The European Theatre Group was founded in 1957 by a group of students that included Sir Trevor Nunn and Sir Derek Jacobi (now our patron), who took Romeo and Juliet on tour across most of Switzerland for a period of just under two weeks during December.

The tour then consisted of half a dozen actors and a set transported in two fruit vans, but it was such a great success that we have toured Europe with a Shakespeare Play on an annual basis since. Tour alumnus Stephen Fry discussed his experiences in his latest book, The Fry Chronicles:

"In the Christmas vacation that fell between the Michaelmas and Lent terms, I accompanied the European Theatre Group on a tour of the continent. The ETG had been founded by Derek Jacobi, Trevor Nunn and others in 1957 ... and had earned a lamentable reputation for its frequent lapses from high seriousness and decorum ... amateur performances which a pro would be proud of."

CUETG is now a self-sufficient theatrical company, travelling by coach with professional lighting and sound equipment, costumes and an experimental set. Whilst Switzerland remains a central part of our itinerary, tours have also included dates in Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy. In recent years the company have enjoyed performing for a London audience, before a home run in January at the ADC Theatre, Cambridge.

An integral part of the tour is the educational enrichment we provide. The play is designed to engage with modern audiences, from children to expatriates; alongside this we offer both artistic and technical workshops, and work with schools to support students studying the text in class. For the itinerary of this year's tour, or to request a performance, contact the Tour Manager: manager@cuetg.co.uk