The Howard Theatre

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that the finest theatre space in Cambridge is the Howard Theatre at Downing.

This beautifully-appointed, 140-seat, Italianate proscenium structure provides not only a home to the College’s flourishing Dramatic Society but an especially elegant venue for regular music events by visiting artists and a popular stage for academic lectures and conferences.

The first-floor theatre space itself boasts top quality stage-lighting and sound equipment plus a dedicated technical staff who guide - and work alongside - students in both rehearsal and performance while two floors below, props are built and costumes stored in Downing Dramatic Society’s very own ‘Cage’. The ground floor, meanwhile, houses the open reception and dining area of the Grace Howard Room where audiences gather for pre-show and interval drinks and, especially during the College’s Festival of New Writing, listen to live music.

No other Cambridge college can provide the professional-level experience our purpose-built facilities offer to audiences and student participants alike. Or has more comfortable seats!

Accessibility 

Detailed and up-to-date accessibility information for the Howard Theatre can be found in our AccessAble guide.