© Richard Hubert Smith
By Grace Hatchell
Now then, Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime, would it? Oh yes it would… no, no, I’m joking already! I do love a good panto, and there’s something rather comforting about knowing some traditions never go out of style.
The Arts Theatre Cambridge has announced that local favourite Matt Crosby will once again don the frock, the wig and, I imagine, enough make-up to keep a cosmetics shop in business, as he returns for his twenty-first Arts Theatre pantomime. If anyone has earned the title of Cambridge’s favourite dame, I’d say twenty-one pantomimes is a fairly convincing argument.
Joining him on stage will be UK Pantomime Award winner Steven Roberts, who returns for his fourth Arts Theatre pantomime. Together they’ll lead this year’s festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk, which runs from Friday 27 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Matt Crosby takes on the role of Dame Trott, having celebrated twenty years of Arts Theatre pantomimes last Christmas. His performances have become something of a festive institution in Cambridge, and last year even earned him a nomination for Best Dame at the UK Pantomime Awards. Not bad for someone who spends a good portion of December arguing with children about whether they’re behind him.
Steven Roberts steps into the title role of Jack Trott, following a string of memorable appearances at the theatre. Audiences may recognise him from Sleeping Beauty, Mother Goose and his UK Pantomime Award-winning turn as Wicked Stepsister Tess in Cinderella. Quite the versatile performer really – although I suspect climbing a giant beanstalk may prove a little more comfortable than squeezing into a pair of ugly sisters’ heels.
As for the story, well, if you’ve somehow managed to avoid Jack and the Beanstalk for your entire life, where have you been hiding? The Trott family are struggling to make ends meet when Jack swaps their beloved cow Daisy for a handful of magic beans. Unsurprisingly, his mum isn’t exactly thrilled with the deal. Before long, a gigantic beanstalk shoots into the clouds, setting Jack off on an adventure involving a fearsome giant and the chance to save the people of Cambridge. It’s the classic tale generations have grown up with, packed full of laughs, songs and plenty of opportunities for the audience to make an absolute racket.
One thing that really caught my eye is the creative team behind the production. The script has been written by Chris Jarvis, a familiar face to many families from his years entertaining children on CBeebies and the BBC. He’s been writing pantomimes since the mid-1990s and returns after penning last year’s award-winning Sleeping Beauty.
Meanwhile, Kevan Allen makes his directorial debut for the Arts Theatre after spending more than a decade as the venue’s resident choreographer. I always enjoy seeing talented creatives given the chance to step into a new role, and after so many years helping shape productions behind the scenes, this feels like a well-earned opportunity.
And talking of awards, the Arts Theatre certainly isn’t resting on its laurels. Its 2025/26 production of Sleeping Beauty won Best Pantomime (550–900 seats) at the UK Pantomime Awards, while both Kevan Allen and Matt Crosby also received individual nominations. That certainly sets the bar rather high for this year’s giant-sized adventure.
I do love theatres that become part of a city’s Christmas traditions. Families return year after year, children grow up with them, and before you know it, they’re bringing children of their own. There’s something wonderfully reassuring about that. A good pantomime isn’t just about the jokes or the spectacular costumes – although I fully expect both – it’s about making memories together.
If you’re looking for a festive treat packed with laughter, music, audience participation and enough sparkle to rival the Christmas tree, Jack and the Beanstalk looks set to tick all the right boxes. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself shouting at the giant from your seat. Frankly, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.
Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Friday 27 November 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January
- For more information and ticket prices visit www.artstheatre.co.uk.
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