Cambridge Comedians & The Footlights Society
A surprising number of successful comedians have studied at Cambridge University. While an exact number is hard to pinpoint, many notable British comedians have either attended or been affiliated with Cambridge, especially through its renowned theater and comedy societies.
The Cambridge Footlights
The Cambridge Footlights is one of the most prestigious and influential student comedy clubs in the world, with a long tradition of nurturing some of the most successful comedians, writers, and performers. Founded in 1883, the Footlights have played a pivotal role in the development of British comedy and have produced many of the UK’s most beloved comedic talents.
The club is based at the University of Cambridge, where members are typically undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines. Over the years, the Footlights have become famous for their comedy revue shows, which often feature a mix of sketches, music, and satirical commentary.
Many well-known comedians and actors got their start at the Footlights, including members of the Monty Python team (John Cleese, Eric Idle), A Bit of Fry & Laurie duo Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, and stars like Emma Thompson, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Mitchell, and Robert Webb.
The Footlights’ reputation for high-quality, innovative comedy has made it a vital part of Cambridge’s cultural legacy and a stepping stone for future comedy careers. The club continues to hold regular performances, showcasing new talent and keeping its legacy alive.
Cambridge Comedian Alumni
John Cleese – A founding member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. Cleese began developing his comedic talents at Cambridge Footlights, the university’s legendary comedy club. He gained fame for his roles in iconic comedy shows like Monty Python’s Flying Circus and films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian. Cleese is also known for his role as Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, one of the most acclaimed British sitcoms.Cleese studied law at Downing college between 1956 – 1962.
Eric Idle – Another member of Monty Python who also began their comedy journey at the Footlights. Idle studied English at St John’s college between 1963 – 1966.
Stephen Fry – Fry’s career spans television, film, and literature, with notable works including his memoir Moab Is My Washpot and his novels The Liar and Making History. A versatile talent, Fry is celebrated for his wit, intelligence, and advocacy for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues.
He studied English Literature at Queen’s college between 1979 – 1982 and was president of the Cambridge Footlights, where he met Hugh Laurie, forming the iconic comedy duo A Bit of Fry & Laurie.
Hugh Laurie – Best known for his role as Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama house, which earned him two Golden Globe Awards. he initially rose to fame as part of the Cambridge Footlights, collaborating with Stephen Fry on the comedy show A Bit of Fry & Laurie. He also starred in Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster. Laurie studied Anthropology & Archaeology at Selwyn college between 1978 – 1981,
Sacha Baron Cohen – Best known for creating and portraying outrageous characters such as Borat, Ali G, and Brüno. His satirical and often controversial characters have earned him both critical acclaim and notoriety, with Borat receiving widespread recognition, including a Golden Globe Award. Cohen studied history at Christ’s College, Cambridge between 1989 – 1992.
David Mitchell – Half of the comedy duo Mitchell and Webb, David Mitchell studied at Cambridge and was also part of Footlights. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, and The Mitchell and Webb Situation. Known for his sarcastic humor and dry delivery, Mitchell is also a regular panelist on QI, alongside fellow Cambridge alumni, Stephen Fry. Mitchell studied History at Queens’ College, Cambridge between 1995 – 1998.
Robert Webb – The other half of Mitchell and Webb, Webb’s distinctive blend of awkwardness and wit has made him a beloved figure in British comedy. Webb studied English at Robinson College between 1995 – 1998.
Richard Ayoade – Known for his role as Maurice Moss in the hit sitcom The IT Crowd. His distinctive style of deadpan humor and eccentricity has made him a standout in British comedy. In addition to acting, Ayoade has directed films like Submarine and The Double, and is known for his witty hosting on shows such as Gogglebox and Travel Man. Ayoade studied Law at St Catharine’s College between 1995 – 1998.
Emma Thompson – An accomplished actress and writer, known for her versatile performances in both drama and comedy. She won acclaim for her roles in films like Howards End, Sense and Sensibility (which she also adapted), and Love Actually. Thompson has won two Academy Awards, one for Best Actress (Howard’s End, 1993) and one for Best Adapted Screenplay (Sense and Sensibility, 1996). Thompson studied English at Newnham College, graduating in 1980.
James Acaster – A stand-up comedian known for his quirky style, Acaster attended Cambridge and was part of the Footlights scene, though he’s perhaps more known for his comedy career in recent years. Acaster studied at Cambridge between 2004 – 2007.
Shaping British comedy
These comedians and actors have significantly shaped British comedy through their work in television, film, and stand-up. From Monty Python to QI, their innovative performances and iconic characters, such as Borat and Mitchell and Webb, continue to influence comedy, showcasing Cambridge’s legacy in nurturing creative talent.
Join a tour to see the colleges they attended and hear more about the history and life at Cambridge.