Pantomime Stars Return to Dunstable, Harlow, Cambridge & Lowestoft

Regional pantomime stars return to familiar venues, delivering festive cheer year after year as communities welcome back beloved dames and comedy characters.

Across England's theatre towns pantomime remains a cherished Christmas tradition. Families often look forward to the festive show as much as the turkey on the table, and many theatres welcome back the same performers each year. This feature explores why these stars keep returning and what makes pantomime so popular with audiences.

Will Kenning at The Grove Theatre, Dunstable

Will Kenning has spent more than 15 years in the pantomime dame role, bringing a playful, larger‑than‑life female character to the stage with bold costumes and makeup. He first played the dame in Ipswich in 2010, then joined The Grove Theatre in Dunstable in 2017 to be closer to family life in nearby towns. Posters now call him “Dunstable's favourite.”

“I absolutely love it,” he says. “Being a resident dame here is a rare privilege, and it helps me stay home for Christmas.”

The Grove Theatre Dunstable Will Kenning, dressed as a pantomime dame with heavy makeup, wig, curlers and a bright costume.

Ben Parsley at Harlow Playhouse, Essex

Ben Parsley grew up in Harlow and has spent about 15 years performing in pantomimes, most notably as Silly Billy. He also serves as the Playhouse’s technical manager and began his stage career after years behind the scenes. He notes that audiences instantly respond to a strong performance and that the Playhouse feels like home after 16 years.

His family history in theatre runs deep: his grandfather founded Harlow Youth Theatre in 1971, where his parents met and where he first encountered pantomime as a child.

Ben Parsley in a yellow and red jester outfit backstage with arms outstretched.

Expert comment: Pantomime is a stabilising force for regional theatres, drawing families to local venues each winter. It also creates lasting bonds between performers and the communities they serve.

Terry Gleed at Marina Theatre, Lowestoft

Since his first appearance at the Marina Theatre in 2015, Terry Gleed has become a familiar face in Lowestoft pantomime. He’s currently performing in Sleeping Beauty as Chester the Jester, and the posters dub him “Lowestoft's Favourite.” Terry describes himself as a comic character actor rather than a pure comedian, with more than 20 years of pantomime experience.

Although he isn’t a local, coming from Wraysbury in Berkshire, he treats the town as a welcoming home and loves performing for local families.

Terry Gleed wearing a white wig and blue-and-white dame costume on stage with scenery in the background.

Matt Crosby at The Arts Theatre Cambridge

Matt Crosby marks his 20th year wearing the pantomime dame’s extravagant attire at The Arts Theatre Cambridge. He has appeared in more than 1,200 pantomime performances and has entertained an audience of well over half a million. This year he plays Nanny Nutkins in Sleeping Beauty and says the dame is often the show’s anchor, keeping the production together.

Though not a native of Cambridge—he hails from Wraysbury, Berkshire—Matt calls Cambridge a second home. He values the sense of camaraderie in a full cast and the magical nature of pantomime, which continues to draw families year after year. He also notes that when things go wrong on stage, the team pulls together to get through it, creating a memorable shared experience.

Matt Crosby on stage as the dame in a white wig and colorful costume.

For many performers, pantomime is more than entertainment; it’s a long‑standing career anchored in community, family, and tradition during the festive season.

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Key insight: Pantomime provides a reliable yearly platform for long-time performers, strengthening community ties by delivering festive theatre to local families. BBC News