Show overview
The Downing Arts Podcast launched in 2025 and has put out 36 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode in the time since. That works out to roughly 10 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 13 min and 21 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-GB-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 days ago, with 15 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Downing College.
From the publisher
Downing Arts is the combination, collaboration, and contemplation of Drama, Music, the Visual Arts, and Literary activities across the college – bringing together students, Fellows, staff, and the wider community to participate, observe, and enjoy a richly stimulating cultural environment. Join me, Louisa Denby - Downing's Director of Music - for a weekly digest of Creative Arts events in college, plus exclusive interviews with students, staff, Fellows, and alumni. Episodes are released weekly during term time and feature a broad range of topics, from favourite films to brilliant books, from new artistic endeavours to established alumni careers, brought to you from Downing College in the University of Cambridge, UK. https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts
Latest Episodes
View all 36 episodesET26.6 This episode is such fun
ET26.5 Ten Good Years
ET26.4 A medic on a mission
ET4.3 The shocks are just the opening act
ET26.2 A Culinary Design
ET26.1 The Launch of the Leaves
S3 Ep 9LT26.9 Lent Term Special
College Archivist Jenny Ulph reveals a surprising musical history at Downing.-=-=-=-Cover image Music Society programme, 1896.-=-=-=-Friday 20 March, 4-6pm & 6-7pm, E-staircase Music Room: DCMS Jasdeep Singh lecture and concert. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jasdeep-singh-concert-masterclass-tickets-1984636075928Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-If you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 8LT26.8 Face-to-face with Elizabeth I
The curator of the new exhibition in the Heong Gallery, 'Tudor Contemporary', gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.-=-=-=-Cover image copyright Mat Collishaw.-=-=-=-Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: A Festival of New Writing. Tickets available here.Sunday 15 March, 8pm, Chapel: The Chapel Choir perform Mozart's Requiem in concert. Sold out; waiting list for tickets is here.Monday 16 March, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Chaplain's talk on the Church of England as a 'Global' Church.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 7LT26.7 A Festival of New Writing
Tune in to hear all about the forthcoming Festival of New Writing.-=-=-=-Cover image copyright Downing Dramatic Society.-=-=-=-Thursday 5 March, 5pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongThursday 5 March, 5pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS Recital of Violin & Piano musicSaturday 7 March, 5-6pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS/Downing Arts Percussion Extravaganza concert. Tickets free for Downing members, available here.Sunday 8 March, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongThursday 12 - Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: A Festival of New Writing. Tickets available here.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 6LT26.6 Is this going to be too bright?
Third-year Computer Scientist Bryan Abi Karam chats about his work as a photographer.-=-=-=-Cover image in the public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 26, Friday 27, and Saturday 28 February, 7.15pm, Howard Theatre: DDS Freshers' Play 'After Juliet'. Tickets available here.Saturday 28 February, 5-6pm, Howard Assembly Room: Piano Showcase Concert featuring Danny Driver. Tickets free for Downing members.Sunday 1 March, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EucharistMonday 2 March, 6pm, Chapel: Fisher House MassTuesday 3 March 12.30-1pm, Heong Gallery: Curator's Lunchtime Tour, 'Tudor Contemporary'. Booking not required.Tuesday 3 March, 5-7pm, Heong Gallery: Life Drawing Class. Book your place here.Friday 20 February - Sunday 19 April, Heong Gallery: 'Tudor Contemporary' Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 5LT26.5 Are you reading silently?
Dr Ewan Jones discusses his recently-published novel, and how he's trying to revive a centuries-old artistic practice.-=-=-=-Cover image credit Irene Martinez Costa/TW.-=-=-=-Thursday 19 February, 5.30pm, Ely Cathedral: The Chapel Choir sing EvensongSunday 22 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'A Musical Church'.Tuesday 24 February, 5.30pm, Assembly Room: DCMS Lent Term Open Recital-=-=-=-Call for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 4LT26.4 Stanley Kubrick meets Barry Lyndon
House Porter Gustavo Ávila chats about his favourite film.-=-=-=-Cover image in the public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 12 February, 9-9.30pm, Chapel: Come and Sing ComplineSunday 15 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'A Spiritual Church'.Tuesday 17 February, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Life-drawing class. Downing students only. Book your free spot here.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 3LT26.3 Send in the Clowns
Third-year HSPS student Ivan Ampiah discusses his love of Musical Theatre.-=-=-=-Thursday 5 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Howard Assembly Room: DCMS Chapel Choir Members' RecitalSaturday 7 & Sunday 8 February, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: DDS production 'Send in the Clowns'. Tickets available here.Saturday 7 February, 9pm, JCR: Cambridge Bands play to raise money for Breast Cancer. Tickets available here. (*Choose the option “Don’t support Collctiv” from the drop-down menu!*)Sunday 8 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 9 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'An English-speaking Church'. All welcome.Tuesday 10 February, 2.30-3.30pm, Chapel: Tour of the Organ, just drop in.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 2LT26.2 In Pursuit of a Pheasant Plucker
We catch up with recent Downing alumnus and professional guitarist Declan Hickey.Cover image credit Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Thursday 29 January, 9pm, Chapel: Choral ComplineFriday 30 January, 11am-12pm, Wilkins Room: Qi Gong movement workshop in association with the Gallery's current exhibition. Click here to find out more.Friday 30 January, 5-6.30pm, Howard Theatre: 'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition Panel Discussion. Free tickets bookable here.Friday 30 January, 9.30pm, JCR: DCMS Open Mic NightSunday 1 February, 6pm, Chapel: Choral Evensong for the Feast of Candlemas.Monday 2 February, 6.30-7.30pm, Chapel: Talk and discussion: 'What is the Church of England?' All welcome.Monday 2 February, 7-9pm, JCR: Danby Society Estimating Evening with Dr Hamish Symington. Free pizza and a prize for the winning team.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S3 Ep 1LT26.1 Would you like Soup with your crossword?
Head of Academic Skills, Dr Hamish Symington, chats about his alter ego as a cryptic crossword setter.Cover image released under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Deed.-=-=-=-Sunday 25 January, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 26 January, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: 'Through the Gap' Creative Workshop. Space is limited and booking is essential. Email [email protected].'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Applications open for the Piano Showcase Weekend with Danny Driver 27-28 Feb. Deadline 12 February. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/events/piano-showcase-weekend-international-piano-soloist-danny-driverCall for submissions: The Twining Egginton Fine Arts Prize 2026. Deadline 16 March. www.dow.cam.ac.uk/creative-arts/art-downingIf you'd like to come on the show to chat about anything related to the Creative Arts, please email [email protected].
S2 Ep 10MT25.10 Bridgemas Special
In this Bridgemas Special episode, we're joined by new band Cash Only, as well as Honorary Fellow and former Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, Martin Baker.Cover image copyright Louisa Denby.-=-=-=-Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Call for submissions: 'The Leaves'. Email [email protected] & Fellows' Carol Service, Monday 15 December: If you would like to sing in the scratch choir, or give a reading, please email [email protected] you'd like to be interviewed for the Lent term series of the Arts Podcast, email [email protected].
S2 Ep 9MT25.9 In space no one can hear you scream
Purchasing & Stores Manager David Stroud tells the story of his first encounter with 'Alien'.Cover image by Jacob-the-fox-critic, licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.-=-=-=-Thursday 27, Friday 28, and Saturday 29 November, 7.15pm, Howard Theatre: DDS Christmas Comedy Show. Tickets available here.Friday 28 November, 3-4pm, E-Staircase Music Room: Juggling Workshop with Guinness World Record-holder James Cozens. Tickets available here.Friday 28 November, 5pm, E-Staircase Music Room: Piano Recital by Tom Yang.Saturday 29 November, 9-11pm, JCR: Christmas Jazz with Downing Jazz Band.Sunday 30 November, 5-6pm, Heong Gallery: Q&A with James McDermott. Tickets available here.Sunday 30 November, 6pm, Chapel: Advent Carol Service. Queue early to avoid disappointment.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Call for applications: DDS Freshers' Play Director & Producer. If you are interested in either of these roles, please email [email protected] for submissions: 'The Leaves'. Email [email protected] & Fellows' Carol Service, Monday 15 December: If you would like to sing in the scratch choir, or give a reading, please email [email protected]
S2 Ep 8MT25.8 The Little Prince
PhD student Remi Poulard discusses his favourite book.Cover image: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, public domain.-=-=-=-Thursday 20 November, 9pm, Chapel: Choral Compline, followed by port and hot chocolate.Sunday 23 November, 6pm, Chapel: Choral EvensongMonday 24 November, 7.30pm, Chapel: DCMS Organ Recital.Tuesday 25 November, 6-8pm, Heong Gallery: Life Drawing. Register via Eventbrite.Tuesday 25 November, 9pm, Chapel: Come & Sing Compline.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.-=-=-=-Sunday 23 November, 1pm, St Andrew's, Leytonstone, E11 1JD: Downing alumnus Declan Hickey performs with Lizzie Knatt. More details available here.
S2 Ep 7MT25.7 The Mask of Agamemnon
Visiting Scholar Demetrius Floudas enthuses about the Mask of Agamemnon, and we hear from one of the directors of this week's DDS show, 'An Evening with Chekhov.'Cover image: Xuan Che, 'Mask of Agamemnon', licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.-=-=-=-Thursday 13 November, 6pm, Emmanuel College Chapel: The Chapel Choir join forces with our friends across the road for a Choral Eucharist featuring Langlais' 'Messe Solennelle'.Thursday 13, Friday 14, and Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm, Howard Theatre: DDS present 'An Evening with Chekhov'. Tickets available here.Sunday 16 November, 5.30pm, Chapel: Former Organ Scholar Carl Jackson returns to give a short recital, which will be followed by a Choral Eucharist. Tickets available here.Monday 17 November, 5pm, Heong Gallery: Artist Talk with Jerusha West, whose work links with themes of the current Gallery exhibition. Email fl452 for more details.Monday 17 November, 6pm, Music Office, T staircase: Session for beginner singers. Email college.music@dow for more information.Archive Exhibition: Downing in the Second World War, Library: all welcome.'A Gap in the Clouds' Exhibition in the Heong Gallery continues until Sunday 8 February 2026. Free entry, all welcome.
S2 Ep 6MT25.6 The Devil in the Details
Third-year Art Historian Apple Sershi reveals why the devil in art is so fascinating.Cover image: detail from Bartolomé Bermejo (1440-1500) 'St Michael Triumphs over the Devil', photo credit Sailko (1 March 2017), licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.-=-=-=-Friday 7 November, 7pm, Paddock: Fireworks display. Free to Downing members and guests. Refreshments on sale.Friday 7 November, 9pm, JCR: 'Week Five Blues' by the Downing Jazz Band.Saturday 8 November, 7pm, Howard Theatre: DCMS presents 'Big Band Roulette'. Free tickets for Downing students: use code BINGEWATCH. (Space is limited so please only book if you actually intend to come.)Sunday 9 November, 10.55am, I-staircase War Memorial: Annual Remembrance Sunday Service, with laying of wreaths and singing from the Chapel Choir.Tuesday 11 November, 9pm, Chapel: Come-and-Sing Compline, all welcome.Wednesday 12 November, 8pm, E-staircase Music Room: Freshers' Recital. All welcome to come and listen. If you're a Fresher and you'd like to perform, please sign up here.-=-=-=-Wednesday 8 November, 7pm, St Cuthbert's, Clungunford, SY7 0PS: 'Strings, Still Lifes, and Scenery, a programme of glittering new works for violin(s) and guitar, performed by Downing alumnus Declan Hickey and friends.