Wakey wakey, Cambridge – it’s panto time!
Sleeping Beauty is about to sprinkle fairy dust all over The Arts Theatre as it reopens its doors in dazzling style from Thursday 27 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. This year’s show isn’t just a Christmas treat – it’s a milestone moment, marking twenty glitter-filled years of resident dame Matt Crosby.
That’s right – two decades, over 1,200 performances, and more costume changes than even Fairy Strawberry could conjure. Matt returns as the beloved Nanny Nutkins, celebrating twenty sparkling years of laughter, mayhem and true Cambridge tradition. Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey, the theatre’s Co-Chief Executives, call him “our Dame who is the Queen of the panto” – and who’s going to argue with that?
Joining Matt is award-winning Steven Roberts as Happy Harry, fresh from his triumphant turn as a Wicked Stepsister in last year’s Cinderella. The kingdom’s also welcoming Tricia Adele-Turner (Stranger Things: The First Shadow) as the deliciously wicked Carabosse, Matt Harrop (The Phantom of the Opera) as The King, Tanisha Butterfield (Mamma Mia!) as Fairy Strawberry, Joseph Hewlett (Madagascar the Musical) as Prince Ken, and Daisy Twells (Heathers) as Princess Rose.
And it wouldn’t be a proper panto without a fabulous ensemble to keep things dancing – Taylor Alman, Charlie Barnard, Danielle Cato, Oliver Imeson, Sophie Karaolis and Morgan Broome are all bringing the sparkle, sequins and swish to this fairytale romp.
The script comes from children’s TV favourite Chris Jarvis, making his Cambridge writing debut after decades of entertaining little ones (and their parents) on CBeebies and beyond. The show is directed by panto pro Michael Gattrell, who knows exactly how to mix big laughs with a little festive magic.
Sleeping Beauty opens on Thursday 27 November 2025 and runs until Sunday 4 January 2026. For more information and ticket prices visit www.artstheatre.co.uk.
Grace’s verdict: Cambridge, it’s time to rise and shine – Nanny Nutkins is back, the fairy lights are twinkling, and this panto’s ready to give you the sweetest dreams of the season.
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