Daniel Bell, producer at local theatre company KD Productions, writes his latest column 

Since Easter, we've been touring one of our shows, Treasure Island, across the UK, performing at over 25 theatres.

This summer, we're excited to bring the show to the open air at Ely Cathedral (tickets on sale now).

Set against the backdrop of the Ely landmark and in the surroundings of the Dean’s Garden, the show is set to be a magical and exciting experience.

I often call it ‘Ely’s Secret Garden’ as it truly is beautiful, and we feel very fortunate that The Dean allows us to open up his garden for this theatrical event.

The perfect excuse to bring along a picnic, blanket and enjoy some theatre in the open air – come rain or shine, we go on.

I’m currently writing this year’s Christmas pantomime, ‘Goldilocks and the three Bears’, which will play at The Maltings throughout December into January.

As this goes to print, our sets are currently being painted and the costumes created; it’s Christmas all year round at KD.

I’m delighted that Rob Stevens will be returning as our panto dame again this year, after being a hit with our audiences last year. Rob is a master of his craft, and we are lucky to have him.

Each year, as we tour our shows around the UK and produce our roster of pantomimes at Christmas, I sit in these temples of theatre, fine theatrical buildings in the heart of towns and cities, and I wonder what Ely, our beautiful city, would be like with its own purpose-built arts centre.

Theatres aren't just about shows; they are cultural hubs serving the communities they reside in.

I'm sure many of you travel to Cambridge, Bury, London, or perhaps even further, to see the stars, shows, and concerts you love.

Imagine a theatre on your doorstep. Picture dining out at one of Ely's vast array of restaurants before an event and then enjoying a performance right here in our city, plus free parking (a perk we must not take for granted!)

Ely is buzzing with cultural activity, and I believe it's time for us to have our own theatre and arts hub. I'd love to hear from others who share this vision.

Please reach out at daniel@kdtheatre.co.uk. Let's make this dream a reality.