre Company, I still had the chance to get involved and review their annual musical — this year, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, which was a great success and a fantastic take of a very tricky musical! But this illustrates part of my point: DST has so many opportunities that it is as simple as looking at a weekly email to get involved. For the cheap membership which offers you lifetime access, you are able to partake in any production.
And there is no shortage of productions: this year has seen intimate performances of Oscar Wilde, William Shakespeare, and student writing in college venues (fundamentally, of course, Bailey Theatre Company’s great production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ in Michaelmas!) to huge scale musicals in both the Assembly Rooms and Gala Theatre (a professional 500-seat venue where Durham University Light Opera Group performed Cole Porter’s brilliant ‘Anything Goes’ with 3rd year Johnian Matt Bourne in the lead male role).
Easter term is looking no different, with a huge array of theatre that will span numerous genres, disciplines, and locations across Durham and nationwide. DST truly has something to offer for anyone looking to immerse themselves even slightly in the theatrical world. For me, it has been the best part of my first year, introducing me to so many amazing people and opening up so many doors, and I’m sure it will continue to do so in the next few years of my time in Durham. So, even if you don’t go as mad as I have, I hope that my perspective of Durham’s student theatre scene will encourage you to perhaps have a look or even take a plunge in the truly amazing world of DST.
Image credits: Assembly Rooms Theatre and Catherine Wilcox
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