AS IT CLOSES FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE CELEBRATES A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR PANTOMIME
CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE HAS WRAPPED UP ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL PANTOMIME SEASON EVER WITH THE MAGICAL PRODUCTION OF CINDERELLA, WELCOMING OVER 32,500 FAMILY AUDIENCE MEMBERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE
THE THEATRE NOW PREPARES FOR A NEW CHAPTER AS IT TEMPORARILY CLOSES FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF A MAJOR £30MILLION REDEVELOPMENT.
Cambridge Arts Theatre is delighted to announce a record-breaking year for its annual home-produced pantomime, Cinderella. The production was not only Cambridge Arts Theatre’s highest-grossing pantomime ever but also received the most extraordinary press and audience feedback in its history.
Cinderella welcomed over 32,500 attendees of all ages, including families, schoolchildren and groups from across Cambridgeshire. Cambridge Arts Theatre’s charitable project, Panto Wheels, also played a pivotal role in making theatre accessible by welcoming over 3,300 children and young people who experience barriers accessing the performing arts.
Interim Co-Chief Executive Rachel Tackley said “It’s been a delight to end the year on such a high note with a production that truly captured the hearts of our audience. The success of this pantomime underlines the enduring importance of theatre in bringing communities together.”
Following the resounding success of Cinderella, as previously announced, Cambridge Arts Theatre has closed its doors to embark on a transformative redevelopment project. This significant investment will safeguard the theatre’s legacy and enhance its facilities to meet modern standards and future audience needs. The first phase of the redevelopment, funded by a £16 million gift from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, will include:
- A full refurbishment of the 666-seat auditorium, featuring upgraded technical infrastructure, improved sightlines, and environmentally-sound air conditioning systems.
- Enhanced audience facilities, ensuring greater comfort and accessibility.
Chairman Ian Mather said, “This redevelopment will ensure that Cambridge Arts Theatre continues to be a vital cultural landmark for the region. We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters, especially the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, for enabling this vision to become a reality.”
To honour this momentous transition, and launch the fundraising campaign for a new 200-seat studio theatre on the roof of the existing building, a private event was held on Sunday 12 January 2025, hosted by Lord David and Dame Susie Sainsbury, alongside Sir Ian McKellen. Esteemed guests, including Dame Harriet Walter, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Sir Richard Eyre, joined in celebrating the theatre’s past achievements and bright future.
The theatre is set to reopen its beautifully refurbished auditorium in autumn 2025 with a new pantomime, heralding a fresh chapter for one of the UK’s most beloved regional playhouses.