Here to help you enjoy every moment of the month, the December issue brings music, theatre, comedy, storytelling and pantomime; festive food, film and fashion; ideas for entertaining thanks to a growing trend for home bars; top tips for winter photography and gardening; and not one but TWO Christmas competitions! Enter by 17 December 2025 to be in with a chance of winning a full day at Christmas in Cambridge with an overnight stay at the University Arms, or the prize bundle of your dreams in our annual Big Christmas Giveaway. From afternoon teas for two to wellbeing sessions, wine-tasting, concert tickets, luxury stays and so much more, this year’s prize total is a record-breaker, coming in at £3,000+!
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LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
DECEMBER 2025
OF PRIZES IN OUR BIG CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! £3,000+ WIN SEE PAGE 33
CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS FOR THE SEASON, AND HOW TO CAPTURE THEIR MAGIC ON CAMERA wowndinetrelrand
SPARKLE CITY Partywear to be seen in at this year’s Christmas soirees
RAISING THE BAR The home bar trend that’s perfect for festive entertaining
ALL TUCKED UP Simple steps to protect your garden favourites over the winter
WELCOME
JOY TO THE WORLD Welcome to this bumper festive issue of Cambridge Edition ! In the following pages you’ll be treated
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Junior sub editors Tabitha John & Kezia Kurtz ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer & ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
to spellbinding winter photography, with top tips for capturing that perfect seasonal shot. Plus there’s mouthwatering festive fodder, head-turning partywear, gardening advice for the colder months, a heavenly host of December events and attractions – and, drum roll please, our much-anticipated annual Big Christmas Giveaway! Yes, we’ve got a prize bundle of epic proportions lined up for you again this year – worth a whopping £3,000+ in total! And all you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit the competition page on our website at cambsedition.co.uk and enter your details. While you are there, why not put your name in the hat for the second festive treat that’s on offer this month, courtesy of Christmas in Cambridge: a full day out at a winter wonderland on Parker’s Piece, plus an overnight stay at the University Arms! Turn to pages 33 and 39 to find out more about these fantastic prizes. Walking into that auditorium inspired the same feeling of warmth and wonder as all those years ago
I marked the lead-up to Christmas nice and early, taking my parents along for a truly magical visit to the opening show of this year’s Thursford Christmas Spectacular in north Norfolk. We last went when I was a child, but walking into the auditorium – transformed each winter from a steam engine display area into a magical grotto of lights, festive foliage and decorations – it inspired exactly the same feeling of warmth and wonder as it had all those years ago. The scale of today’s show and added-extra experiences, meanwhile, have taken the attraction (which continues until 23 December) to impressive new heights! You can read my review on page 18. And so I sign off, suitably set up for the festive season, and – whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah or one of the many other festivals taking place during December – I wish you all peace, joy and oodles of magic this month. Next time, we’ll be seeing in the New Year together!
Find us @cambsedition
Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @cambridgelittlegems found on Instagram
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 8 / CHASING THE LIGHT Local photographers share their favourite spots for winter photography 33 / BIG CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY Enter now for your chance to win a festive prize bundle worth £3,000+! 40 / PARTY TIME! Fashion to help you dazzle at this year’s festive soirees 78 / SHAKEN, STIRRED… AND STAYING IN A growing interior trend that’s fit for GARDEN Top tips to protect plants, pots and polytunnels during damp and cold weather CULTURE EDITION 18 / CULTURE NEWS The latest updates from the city’s cultural scene 26 / BOOK CLUB Coffee table books that are perfect for gifting this Christmas festive entertaining 92 / THE WINTER
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REGULARS 6 / INSTACAMB Our favourite social media snaps of the month 14 / THE AGENDA A round-up of events in the city during December 39 / COMPETITION Win a day out at Christmas in Cambridge and an overnight stay worth over £500! 57 / LOCAL NEWS Community updates from across the county 86 / EDITION LOVES Home bar accessories to turn up your tipple game 89 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Simon Walker of Strata Insulated Renders Ltd 98 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE The city has truly cast its spell over Katherine Davidson
29 / SCREEN TIME This month’s most-anticipated film releases and where to see them 30 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Good hair days captured on camera! FOOD EDITION 50 / FOOD NEWS The latest gastro goings-on around Cambridgeshire 54 / WE WISH YOU A VEGGIE CHRISTMAS The best spots in the city for plant-based cuisine EDUCATION EDITION 66 / AT TIMES OF NEED Supporting the growing number of pupils with special educational needs 75 / EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT How boarding can shape social skills and independence
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LOCAL LIFE
Use #instacamb for a chance to feature!
@capturedcambridge
Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
@cs_snapshot
@cambridgebengali
@ngyukhang
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WINTER VIEWS
Local photographers share their most Instagrammable spots for the season – and top tips for capturing that perfect winter shot
© CHETEN SHARMA
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WINTER VIEWS
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WINTER VIEWS
MARK BOX @humanofcambridge
burn through the fog and everything glows. Top tip: set the alarm early! The best winter shots happen at first light, when the cold night air still clings to the ground and the rising sun warms the land. That’s when you get those low-lying mist layers and undisturbed wildlife, perfect for adding atmosphere to your photos.
Waterbeach, just outside Cambridge, feels like a hidden pocket of calm. In winter, the river and surrounding fields take on a dreamy, misty quality that makes you forget you’re only minutes from the city. It’s a place where the light changes by the second and, if you’re patient, you’ll catch magical moments when the sun starts to
My favourite Cambridgeshire spot for winter photography has to be RSPB Fowlmere, a wonderful nature reserve where you never know what you might encounter. Patience and planning are key – be prepared to wait in the cold, dress warmly and aim for sunrise or sunset when the light is most beautiful and wildlife is most active. If you’re lucky, you might spot marsh harriers hunting over the reedbed, a starling murmuration at dusk or even a barn owl flying over the mere. GREG PAINTER @gp.35mm
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WINTER VIEWS
MARTIN BOND @acambridgediary
Our winters are much milder than in the past and so it’s unusual to have sub-zero temperatures over a period of several days. However, when this does happen, the photographer seeking a perfect winter scene should head for the frozen flooded fields around Upware and Welney for an activity steeped in history – fen skating. Fen skating has been part of Fenland life for centuries: in towns and villages throughout the region, local men would compete for prizes of money, clothing or food during severe winters when agricultural work was unavailable. Their legendary endurance races and informal matches are the stuff of local folklore. If you are lucky, as I was in 2022, the icy conditions might coincide with a morning mist or even a hoarfrost, which adds drama to the scene. When wandering about in sub-zero temperatures, it pays to keep plenty of spare batteries to hand since the cold weather dramatically shortens battery life. When you get home, leave your camera in the bag so it acclimatises slowly to avoid condensation on your equipment. When shooting wintry scenes, set your ISO low (100-400) to minimise noise, use low apertures (f/5.6-11) for sharpness and add positive exposure compensation to prevent the snow from looking grey. To capture action, use a fast shutter speed (1/500sec).
FENLAND SKATER A photo by Martin Bond from Cambridge Light & Shade , available at cambridgebooks.co.uk and all bookshops
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WINTER VIEWS
CHETEN SHARMA @cs_snapshot
I moved to Cambridge in 2019, and it didn’t take long for me to fall completely in love with the city’s quiet beauty and timeless charm. I’m especially drawn to photographing the bridges that gracefully span the River Cam. Each bridge tells its own story, but my favourite vantage point is Garret Hostel Bridge, which offers a stunning view of both Trinity Bridge and Clare Bridge. In winter, when the morning mist drifts above the water and the soft light glows against the stone arches, the scene feels almost dreamlike. For those hoping to capture this view, I recommend heading out early to make the most of the gentle winter light and using the bridge railing to steady your camera for longer exposures. To enhance the magic, I often use an ND filter, which allows for extended exposures that turn the river’s surface into a smooth, silky surface, perfectly reflecting the calm serenity of the season. There’s a quiet, enduring charm to photographing Cambridge’s bridges in winter; a peaceful reminder of the city’s lasting elegance.
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THE AGENDA
10 EVENT Cambridge Winter Beer Festival, Cambridge Corn Exchange Choose between 90+ real ales, ciders and perries, craft beer, low/ no-alcohol beer and international beer at this winter gathering. Until 13 December. 11 EVENT Christmas Jumper Day Join this annual fundraiser for Save the Children by donning your wackiest woolly for the day! Celebrity supporters this year include Joe Swash and Alison Hammond. 12 EVENT Deliciously Strange Tales for Winter Nights, Cambridge Junction Join host Janina Vigurs and storyteller Mark Fraser on a cautious wander through some odd, bizarre and unsettling tales for winter. Presented by Wonder Monger. 13 EVENT Christmas at the Museum, National Horseracing Museum Celebrate the season with a carriage ride around the museum’s grounds, festive crafts, tasty treats and games – and don’t forget to wish the resident mini
KIDS Santa’s Science Spectacular, Cambridge Science Centre
MUSIC Following the Star, St Mary & All Saints Church, Willingham Carols for both choir and audience featuring the New Cambridge Singers at 7.30pm. Also at St Giles’ Church on Castle Street in Cambridge on 17 December at 8pm. 14 THEATRE A Christmas Carol, Village Hall, Ickleton Corkscrew Theatre’s festive production is a new adaptation of this Dickens’ classic by composer-playwright Geoff Page, featuring a cast of singers, actors and puppeteers. Also being held at the Atrium Theatre Chesterton on 20 December.
Get hands-on with an interactive show and activities including festive DNA paper chainmaking. Open December weekends and throughout the school holidays. KIDS Mrs Claus’ Storytime, Grand Arcade storytelling sessions held in a beautifully decorated grotto, taking place each weekend until Christmas. Booking essential. KIDS Meet Father Christmas, Anglesey Abbey This charming group Santa experience invites families into a world of Mrs Claus returns for heartwarming seasonal wonder and storytelling. Booking essential. Selected dates to 23 December. KIDS Yule Wands, Cambridge University Botanic Garden Kids aged 3+ can celebrate the festive season by crafting their very own Yule wand from natural materials and casting a Christmas spell! Booking essential. 9 THEATRE The Railway Children, ADC Theatre When their father is falsely imprisoned, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis move to a small cottage near a railway line. Until 13 December.
15 Dec
3 WORKSHOP Willow wreath workshop, Wildlife Trust BCN Cambourne In this workshop for adults, you can learn how to use natural materials to create a festive willow wreath – and share a seasonal snack or two! Booking is essential. 6 EVENT Mill Road Winter Fair In its 20th anniversary year, this much-loved winter fair will once again celebrate one of Cambridge’s most vibrant communities. Expect shops, stalls, musicians, artists and dancers, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
16 Dec
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
Shetland ponies a merry Christmas!
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THE AGENDA
15 MUSIC
18 MUSIC Swing into Christmas, Cambridge Corn Exchange Fresh arrangements of both festive and non-festive classics performed by the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra – with the band’s signature flair! 20 MUSIC Berlioz L’Enfance du Christ, West Road Concert Hall This sacred oratorio charts the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt with music of tenderness and drama. Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Harry Sever.
Until 6 DEC Jack and the Beanstalk, ADC Theatre Until 24 DEC Snow White, Cambridge Junction Until 29 DEC Dick Whittington, Saffron Hall Until 4 JAN Sleeping Beauty, Cambridge Arts Theatre
Celebrate Christmas with John Rutter and Katie Derham , Our Lady & the English Martyrs Church This Christmas concert features John Rutter’s Brother Heinrich’s Christmas , conducted by John himself and narrated by presenter Katie Derham. 16 MUSIC A Fairytale for Christmas, Cambridge Corn Exchange A world-class concert blending well-known festive music with Irish dance and Celtic hits. A second show takes place on 17 December.
22 Dec
22 MUSIC Windborne: Music for Midwinter, Cambridge Junction This American vocal quartet present songs from their seasonal album To Warm the Winter Hearth , blending English carols, American shape-note hymns and global polyphony.
24 KIDS ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, Wicken Fen Step into cosy Fen Cottage on Christmas Eve, where one of Santa’s elves will be reading this beloved festive poem beside a crackling open fire. Booking essential.
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ON THE PULSE Local literature, art, music and the magic of Christmas
GIFTABLE Coffee table books that your literary friends will love
SCREEN TIME New film releases to entertain you during the festive break
The sound of Christmas This month, The Christmas Orchestra is bringing an enchanting live performance to the Guildhall, Cambridge. On 3 December, audiences will enjoy a 16-piece chamber orchestra, arranged by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Patrick Bailey, performing festive favourites and timeless film soundtracks from classics such as Home Alone , Love Actually , The Holiday , The Nightmare Before Christmas , The Muppet Christmas Carol , The Polar Express and Elf – along with a dazzling light show. thechristmasorchestra.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
DALI PAINTING ACHIEVES £45,700 AT CHEFFINS An original work by Salvador Dalí that was discovered in a Cambridge-based house clearance sale for £150 has sold for £45,700 at the Cheffins Art and Design Sale in October. Titled Vecchio Sultano and measuring 38x29cm, the painting is a mixed-media piece made with watercolour paint and felt-tip, and is an illustration of a scene from The Arabian Nights , a series of 500 pieces of Middle Eastern folktales that Dalí intended to create, commissioned by wealthy Italian couple Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto. They planned to publish the pictures through Italian publishing house Rizzoli. However, Dalí is thought to have abandoned the project after completing only 100. Half of these remained with Rizzoli and were damaged or lost, while the other half stayed with the Albarettos and were inherited by Christina, their daughter, who was also Dalí’s goddaughter. The 50 illustrations retained by the Albaretto family were published in 2014 by the Folio Society, sparking new interest in the project and the whereabouts of the unpublished pieces. It’s believed the present work was part of the batch that were kept by Rizzoli.
EDITOR’S REVIEW: THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
It’s got to be almost 30 years since I last went to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in north Norfolk, but it’s had an enduring place in my festive memories ever since. Now in its 48th year, I found it bigger and better than ever – which is some feat! Set amid the winter wonderland of twinkling lights that I so fondly remember, with a scent of pine needles in the air, it’s the perfect encapsulation – and celebration – of the magic and spirit of Christmas. Leave your cares at the door, take your seat and let yourself be transported by song, dance, colour, costume, light and laughter as a cast of 120 singers, dancers and musicians perform classic Christmas songs and carols alongside musical favourites, led as usual by devoted director and producer John Cushing OBE. You won’t find better on Broadway. The compère received plenty of laughs from the audience (although the content isn’t to everyone’s taste), but two speciality acts were the highlights of my experience: the beautiful acrobatic performance by Duo LéOlé, who move gracefully in and with spinning hoops to mesmerising effect, and jump rope troupe Centripetal Forces, taking skipping to the next
level with street-dancing style! And, of course, the nostalgic sound of Thursford’s magnificent Wurlitzer organ, expertly played by Phil Kelsall MBE, resident organist at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Plus, the site now hosts multiple other festive attractions, including the Enchanted Journey of Light, a lantern light experience with the wow factor! No matter your age, this is a show that kindles the childlike wonder in us all. Here’s to that. The Thursford Christmas Spectacular runs until 23 December. Find out more and book at thursford.com
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
LOCAL LITERATURE
In this YA fantasy novel with a romance subplot, The Rip’s Mark follows Indigo as she enrols in the prestigious Luenn Academy in Cambridge (a city where the author spent most of her childhood). Here, she hopes to learn to be a guardian of The Rip like her mother before her, but soon sees there is far more to this institution than meets the eye. R S K ARCHER The Rip’s Mark
Bury museum forges US partnership Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds is forging links with a museum in Salem, Massachusetts, as part of a project to explore the shared history of the infamous witch trials and encourage US visitors. The trial of Amy Denny and Rose Cullender from Lowestoft, held in Bury in 1662, set a legal precedent that influenced the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. Information on these connections will go on display at both the Salem Witch Museum and Moyse’s Hall Museum this winter. Lecture swaps are also planned for an exchange of knowledge and culture. Amy’s and Rose’s tragic story is preserved in A Tryal of Witches (pictured), a historical booklet that offers a detailed account of their trial, 20 years after their execution. First published in 1682 by an unknown author, a reprinted 1716 edition can now be seen at Moyse’s Hall Museum.
RISING LOCAL FILMMAKER TACKLES VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
I Did Everything Right is a new short film reframing the conversation around violence against women. Rather than focusing on the act, the project explores the aftermath and how a single encounter can impact a woman in the days, months and years that follow. Inspired by local actor, writer and executive producer Phoebe Cleghorn’s (pictured) own experience, the project is currently fundraising, having raised £1,800 to date and planning to shoot in spring 2026. The team brings together rising filmmakers, with director Andy Twyman, a BBC Writersroom alumni and Bafta Connect member whose work has collected awards at Bafta- and Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide, and producer Lucy Jessica, whose slate includes short films Uncle Artoo , Amigos and Ain’t ’Nuff Time as well as music videos for artists such as Central Cee.
Follow the project on Instagram @idideverythingrightfilm
Last month, more than 300 singers came together for a surprise flash mob at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross, London, in support of BBC Children in Need, with six choirs from Cambridgeshire among them. The choirs are part of The Collaboration Choir, founded and run by Cambridge-born Carrie Rawlings. The singers delighted shoppers and passers- by with high-energy sets of contemporary hits and reimagined classics, including Madness’ Our House . At time of writing, The Collaboration Choir had already raised £3,000+, with more fundraising set to continue across Cambridgeshire. Local choirs take part in Children in Need fundraiser
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CULTURE EDITION
Christmas parties at the Early Night Club The Early Night Club (ENC) has announced its Christmas parties taking place this December that will help raise funds for WAY Widowed and Young, a national charity that supports people who’ve been widowed at a young age. The club has been running sellout ‘early discos’ in Cambridge since 2009, attracting mainly women in midlife who want (and need) to spend a night dancing with their friends. One regular on the dance floor is WAY member Katherine Horstmann, who was only 45 when she lost her husband Alex in a tragic accident two years ago. “I have always loved dancing. It makes me feel so alive. When I lost Alex, the world went dark, but I knew in my heart I had to keep dancing. Giving up wasn’t an option,” said Katherine. Alex Ruczaj, ENC founder, continues: “We are honoured that we have been a part of Katherine’s journey as she navigates her way through this tragedy with such courage, while finding some healing on the dancefloor. Katherine is redefining what it means to be a widow: she says herself that she has been broken into thousands of pieces by this loss, and somehow she shines as bright as our glitter ball when she’s dancing.” The Early Night Club will be donating 10% of the profits from its 18 December event at the Tivoli to WAY Widowed and Young, as well as offering local members of the charity free or discounted tickets
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE UNVEILS NEW SCULPTURE
the sale of the land in the 16th century, Rona created an interactive artwork that invites viewers to sit, rest and converse in this form lifted directly from a piece of local history. Following her historical research, Rona designed the piece by hand, drawing and model-making, before fabrication began. The Scroll Bench is fabricated in powder-coated stainless steel, measures 2000x1800x1800mm and was realised in collaboration with fabricator Benson- Sedgwick Engineering, powder coated by Bradleys Metal Finishes and installed by Artful Logistics.
Sculptor Rona Smith was commissioned by St John’s College, Cambridge to create a piece for the grounds of its new Passivhaus-certified student community, which was designed by architects Allies and Morrison in Hinsley Lane. The Scroll Bench is the outcome of Rona’s research into the site’s agricultural history. Students and visitors can sit on the beautifully designed bench with a sense of sitting inside history. Drawing inspiration from the rigid, curled shape of an ancient deed or ‘terrier’ scroll that she discovered at the St John’s College Archive, documenting
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING!
7 December Christmas Carols on the River
A collaboration between the choir from St John the Evangelist, Let’s Go Punting and the Traditional Punting Company sees the return of this much- loved festive charity event. Guests can look forward to an hour of magical music, as the choir perform favourite carols while gliding along the College Backs on a chauffeured punt. letsgopunting.co.uk/special-events/christmas-carols-on-the-river
21 December On This Day, Trinity College Chapel
Serenata, a choir of 25 female singers from across the East of England, brings you traditional and modern classics, old favourites and carols, including works by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, Eric Whitacre, Edmund Jolliffe, Andrew Parnell, John Tavener and Praetorius, all in celebration of the festive season. wegottickets.com/event/679274
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CULTURE EDITION
For many, a trip to the CUADC/Footlights Panto in Cambridge is the first sign that the festive season has begun (oh yes it has!) and, this year, Jack and the Beanstalk is gracing the stage. You might think producing such a well-known panto is not that surprising, until you look at the list of ADC pantos over the last 55 years and discover that this is only the second time Jack and the Beanstalk has ever been performed at the theatre. The first production was in 1977, when the theatre looked very different – before the new box office had been conceived of, the auditorium greatly altered and long before the advent of online ticketing. The beanstalk is one of the main challenges for any production of this panto. How do you create a beanstalk that can grow into the clouds and then be climbed by Jack? Well in 1977 they went to great lengths, according to stage manager Roger Snow, and Elwyn Davies, who is listed in the programme (a copy of which is kept in the archive at the University Library) with the glorious title of ‘Director of the Beanstalk’. “The beanstalk grew out of the scene dock below the stage,” Roger explained. “One of the trapdoors was removed and I constructed a replacement with a smaller hatch, which was opened for the last scene in the first half. Just before the interval, a small beanstalk made from a broomstick was poked up through the hole. During the interval, the main beanstalk was brought from the scene dock through the trapdoor. It was constructed from wood and chicken wire, I think, with large leaves made of canvas. It must have been at least 15 feet high. The top was attached to a flyline by which it could be raised.” Once the beanstalk had grown, the actor asked, “How did that happen?” and Jim Nimmo, the flyman up above the stage, would yell: ‘Fertilizer!’ Though in the final performance, Jim changed the line to ‘liquid fertilizer!’ and sprayed the actors below with a squirt bottle! THE BEANSTALK… BACK IN TIME Operations manager Patrick Nielsen looks into the ADC Theatre archive
Over the years, the ADC Theatre and Footlights have started the careers of many successful actors, comedians and directors – and that production back in 1977 was no different. One of the cast, playing Princess L’amour, was Jan Ravens, who went on to star in many shows including Dead Ringers . She was also the voice of the Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny. “In one pantomime,” Roger admitted, “I set Jan’s dress on fire with a flashbox, but I think that was Cinderella !” Visit adctheatre.com for tickets to see this year’s performance!
Ivor Novello success
A CHRISTMAS CAROL REIMAGINED Cambridge’s Corkscrew Theatre Company has announced its Christmas production will be the world premiere of local composer and playwright Geoff Page’s new adaptation of A Christmas Carol . Lesley Ford directs a talented cast of singers, actors and puppeteers, including David John, Will Males, Naomi Mallabone, Emma Harpley and Matt Johns, with Matt Wilkinson as Scrooge in this festive show, which takes place on 14 December at The Village Hall, Ickleton, and 20 December at The Atrium Theatre, Chesterton. “We’ve taken a familiar story and infused it with every ounce of theatre magic – beautiful new songs, characterful puppets and performances to delight the whole family. It’s A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen it,” said Lesley. Visit ticketsource.co.uk/corkscrew-theatre to book your tickets now
Composer Jonathan Dove – a Trinity College, University of Cambridge alumnus – was presented with his fourth Ivor Novello Award for Uprising , a community opera co-commissioned by Saffron Hall Trust and Glyndebourne. Focusing on the climate crisis, the opera aims to inspire real change, using a fictional family to emphasise the universality and timelessness of this particular cause.
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CULTURE EDITION
MATT CROSBY 5 minutes with
The Arts Theatre Cambridge’s resident dame celebrates 20 years of pantomimes
car… by mistake. I’m still in contact with Mike and I’m always keen to remind him that he got me arrested for a few hours. The show was magical. For me, it ticked every box and was the kind of show I would have been spellbound with, had I still been a child. The second show that stands out is Dame Trott’s Panto Palaver in 2020. I think it was one of previous chief executive Dave Murphy’s favourite shows too. The whole country had been locked down for a year… and suddenly, we had a chance to do what we’d been trained for. I cried on stage during every curtain call while Lucy May Barker sang Thank You for the Music , as an impending second lockdown edged closer to Cambridge. CE: Any bloopers you can admit to, for our amusement? MC: Where do I start? The year we were doing Jack and the Beanstalk , I had a wardrobe malfunction. I was in a popcorn box that was so large and stiff that I could hardly move in it. Tony Christie was in the cast and, after he finished one of his hits, I slipped and fell on stage. I couldn’t get back up! So finally, I was dragged off stage and hoisted to my feet by two members of the crew. Sometimes I have a little potty mouth and there was a time when, as I was standing in the wings, I was laughing and joking with a cast member when I was told to stop speaking because my mic was live and had been projecting a dirty joke to the entire audience. I tend to keep my mouth shut nowadays! CE: After this, your 20th year, will the show go on? MC: In terms of me returning? As my children say, ‘I hope so!’ For tickets, visit artstheatre.co.uk What I love most is how you can get away with murder (not literally!)
CE: Have you given each one a personality of her own? MC: I haven’t. The Dame is me or a
Cambridge Edition: Where and when did your acting career start? Matt Crosby: To be honest, I don’t know when I caught the bug to become an actor. I know I was young. I had a fascination with film and especially the cinema from a very young age. I loved the atmosphere. Theatre trips came when I was a little older and, obviously, it was always pantomime. I remember them being bright, safe, loud and fast. When I reached secondary school, I lost interest… but never with acting. I joined the Young Gateway Theatre in Chester at 11, which was led by a fantastic, chain-smoking, hungover, potty- mouthed tutor called Roger Jonas. He was fabulous. He lived and breathed theatre. I remained with the Gateway throughout school and college. It became my safe space and the theatre became my church. Unfortunately, shortly after leaving for the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, the Gateway took its final bow – but what an incredible grounding for theatre it gave me. CE: What is it you love best about the role of Dame? MC: OK, so I love the costumes and I love the makeup and how it creates a mask to hide behind in order to become an alter ego, but what I love most is how you can get away with murder (not literally!).
version of me. A bloke in a frock. But I am, quintessentially, my mum, my sister, my nan and my aunts – I think my Dame has elements of all the women in my family. The thing is, as the titles change from year to year, the Dame remains constant. She is always the same, like a family member you only see at Christmas, slowly getting greyer. MC: The first was Robin Hood . It was my second outing as Dame. Mike Fentiman directing. Two weeks before rehearsals, we’d met at the Bath House to read through our script. The evening had started so well. It ended with us in the back of a police CE: Which years have been your standout favourites?
TO THE NINES Matt Crosby (top) performing as Widow Twankey (middle) and Gertie Goose (bottom)
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LITERATURE
December Book Club Coffee table books with the wow factor that are perfect for gifting, as chosen by Charlotte Griffiths Frankenstein
With not one but two visual retellings of Mary Shelley’s classic landing on screens towards the end of 2025, it’s high time you read/reread this gothic masterpiece in its original book form. Minalima editions are always spectacular, and this is no exception. Here, the unabridged text of Shelley’s horrifying tale is brought to life with the creative partnership’s trademark intricate, sprawling illustrations, glittering gold- leafed elements and papercraft 3D pop-ups that fold out and literally leap off the page. For anyone who doesn’t know the plot, this unforgettable work of speculative fiction (often lauded as the first-ever sci-fi novel) follows scientist Victor Frankenstein as he attempts – and succeeds – to re-engineer life from inanimate body parts, only to cruelly abandon his creation when he realises the unsettling repercussions of his unchecked ambition. Laden with meaning, messages and morals, many people reread Frankenstein every year when the nights draw in, finding new life lessons within its pages. It isn’t just for scientists or fans of spooky stories. This exquisite new edition is the perfect way to get Shelley’s work into the hands of people who might not otherwise pick up a copy. MARY SHELLEY (MINALIMA EDITION) The text of Shelley’s horrifying tale is brought to life with Minalima’s intricate illustrations
Armchair travelling at its finest. This stunning large-format book documents photographer Quintin Lake’s five-year adventure around the coast of the UK, capturing his journey in detail-laden, beautifully composed images that illustrate his account of his travels. In April 2015, Lake set off from St Paul’s Cathedral in London with a 20kg bag of photography kit and hiking gear, determined to circumnavigate our country. You might have followed his journey on what-was-Twitter or his brilliant blog, but this stunning book brings his entire experience together The Perimeter QUINTIN LAKE
for the first time in an impactful and fascinating record. The stylish page layouts – using Lake’s photography – showcase what is on offer to those exploring Britain. With the coast always directly on hand, Lake walked 11,000km over 454 days – at times wandering through urban environments, at others heading off the beaten track to wild camp – all while battling midges, weather, tides and his own worries. This irresistible story is ideal for anyone who has daydreamed of setting off on a similar expedition. Maybe 2026 could be your year?
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LITERATURE
The Library of Lost Maps Not strictly a coffee table book, but definitely an edition that would look extremely handsome in your home – if you ever put it down, that is! Set to be one of the season’s big sellers, The Library of Lost Maps is a non-fiction book by James Cheshire, Britain’s only professor of geographic information and cartography, documenting his three-year academic voyage through a long-forgotten map library found in the heart of University College London. The uncovered collection of papers and charts illuminates forgotten periods in history, which in turn shed new light on geopolitical relationships, complex trade routes and our scientific understanding of the world. However, maps aren’t just for navigation: they also reveal a lot about ourselves and the state of the world at large, which Cheshire explains with his trademark infectious enthusiasm for his chosen subject. Perfect for reading in small bursts between naps, or simply whiling away the short winter days gazing at the information-laden illustrations, this book is guaranteed to delight anyone with even a passing interest in politics, geography or travel – and will load you up with facts to fascinate those around you for the entirety of the festive season. JAMES CHESHIRE
A special something for the little bookworms in your life KIDS’ BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS
Puffin Books’ Clothbound Collection
One Christmas Wish KATHERINE RUNDELL
You Choose Christmas
PIPPA GOODHART AND NICK SHARRATT
VARIOUS AUTHORS
A Rundell book is a sure-fire hit in any season. This special Christmas tale, exquisitely illustrated by the artist Emily Sutton, is full of all the imaginative twists and unexpected magic that make the award-winning writer’s books so fondly beloved. Not to be missed!
A spectacular seasonal adventure for readers aged three and up, this beautifully illustrated book allows little ones and their older sidekicks to celebrate Christmas in their own way. Another brilliant book from local writer Pippa Goodhart and star illustrator Nick Sharratt.
Earlier this year Puffin marked its 85th anniversary and, as part of the celebrations, the imprint rereleased eight modern classics of children’s literature in tactile, yellow, cloth- bound hardback editions. Choose your favourite and bestow it on your kiddo (or keep it for yourself!).
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19 December As Jake and Neytiri’s family grieve the death of Neteyam, the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges with the arrival of an aggressive new Na’vi tribe, the Ash People. Avatar: Fire and Ash
25 December This sports comedy-drama is co-produced by Timothée Chalamet, who plays the lead role of Marty, a table tennis star who stops at nothing to achieve greatness. Also featuring Gwyneth Paltrow. Marty Supreme
Anaconda
25 December A group of friends going
through a mid-life crisis decide to remake a favourite film from their youth, set in the jungle. But things don’t turn out quite the way they expect! Starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black.
LOCAL CINEMAS Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk
26 December Based on a novel by Freida McFadden, Sydney Sweeney stars as a young woman with a troubled past, who takes up work as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family hiding some dark secrets. The Housemaid
Movie magic not to miss this month
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STREET STYLE
With unique styles round each corner, every day is a good hair day for the city’s residents! Humans of Cambridge
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STREET STYLE
Mane street
“For this month’s photo feature, I hit the streets of Cambridge with my camera and a mission: to celebrate the city’s best hair,” says photographer Mark Box. Well, mission complete! From wild waves and shag cuts to classic crops and neat vintage vibes, the city’s residents did themselves proud – as is evidenced by this fabulous selection of styles. “Each snap is a tribute to confidence, self-expression and the joy of a really good hair moment,” Mark enthuses. Will they inspire you to get a new hairdo this winter? Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020. Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
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COMPETITION
£ 3,000+ PRIZES FOR ONE LUCKY READER!
Enter our annual festive competition before midnight on 17 December and you could win a Christmas stocking like no other – chock-full of treats from your favourite local businesses and brands! Turn the page to see this year’s prize bundle...
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COMPETITION
5 British farmhouse cheese selection from The Gog, WORTH £57.99 Win a generous selection of five British farmhouse cheeses from the selection at The Gog – featuring mellow Colston Bassett Stilton, rich Baron Bigod, boozy Isle of Mull Cheddar, zesty Dorstone and bold, savoury Riseley. This 1.23kg collection showcases the finest artisan cheesemaking in the UK, with styles ranging from blue to bloomy, goat’s to washed rind. Carefully aged and selected by Neal’s Yard Dairy, it’s a prize no cheese lover should miss. thegog.com 6 Four tickets to Cambridge Philharmonic’s family concert, WORTH £80 On 17 January, dive into the deep blue sea with tickets to the 4pm performance of Lucy’s Ocean Adventure , an interactive family concert that is perfect for young explorers! With music inspired by the sea, storytelling and plenty of surprises, this fun-filled concert at West Road Concert Hall will spark imaginations and introduce children to the wonders of orchestral sound. cambridgephilharmonic.com 7 Christmas Family Hamper from Fitzbillies, WORTH £65 There’s something for everyone in the Fitzbillies Christmas Family Hamper! From classic, sticky Chelsea buns to festive brownies and delicate macarons, the winner of this hamper can share plenty of delights with family and friends over the festive season. fitzbillies.com 8 Kibou gift voucher, WORTH £100 Fancy treating yourself to Japanese flavours
1 Dinner, bed and breakfast for two at The Three Blackbirds, WORTH £360 With this dinner, bed and breakfast gift voucher, you can escape to the countryside and stay in one of the Barn bedrooms at The Three Blackbirds in Woodditton, with super-king beds, rainfall showers and luxurious Connock amenities. Your prize includes dinner (to the value of £30 per person) and breakfast the next morning. threeblackbirds.co.uk Valid Jan-Mar 2026, midweek stays only, excludes bank holidays; prize must be claimed within 48 hours; booking must be made within seven days and cannot be changed. 2 Sparkling festive afternoon tea for two at Parker’s Tavern, WORTH £114 Parker’s Tavern’s Festive Afternoon
Tea is brimming with seasonal delights, a delicious selection of savouries and sweets lovingly crafted by the pastry team. Indulge in cranberry scones and traditional festive finger sandwiches, a pistachio Christmas tree with mince pie filling and a mandarin and champagne cheesecake – perfectly complemented by a glass of Saffron Grange Blanc de Blancs to toast the season. parkerstavern.com 3 Four tickets to Forestlight at Audley End Miniature Railway, WORTH £48 Explore the enchanted forest light trail at Audley End Miniature Railway on 23 December. Stroll beneath the stars as glowing installations bring the woods to life, make the most of photo opportunities and maybe even visit the Forest Snacks Cafe during your visit for a hot chocolate or mulled wine. audley-end-railway.co.uk This ticket does not include a train ride or meeting Father Christmas at the Grotto. If the winner can’t attend, an alternative date or event may be arranged by mutual agreement.
this festive season? This £100 voucher will allow you to explore Kibou Cambridge’s menu of fresh sushi and sashimi, indulgent sharing plates and cocktails. Whether you’re after its signature rolls, crispy small plates or want to try something more decadent such as a sharing platter or chef’s special, this voucher gives you the perfect excuse to gather for a memorable meal out. kibou.co.uk
4 Festive afternoon tea for two at Gonville Hotel, WORTH £78 Served in Gonville Hotel’s elegant restaurant overlooking Parker’s Piece, this beautifully curated experience blends familiar favourites with festive flair. Enjoy tiers of delicate finger sandwiches filled with seasonal ingredients, alongside freshly baked scones and finish with a patisserie selection in celebration of winter flavours. Available until 4 January, Tuesday to Sunday. gonvillehotel.co.uk
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COMPETITION
9 Lingora Natural Oral Rinse, WORTH £25.90 Rinse away the evidence of those Christmas indulgences and enjoy a happier, healthier mouth with Lingora Natural Oral Rinse, a multi-award- winning, two-ingredient, 100% natural oral rinse to help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, reduce gum inflammation and balance the oral microbiome. Suitable for the whole family. lingora.uk 10 Three-course Sunday lunch in the tipi at The Lodge, Duxford, WORTH £128 Experience The Lodge, Duxford’s beautifully decorated, heated tipi as you and up to three friends or family members indulge in a three-course traditional Sunday roast, featuring a choice of succulent sirloin of beef, stuffed rolled pork belly, half a free-range chicken and a selection of delicious starters and indulgent puddings. Plus, enjoy live music from talented local musicians between 1pm and 5pm. thelodgeduxford.co.uk 11 Q+A Bodycare and Skincare Treats gift sets, WORTH £30 Enjoy some me time with two Q+A gift sets: an ultimate head-to-toe pamper set with Salicylic Acid Body Wash, AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub and Collagen Body Butter; and a trio to treat your complexion during party season, featuring Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser, Niacinamide Facial Serum and Vitamin C Radiance Face Cream. qandaskin.com
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE PRIZE BUNDLE, CLICK HERE
12 Two tickets to Sleeping Beauty at the Arts Theatre Cambridge, WORTH £92 The wait is over! Following an extensive refurbishment, you’re invited to attend a grand reawakening as the Arts Theatre presents a dazzling new production of Sleeping Beauty . Starring Cambridge’s favourite dame Matt Crosby and UK Pantomime Award-winning Steven
14 Half-day printmaking Printmaking is a wonderful traditional art form that’s becoming increasingly popular with designers and illustrators. Thanks to Marmalade, we can provide our winner with an opportunity to enjoy a fabulous free session from April onwards, for any printmaking class that takes their fancy. Workshops are delivered in a relaxed environment and are suitable for over 18s. marmaladeprintstudio.co.uk workshop at Marmalade Print Studio, WORTH £60
Roberts, this charming fairy tale promises to captivate audiences of all ages. artstheatre.co.uk 13 Ancient Shepherds gift voucher, WORTH £120
Win a £120 voucher for Ancient Shepherds, the restaurant in Fen Ditton run by Michelin-starred chef Mark Poynton! Serving beautifully crafted set menus that celebrate the best of seasonal produce, many of the ingredients are grown in the Kitchen Garden behind the restaurant. Ancient Shepherds also offers five charming guest rooms, meaning you can extend your visit with an overnight stay. ancientshepherds.com
15 Vineyard tour and tasting for two at Saffron Grange, WORTH £78 Go for a guided vineyard tour for two at Saffron Grange Vineyard in Saffron Walden. Set on Essex’s ancient chalk soils, it produces award-winning sparkling wines using traditional methods. Book in and look forward to enjoying your experience in 2026, which includes tastings of three premium sparkling wines along with two delicious plates, while learning about the history and passion behind this family-run vineyard. saffrongrange.com
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COMPETITION
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE PRIZE BUNDLE, CLICK HERE
16 Four tickets to a spring family season event at Cambridge Junction, WORTH UP TO £80 Cambridge Junction’s spring line-up promises an engaging family experience, packed with vibrant performances and interactive events for all ages. Families can enjoy a mix of theatre, live music and creative workshops tailored to spark young imaginations and bring stories to life. From energetic puppet shows to immersive storytelling sessions, family- friendly comedy and dance acts, there’s something for everyone at this unique venue. junction.co.uk 17 Love Cambridge gift card, WORTH £50 Brought to you by Cambridge BID, the Love Cambridge gift card can be spent at a huge range of participating businesses across the city. Shop, eat, drink, stay – it’s your ticket to the city! love-cambridge.com
19 Kettle’s Yard Friends This prize bundle from contemporary art gallery Kettle’s Yard comprises a Friends membership, offering free entry to the house for a year; a tote bag featuring the iconic Kettle’s Yard pebble spiral, made from an innovative fabric created using recycled plastic bottles but with a cotton- like feel; and a book with a foreword by Jim Ede and interesting floor plan guide that’s a notable keepsake for all who love Kettle’s Yard. kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk membership, tote bag and house guide, WORTH £62
20 Four tickets to watch Hera Hyesang Park and Joseph Middleton, WORTH £110 Taking place on 12 February at Pembroke College as part of the Bliss Song Series, enjoy a captivating performance by soprano Hera Hyesang Park and pianist Joseph Middleton that begins with the elegance of Donaudy, before celebrating Park’s Korean heritage through evocative works by Juwon Kim, Dunam Cho and Unyoung Na. The duo also explore vibrant
Spanish and Latin American music. blisssongseries.co.uk 21 Two Friends memberships at ADC Theatre, WORTH £90 A year’s membership at the ADC provides a range of exciting benefits for theatre lovers, including one free ticket to a show at the ADC Theatre or Corpus Playroom per year. Members can enjoy exclusive access to priority booking, 10% discount on two tickets per show, 10% off drinks and snacks at the ADC Bar and £1 off ice cream. adctheatre.com 22 Gift card for bathing at Paus, WORTH £50 Relax in one of the red cedar wood-fired hot tubs or enjoy a Finnish sauna and cold plunge pool, while resting your eyes on panoramic countryside views. Guests at the breathing/bathing space Paus, just outside Cambridge, can also follow a 1km Paus barefoot walking trail and lose all sense of time in 13 acres of rewilded meadows. This £50 gift card can be redeemed against any Paus bathing service, booked online. paus.life Gift card is not redeemable against third- party events and cannot be used on-site to purchase refreshments in the Hilltop Bistro .
18 Family membership to Cambridge Science Centre, WORTH £120 Win annual membership to Cambridge Science Centre for two adults and two children, giving your family unlimited entry for a whole year! Explore hands-on exhibits, live science shows and festive fun throughout the Christmas season and beyond. From mind-bending experiments to inspiring discoveries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ignite your curiosity, spark imagination and make science part of your family adventures all year round. cambridgesciencecentre.org
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