Cambridge University has warned people going to see a version of Rapunzel by its famous comedy troupe it contains ‘kidnapping, homophobia, sexism, drugs and alcohol abuse’.
The Amateur Dramatic Club of Cambridge University theatre mentioned the themes ahead of the Cambridge Footlights show opening.
Brothers Grimm tale Rapunzel – which has been made into a Disney film – tells the story of a sorceress who takes a couple’s child away.
This new pantomime production appears to be new take on the old story and promises ‘a celebration of individuality and self-love’.
It also says it will bring back live panto ‘with a queer and colourful bang’.
But the ADC Theatre appears to be concerned some of the content could be too much for some audience members.
Rapunzel has a warning of ‘Kidnapping, Homophobia, Sexism and Drugs/alcohol/substance abuse’ attached to its online advert.
The advert for the production by Cambridge University theatre has prompted some warnings
The Amateur Dramatic Club of Cambridge University theatre mentioned the different themes
The label is something it has done before with other productions, with Lily Blundell’s The Man Who Wouldn’t Be Murdered alerting viewers to ‘Portrayals of alcohol abuse and portrayals of death/murder’.
ADC Theatre, which is considered Cambridge University’s smallest department, said it gave the notes to help people choose what to watch.
Theatre manager Jamie Rycroft told MailOnline: ‘We provide content warnings for productions at our venues, which are optional for audience members to view on our website or ask for at the Box Office.
‘These provide a general indication of the content in the show to help inform audience members’ decision on choosing to watch it, similar to the notes on a film’s content that are provided alongside its age rating.’
A cosplayer dressed as Rapunzel during the second day of MCM Comic Con at the ExCel London earlier this month. She is not involved in the Cambridge University production
Cambridge Footlights alumni include Hugh Laurie (left) and Stephen Fry (right)
Rapunzel’s listing, uncovered by The Sun, reads: ‘In a land where art has been banned and all the dames have been banished, can this kingdom be brought back to life?
‘In a dastardly plan to keep them away from his crown, the evil king sends his nephew and niece, Prince Victor and Princess Stella, on a quest to save Rapunzel from her dragon-guarded tower in the hopes that they perish.
‘Along the way they instead encounter adventure, hilarity, and friendship.’
The Footlights counts John Cleese and Graham Chapman, the writers of Monty Python’s ‘Argument Clinic’ sketch, among its alumni, as well as fellow Python Eric Idle, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry and Sue Perkins.
In 2018 it was caught up in a diversity row which saw its president resign.
Ruby Keane, 24, a master’s student in creative writing at Wolfson College, said she quit in protest over the system for nominating members – criticising a lack of opportunities for non-white students.
Currently, all 11 committee members are white despite 15 per cent of the student body being from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, The Times reported.
However, other members said that Miss Keane was asked for her resignation over her group management and ‘misuse’ of the role.
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