Here's an old photograph of the British actor and comedian Cyril Fletcher, and his wife Betty Astell, that we discovered in our archives.

We've delved head first into our extensive theatre archives, a mysterious place jam-packed with glittery costumes, old photographs, stage sets and everything in-between, to show you the theatrical gems in the Arts Theatre history...

Now that curtain-up for our spectacular family pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat is just one day away, all the writers can do now is wait! This week we sat down for a chat with the script writing duo Matt Crosby and Al Morley, and found out what it's really like writing for the joyful, hilarious and bizarre art-form of panto...

Firstly, what kicked off your respective careers in writing panto scripts?

You might know your HE'S BEHIND YOU's and your OH NO YOU'RE NOT's, and you may well know the difference between the lovable Buttons and dear old Wishee Washee too, but we have gathered some truly festive pantomime facts to broaden your theatrical knowledge this Christmas...

So read on and you'll soon find yourself a certified panto aficionado when you take your seats for Dick Whittington this year. 

P.S. Flaunting new-found pantomime knowledge to adjacent theatre-goers is optional. 

Earlier this week the cast, creatives and company of this year's traditional family pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat gathered for the script read-through, an annual tradition for Cambridge Arts Theatre, and always a wonderful way to kick off the rehearsal period.

Everyone from the cast, director and choreographer, to the musical team, producer and Cambridge Arts Theatre staff all joined to meet the team who make our pantomime happen and hear the hilarious words of writing duo Al Morley and Matt Crosby brought to life.

Halloween is nearly upon us... pumpkins have been carved and scary stories are ready to be shared, so we thought it was time for a competition!

We're teaming up with the team behind the spine-chilling stage adaptation of Peter James' thriller Not Dead Enough to offer an exciting competition... and winners will win a signed copy of the best-selling novel!

With 50 days and counting until our festive extravaganza Dick Whittington kicks off, here at Cambridge Arts Theatre we are well and truly gearing up for the festive period and getting into the Christmas spirit… (*Oh yes we are!*)

EastEnders star Paul Nicholas is set to star as the dastardly evil King Rat alongside Cambridge’s number one Dame Matt Crosby, Robert Rees as Idle Jack and Holly Easterbrook in the title role.

Now our brilliant cast is announced, we thought we’d share some behind the scenes glimpses from the photo shoot with you all…  

The Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. British and French armies fought against the German Empire, and more than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in all of history. 2016 marks the 100^th anniversary of that fateful battle, and Headlong are on a UK tour with Frank McGuiness’ iconic war play Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme.

To celebrate the launch of our new website, we're offering one lucky winner a year's Ensemble membership to our Supporters' Circle. Benefits of the membership include priority booking for our next season, or any new shows we put on sale, as well as exclusive offers just for you.  

To win this very special prize, just answer the following question: This year, Cambridge Arts Theatre celebrates its 80th anniversary. But who founded the Arts Theatre in 1936?

We’re delighted to bring our audiences, new and old, our re-vamped and much-improved website. We’ve worked very hard putting it all together, to give you an accessible, easy-to-use and engaging website that reflects the shows we bring to the wonderful city of Cambridge.