Ian McKellen will be the voice of The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk, this year's Christmas pantomime at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge. The theatre announced the news on Friday 9 October 2026. The panto runs from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, and McKellen's lines have been recorded in advance, so audiences will hear him throughout the show. He does not appear on stage.
When visiting the Arts Theatre in Cambridge last year, Ian McKellen recalled:
“I can take you to the very flagstone at the stage door where I decided that I would give it a go and become a professional actor. That’s where I made the decision and I have never regretted it. I love The Arts Theatre, I’m grateful to it.”
Follow Jack and the Beanstalk at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge (coming soon) for dates, cast news and updates.
What role does Ian McKellen play?
McKellen voices The Giant, the fearsome figure waiting at the top of the beanstalk. Writer Chris Jarvis wrote the script with McKellen in mind, and the actor recorded his lines in early October. His voice is recorded in advance and played throughout the show, and he does not appear on stage.
He is no stranger to pantomime, having starred in Mother Goose in the West End and Wicked Witches, A Popular Panto! His other major credits include Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, Magneto in the X-Men films and the title role in Richard III. His stage work, from Shakespeare to modern adaptations and pantomime, has earned him a Tony Award, 6 Laurence Olivier Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Why does this theatre in Cambridge matter to McKellen?
McKellen is an ambassador for the theatre's ongoing capital campaign. Last year he joined Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Richard Eyre in a campaign film supporting the theatre's redevelopment.
When is the Cambridge panto on?
The panto opens on Friday 27 November 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027 at the theatre, 6 St Edward's Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ. Press night is Tuesday 1 December at 6pm. The theatre says the show is suitable for all ages. The running time is to be announced.
Who is in the cast?
Matt Crosby, Cambridge's favourite pantomime dame, returns as Dame Trott, and UK Pantomime Award winner Steven Roberts plays Jack Trott. They are joined by Jessica Martin (9 to 5 the Musical) as Fleshcreep, Zweyla Mitchell Dos Santos (A World Elsewhere) as Princess Jilly, Emma Williams (Top Hat) as Fairy Sunshine, Stuart Simons (La Cage aux Folles) as Merlin the Wizard and Xander Powell as Daisy the Cow.
The ensemble is Sebastian Anthony, Charlie Donnelly, Harley Reynolds, Ollie Selwood, Eva Shivani and Sam Woods.
Who wrote and directed this year's Cambridge panto?
Chris Jarvis wrote the script. Kevan Allen directs and choreographs the show. It is his directing debut at the theatre, after more than a decade as its resident choreographer.
What is the story?
The Trott family are down on their luck and struggling to make ends meet. Jack sells Daisy, the family cow, for a handful of magic beans, and an enormous beanstalk sprouts outside his window. Can he climb through the clouds, defeat the fearsome Giant and save the people of Cambridge? The theatre promises music, comedy, magic and festive fun.
Are there relaxed and accessible performances?
- Relaxed performances: Saturday 5 December at 11am and Sunday 27 December at 11am.
- BSL interpreted: Saturday 5 December at 11am.
- Captioned: Saturday 12 December at 2pm.
- Audio described: Sunday 13 December at 3pm, with a touch tour.
For the latest dates and news, see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge (coming soon).
More pantos across the UK
Looking further afield? Our guide to the best pantomimes in the UK for 2026 rounds up the big Christmas shows across the country.
Regional Theatre Correspondent
Bridget covers UK regional theatre for British Theatre: tours, openings and production news beyond the West End.
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