SLEEPING BEAUTY

Cambridge Arts Theatre

★★★★

“a spellbinding cast, laugh out loud comedy, and plenty of panto sparkle”

Fresh from refurbishment, the Cambridge Arts Theatre reopens the stage that helped launch stars like Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi. Kicking off its reawakening is ‘Sleeping Beauty’, a pantomime for all the family with a stellar cast, sparkling energy and laugh out loud fun. Come and add your applause to this iconic theatre’s history.

In the magical kingdom of Trumpington, Princess Rose is cursed by the fame hungry Carabosse – until Fairy Strawberry saves the day by softening the spell. The King hides Princess Rose deep within the Botanic Gardens to escape the curse. But will their plan succeed and can Rose’s friends help her find true love?

Written by Chris Jarvis of BBC fame, the story offers some fresh turns: Carabosse craves online fame, Prince Ken sends up the ‘prince charming’ trope, and the nanny is of course a panto dame. The script brims with puns and local jokes, including a whole song about Cambridgeshire towns. Consent is neatly included before the kiss. Extra scenes earn their place with laughs despite adding little to the plot – especially the riotously funny slip and slide sequence. New characters don’t all seem necessary (sorry Happy Harry!), and extended rhyming couplets and repeated introductions wear a little thin after a while, but overall it’s an entertaining update full of panto magic.

Director Michael Gattrell and Assistant Director Amy Kinnear deliver impressive sets, vibrant costumes and larger than life puppetry. Lively asides, slick transitions and seamless audience interaction keep the pace brisk and the energy high, with a group song led by eager volunteers proving a delightful highlight.

Musical Director Dean McDermott and Deputy Sam Fluskey (also on bass guitar) deliver an upbeat, well chosen score packed with modern hits for all ages. The lyrics are playfully adapted to each scene, and the band – completed by Alex Ward on guitar and Alan Dale on drums – delivers a rich, full sound far exceeding its size.

Kevan Allen’s choreography bursts with energy, blending ballet, jazz, Charleston and other styles in routines that flow well.

Ian Westbrook’s set design features hand painted detail and plenty of sparkle. The giant dragon is a showstopper and its comic disappearance earns big laughs. Mike Robertson’s vibrant lighting syncs seamlessly with the action, punctuating Carabosse’s dramatic entrances to great effect. Will Thompson’s sound design occasionally threatens to overpower the singers but is cleverly timed with playful effects sharpening the comedy. The costumes are a triumph, with the Dame parading an impressive array of increasingly outlandish outfits, and the glittering red finale a striking sight.

The stunning cast is packed with seasoned West End performers. Daisy Twells enchants as Princess Rose, with crystal clear vocals to match her refined elegance. Tricia Adele-Turner delivers delicious sass and powerhouse vocals as Carabosse. Tanisha Butterfield delights as Fairy Strawberry, her gentle presence lifted by soaring alto tones. Matt Harrop infuses King Truman with whimsical charm, crowned by a thrilling burst of vocal firepower. Joseph Hewlett charms as Prince Ken, fusing adorable sweetness with magnetic American cool and another stunning vocal performance. UK Pantomime Award winner Steven Roberts makes Happy Harry a lovable sidekick to the panto dame, brimming with sweet silliness. Matt Crosby as Nanny Nutkins steals the show with sharp improv, impeccable comic timing, and a towering personality. Taylor Alman, Charlie Barnard, Morgan Broome, Danielle Cato, Oliver Imeson, and Sophie Karaolis shine as a dynamic ensemble, bursting with energy and commitment.

‘Sleeping Beauty’ kicks off the return of the Cambridge Arts Theatre with a bang. With a spellbinding cast, laugh out loud comedy, and plenty of panto sparkle, it promises a dream night out.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Reviewed on 7th December 2025

by Hannah Bothelton

Photography by Richard Hubert Smith

Sleeping Beauty

Aladdin

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Reviewed – 7th December 2021

★★★★

“a super night’s entertainment to be enjoyed by all”

The Producer before the start of this show asks the audience to ‘go ballastic’ and the packed house duly obliges, knowing just when the right times are to boo and cheer, and gives the show a worthy ovation at the end of the evening.

And I am not surprised, for this is a wonderful family show, directed by Michael Gattrell, and performed by a very strong cast. The singing is powerful, the dancing is energetic. There isn’t a great deal of plot or tension, but this is panto! The show programme offers just a ten-sentence plot synopsis but there is so much more going on here and for those expecting a show within the tradition of Christmas pantomime, this production ticks all the boxes.

Matt Crosby as Widow Twankey sets the standard for the show. Batting his over-large eye lashes in a rendition of “Hanky-Panky” (it rhymes with Twankey!), he sings in confident gravelly bass tones, and we know we are going to be in safe hands.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”322″ gal_title=”Aladdin”]

Aladdin (Carl Au) is a wide-eyed dreamer with a Scouse accent. Both Au and Isaac Stanmore as Wishy-Washy, in a delightfully over-the-top performance, show cheeky charm and play well together. A messy laundry slapstick scene involving Twankey and Wishy-Washy is a highlight of the evening for many.

Rolan Bell as Abanazar devilishly milks his inner villain, declaiming rhyming couplets in velvety tones. Flashes and smoke bombs welcome his every entry.

Princess Poppy (Megan-Hollie Robertson) is the necessary love interest but she and Aladdin need to work a little more on their spark if we are to believe in their secret love.

The all-important Genie is played by Jak Allen-Anderson as a very tall, acrobatic game show host whilst Aiesha Pease is The Spirit of the Ring who helps move along the plot and enjoys some powerful soul numbers.

All the principals get their own moment in the spotlight in this show and all sing brilliantly. Au excels in his ballad as he flies on the magic carpet to rescue the Princess. There is some nice stage craft here too though Aladdin needs to relax more into it. The most surprising turn of the evening is Abanazar’s rock inspired solo “I Want it All” but the standout song of the show, amongst several contenders, is Poppy’s poignant solo as she looks to find the confidence to start living her life, beautifully performed by Robertson.

The stage comes alive in each of the full ensemble numbers. With music from a live four-piece pit band (Musical Director Dean McDermott) and singing reinforced by a six-strong ensemble led by the ever-smiling Dance Captain Hettie Pearson, the dance choreography by Kevan Allen is effective and performed with high energy throughout.

Writer Al Lockhart-Morley provides an engaging script with strong and funny repartee. There is a small amount of innuendo for the older ones in the audience to knowingly chuckle at, but this show isn’t smutty. And there are no politics either. Otherwise, with just a few references to lockdown, there is an endless flow of the corniest cracker jokes, puns and amusing word play. Gently mocking references to local Cambridge amenities draw appreciative laughs.

This production is a super night’s entertainment to be enjoyed by all. Princess Poppy says at one point, “it is incredible, but it isn’t true” and that could apply to this whole idea of pantomime. But this is the season for it, and that is just fine. Oh yes, it is.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Cambridge Arts Theatre

★★★★

“a spellbinding cast, laugh out loud comedy, and plenty of panto sparkle”

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Reviewed on 7th December 2025

by Hannah Bothelton

Photography by Richard Hubert Smith

Most recently reviewed at this venue:

Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Reviewed – 7th December 2021

★★★★

“a super night’s entertainment to be enjoyed by all”

The Producer before the start of this show asks the audience to ‘go ballastic’ and the packed house duly obliges, knowing just when the right times are to boo and cheer, and gives the show a worthy ovation at the end of the evening.

Matt Crosby as Widow Twankey sets the standard for the show. Batting his over-large eye lashes in a rendition of “Hanky-Panky” (it rhymes with Twankey!), he sings in confident gravelly bass tones, and we know we are going to be in safe hands.

Aladdin (Carl Au) is a wide-eyed dreamer with a Scouse accent. Both Au and Isaac Stanmore as Wishy-Washy, in a delightfully over-the-top performance, show cheeky charm and play well together. A messy laundry slapstick scene involving Twankey and Wishy-Washy is a highlight of the evening for many.

Rolan Bell as Abanazar devilishly milks his inner villain, declaiming rhyming couplets in velvety tones. Flashes and smoke bombs welcome his every entry.

Princess Poppy (Megan-Hollie Robertson) is the necessary love interest but she and Aladdin need to work a little more on their spark if we are to believe in their secret love.

The all-important Genie is played by Jak Allen-Anderson as a very tall, acrobatic game show host whilst Aiesha Pease is The Spirit of the Ring who helps move along the plot and enjoys some powerful soul numbers.

This production is a super night’s entertainment to be enjoyed by all. Princess Poppy says at one point, “it is incredible, but it isn’t true” and that could apply to this whole idea of pantomime. But this is the season for it, and that is just fine. Oh yes, it is.

Reviewed by Phillip Money

Photography by Richard Hubert Smith

Aladdin

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Previously reviewed at this venue:

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