Here's why Ely pantomime is one of best in Cambridgeshire

Full of witty one liners, flamboyant costumes and infectious singalongs, Ely’s giant of a pantomime really does have something for all ages.

Bringing the much-loved traditional tale of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ bang up to date, KD Theatre return to The Maltings with yet another laugh-a-minute production. 

With a script that cleverly ticks off all the cultural touchpoints of 2025, everything from Labubus, the 67 trend and K-Pop Demon Hunters all get a mention, winning over the school-age crowd, while there are plenty of political jabs and risqué innuendos for parents and grandparents to chuckle at.

Jill (Sarah Bluck) and Jack (Joe Churms) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)

Of course, there's no shortage of slapstick humour either: the silly set-pieces come thick and fast, there's plenty of audience participation and even the sponsor shoutouts are cleverly done.

The relatively small cast ooze comedic and vocal talent: from Day-Zee the cow (a brilliant Joey Warne landing somewhere between Alan Carr and Drag Race star Lawrence Chaney) to leading man Jack Trott (a charming Joe Churms) and fabulous Dame Trott (a show-stealing Rob Stevens), the Enchantress of the Beans (Mollie Cranmer, who has shades of comedian Lucy Beaumont), Jill (a shining Sarah Bluck) and Fleshcreep (Harry Rodgman lapping up the boos as the villain that everyone loves to hate).

Day-Zee (Joey Warne) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)

The set designs are innovative, especially the illuminated magic moment and the Giant himself, while the song choices are right on trend ('Defying Gravity' from Wicked and an Ely-fied spin on Beyonce's 'Texas Hold Em'). 

Yes, there might have been a few stumbles in the show we attended, but such imperfections add to the fun, especially as the cast willingly lean into any faux pas.

Don’t dare to go for a wee during the performance, though, as you’ll be unwittingly pulled up for it – let’s just say poor Joey took off his glasses in anticipation during one particularly fast-paced scene. 

Fleshcreep (Harry Rodgman) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)

Once again, the team at KD Theatre have delivered a feel-good production that's sure to get even The Grinch into the Christmas spirit. 

Dame Trott (Rob Stevens) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)

Enchantress of the Beans (Mollie Cranmer) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)