Cambridge Arts Theatre

That's it! Slap a custard pie in my face and call me Twankey. I am hooked! 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that actor Rolan Bell, who played the dastardly evil Abanazar in our 2021 panto Aladdin, has won the award for 'Best Villain' at The UK Pantomime Association's Pantomime Awards.

Last week the country's pantomime stars, producers, directors (and everyone in between!) gathered at London's Trafalgar Theatre for the annual awards, where 22 awards were handed out - and Rolan came home with the esteemed title of the UK's best baddie!

Last week we enjoyed our annual Press Night... a glittering night of magic, festivity - and pantomime! The critics of Cambridge gathered to decide what they think of this year's show. (Spoiler alert: they loved it!). 

We thought we'd assemble our favourites in a handy blog post, just in case you need further encouragement to join us for our spectacular family show. Be sure to click on the publication names to read or listen to the full reviews.

It's official... pantomime season is here. Yesterday the cast, company and creatives of Aladdin gathered for the first day of rehearsals and the script read-through - we can't wait to see this talented group of people bring this show to life!

Martin Bond from A Cambridge Diary captured some fantastic photographs of the cast in action. Take a look for yourself...

Earlier this week a handful of our sensational Aladdin cast gathered for the annual photoshoot. The camera was ready, costumes were donned and make-up was applied... and we're thrilled with the results! Here's some behind the scenes shots from the day...

Photographer: Richard Hubert Smith
Make-up: Ricky-Lee Hannam-Creak
Costume: Carry On Costumes

The critics have spoken and our spectacular panto themed adventure Dame Trott's Panto Palaver is proving to be a huge hit! Here's a round up of of our favourites so far, and remember to click on each publication to read the full review.

Cambridge Independent

'75 minutes of silliness and pure escapism' 

We are delighted to announce that audiences for our spectacular family pantomime Cinderella raised over £18,000 for selected charities through bucket collections - an outstanding £3,000 more than the year prior! 

Is the Pantomime for everyone? Oh yes, it is!

The critics have spoken and the reviews are in for our spectacular family pantomime Cinderella, and the press loved it! Here's what they had to say...

CAMBS TIMES

'Cambridge Arts Theatre's Christmas pantomimes keep getting better every year - so it's no surprise this production of Cinderella is their best - and funniest - yet'
 
'Will have you laughing out loud and dancing in your seat the whole way through' 

A sure staple in Cambridge Arts Theatre's calendar is our Pantomime Script Read-Through... Every year, to mark the start of rehearsals, the cast, company and theatre staff gather to meet each other and read through the script for the very first time. It's always a fabulous way to get to know the team and to celebrate the start of our magical pantomime. The cast now begin two weeks of intensive rehearsals before Tech Week and the first performance on Thursday 28 November, watch this space! 

© Martin Bond photography