The Durham Revue

The Durham Revue is an established and renowned sketch comedy group, composed of students from Durham University, England.

History

Although comedy revues have existed at Durham University since the early 1950s, a society dedicated to producing sketch comedy wasn't established until 1973, when four students founded 'DUST'. DUST (Durham University Sensible Thespians) initially produced comedy revue shows solely for Durham audiences. In 1977, however, under the presidency of Arthur Bostrom, DUST took their first show to the Edinburgh Fringe; this inaugural Fringe team also included John Inge (Bishop of Worcester) and Jennie Campbell (former BBC comedy producer). The group have continued to take a show to the Fringe every year since, changing to the less ambiguous 'Durham Revue' title in 1988.

Shows

The Durham Revue produce a new hour long sketch show each term, as well as performing at Durham college balls and touring shows across the UK.
Shows produced in 2007/2008 season included; 'Shock Titacs' (Michaelmas), 'ComedyFest' (Epiphany), 'Sketchual Intercourse' (Easter) & '...And Other Stories'

...And Other Stories, the Revue's 2008 Fringe Show won the inaugural Smirnoff Underbelly 'sketch-off', as well as receiving favourable reviews from critics.

Comedy Fest

Each year, the Durham Revue team up with the Cambridge Footlights and The Oxford Revue to present a large comedy showcase, with all money raised donated to Durham University Charities Committee (DUCK). The event has become a tradition within the university and a highlight of the social calendar. In 2008, the three university troupes were joined by the celebrated sketch group The Penny Dreadfuls, resulting in the most successful ComedyFest to date.

Both the Footlights and The Oxford Revue hold similar events at their respective universities.

Durham Revue Radio

In 2008, the Durham Revue began broadcasting a fortnightly sketch and character comedy radio show on Purple Radio. Each 45 minute episode is written exclusively by the Revue, but supplements its cast with non-members.
Membership

The Durham Revue membership generally consists of six writer/performers, two producers and a director. Membership is based upon audition and interview, unlike the Footlights or Oxford Revue, these auditions take place just once each year.

2007/2008 Members: Writers/Performers: Liz Smith (President), Matthew Johnson, Tom Lyons, Stevie Martin, Jez Scharf, Neil Wates.
Producers: Bronwen Jones, Leonora Dowley, Alice Bramall.
Directors: Simon Eves, Ben O.

Past members have gone on to become award winning writers, actors, producers, and comedians.

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