The Arts Theatre Cambridge has announced the full cast and creative team for its 2025 Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, which runs from Thursday 27 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
This year’s production marks a double celebration: the reopening of the venue following a major redevelopment, and resident dame Matt Crosby’s twentieth year performing in Cambridge pantomimes.
Crosby will star as Nanny Nutkins, having performed over 1,200 shows to more than half a million audience members. Co-Chief Executives Rachel Tackley and Victoria Beechey said: “For two decades Matt Crosby has given The Arts Theatre pantomime joy, laughter and sparkle. We’re delighted to celebrate this major milestone and his contribution to The Arts with him – our Dame who is the Queen of the panto!”
Joining Crosby is Steven Roberts as Happy Harry, returning after his UK Pantomime Award-winning turn in Cinderella.
The cast also features West End performers Tricia Adele-Turner (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), Matt Harrop (The Phantom of the Opera), Tanisha Butterfield (Mamma Mia!), Joseph Hewlett (Madagascar the Musical), and Daisy Twells (Heathers).
Ensemble dancers include Taylor Alman, Charlie Barnard, Danielle Cato, Oliver Imeson, Sophie Karaolis and Morgan Broome.
The script is written by Chris Jarvis, known for his work on CBeebies and BBC children’s television. Jarvis makes his Cambridge writing debut with Sleeping Beauty, having penned numerous pantomimes for both stage and screen.
Direction comes from Michael Gattrell, whose previous credits include Mother Goose and Cinderella.
Sleeping Beauty opens on 27 November 2025, with a press night on Tuesday 2 December at 6pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
