CornEx Gets A Cheeky Makeover

One of Cambridge’s cultural hotspots is undergoing some pretty big renovations over the next few months, providing barrels of optimism music fans.

Cambridge Corn Exchange Chris Addison dara o'briain eco-friendly lighting Papatya Sutcliffe Stephen Merchant the nutcracker Theatre

One of the key place for gigs and comedy in Cambridge is undergoing an eco-friendly makeover. 

Known for its wonderful décor and minimalist, art-deco feel, Cambridge’s famous Corn Exchange has long been the location of some of the finest entertainment the city has seen.

And now it’s going green. New energy efficient stage lighting is soon to be installed at the venue, saving thousands of pounds a year in electricity.

It is estimated that 10 of the energy efficient lights used for six hours a day could save over £16,000 per year in electricity, with the new system set to be 10 times as efficient as the old one.

The new light system will also heighten the aesthetic appeal of The Corn Exchange. The lights are going to start being installed this month, ready for performances in December by acts such as Chris Addison, Stephen Merchant and the Christmas show: The Nutcracker.

The performers will hope for other improvements too. Dara O’Briain commented to the Union a few years ago that there was a pocket of the audience that just couldn’t hear anything.

Inside – looking pretty dim

Cambridge City Councillor for Arts, Sport and Public Places, Rod Cantrill said: “We are confident by investing in improved stage lighting we can attract a broader range of acts to the Corn Exchange and increase its income.”

Gareth Jeffries, third year economist at Corpus told The Tab: “I think The Corn Exchange is an integral part of Cambridge culture. Though I did try to exchange corn there once, and failed.”

WATCH the Tab’s sneak preview around the newly done-up Corpus Playrooms.