Project

Gazelle Theatre Pantos

Actors on stage in dramatic lighting, wearing diverse costumes, with a focus on dynamic poses and expressive movements.

As a student on our Drama, Acting and Musical Theatre courses, every year you’ll have the chance to take part in a Christmas panto with local company Gazelle Theatre.

Founded in 2024 by ARU Drama alumni Brad Collett and Susan Hedgecoe, Gazelle Theatre’s vision is to develop original, thought-provoking, and entertaining performances that connect with diverse audiences.

In a collaboration with ARU initiated and overseen by Dr Naz Yeni, the company produces an annual pantomime at our on-campus Mumford Theatre. As one of our performance students, you can get involved as a member of cast or crew. After 2024's Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, they are now embarking on Cinderella – their most ambitious production yet.

Cinderella

Friday 28 November - Saturday 6 December
Mumford Theatre, ARU Cambridge

Book now through Ticket Source to see what you could get involved with as one of our students.

This magical twist on the classic fairy tale invites Cambridge families to slip on their glass slippers and enjoy a laugh-out-loud pantomime created especially for them.

Blending traditional pantomime sparkle with witty original writing, colourful characters, and a heartfelt message about kindness and courage., Cinderella features a talented local cast — including many students from ARU — alongside marvellous music, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience participation and community spirit.

The cast includes Rivka Gottlieb / Eabha Kilfeather as Cinderella, Alfie Holmes as Buttons, Laura Relha / Tia Lewis as Prince Charming, Holly Mortimer / Samantha Brasiunaite as Evil Stepmother, and Matilda Crafter / Lauren Wilson as the Fairy Godmother – plus special appearances by Madonna (Brad Collett) and Cher (Oscar Buxton). The script was written by Brad Collett, who co-directs with Susan Hedgecoe.

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Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (2024)

A heart-warming and hilarious twisting of two classic tales, with Robin and his Merry Men battling the villainous Sheriff’s schemes to get rid of the Babes and steal their fortune.

This production involved plenty of laughter, lively music, dazzling dance numbers, and all the traditional pantomime fun from cheers and singalongs to good old-fashioned booing and hissing.

The cast included Saria Kelly / Poppy Westbury-Barnes as Robin Hood, Rivka Gottlieb / Matilda Crafter as Maid Marion, and Alfie Tonge as The Sherriff of Nottingham. It was directed by Brad Collett and Susan Hedgecoe from an original script by Brad.

Photos courtesy of Corron Photography.

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