Ruby Keane

The race row that rocked Cambridge Footlights

For decades, the elite society dominated British comedy, from Python to Peep Show to Bake Off. Has it finally embraced diversity?

Simon Parkin, The Guardian, 26th October 2019

Cambridge Footlights president Ruby Keane resigns

Footlights President Ruby Keane said that her resignation was a protest against the system for nominating Footlights members and the lack of opportunities for aspiring comedians from non-white backgrounds. Footlights has faced accusations that its committee -- fewer than a dozen people deemed to be official members -- is too white. At present all 11 members are white, while 15 per cent of the student body are from BAME (black and minority ethnic) backgrounds.

Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 2nd April 2018

Cambridge Footlights at war

Ruby Keane resigned her post last week in protest of the committee's decision not to implement democratic reforms, and has labelled today's accusations of mismanagement "deflection".

Siyang Wei, Varsity, 29th March 2018