In the last few years, a controversial coincidence has developed whereby Oxford and Cambridge theatre societies show the same plays at the same time. This term alone, the two universities will both be hosting performances of Spring Awakening and The Seagull.

The Seagull is this week’s mainshow at the Oxford Playhouse. This provides added pressure to the Cambridge production team already suffering excessive media hype surrounding the casting of Lily Cole in their version.

And with Spring Awakening opening at the ADC Theatre next week, the reviews will undoubtedly be scrutinised closely by Oxford performers, who are set to perform the same new musical three weeks later.

The trend has been brewing steadily over past terms. Cambridge hosted a performance of Journey’s End last November. Theatre-goers felt a sense of déjà-vu in Oxford later that term.

But it seems that Oxbridge thesps are not put off by the challenge of inevitable comparison.

"It’s definitely testament to the quality of Oxbridge that our academic environments also support challenging, professional-standard productions and the best musical talent," James Caroll, director of Oxford’s Spring Awakening, told Varsity. "But there’s no burning rivalry going on."

However, it is questionable whether the same can be said of The Seagull. Aside from the intimidating cast list, Simon Haines’ Cambridge team have raised the bar by attempting a controversial modern adaptation of the Chekhov classic, whilst the Oxford creators have elected for a traditional translation.

"The Seagull is a bold new adaptation," Richard Bates, ADC Marketing Manager told Varsity. "However to say that theatre in Cambridge is stale or even predictable is simply not true."

The coincidences have been explained by a rotation of classic texts by students keen to fit the best of the repertory in the space of their short time at university. Budding directors are also enthusiastic to bid for the rights of exciting new plays.

Cambridge have laid down the gauntlet: "The drama scene in Cambridge is unrivalled at any other university, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this thriving world," Bates added.

Though don’t be surprised if next term’s Oxbridge theatre guides continue to look similar. Rumour says the Oxonians are considering performing Noises Off. Isn’t that on at the ADC soon?