This Christmas, magic is back in Croydon. From Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, the iconic Fairfield Halls will once again transform into a wonderland of festive delight as Beauty and the Beast bursts onto the stage in a lavish new pantomime from BH Live and UK Productions.

Early booking is strongly advised - this is the tale as old as time... that everyone wants to see. With demand growing by the day, don’t risk missing out on the magic, the music, and the mayhem. Secure your seats now before the last petal falls!

At the centre of this year’s excitement is the blockbuster return of Charlie Guest, Croydon’s beloved ‘King of Christmas’, who is back by popular demand for a third triumphant season as the hilariously chaotic Louis La Plonk. With his signature charm, riotous energy, and dazzling stage presence, Charlie is ready to bring the house down night after night.

This is not just another pantomime. This is a spectacle. A theatrical event packed with breath-taking stage sets, dazzling costumes, and spine-tingling musical numbers that will leave audiences gasping, laughing, and cheering for more. With tickets already selling fast, theatre lovers are urged to book now to avoid missing the most magical show of the season.

Charlie said; “I’m beyond thrilled to be coming back to Croydon—it’s honestly the highlight of my year! The audiences here are electric, the love, the laughter, the madness - it’s what makes Panto magic. After two unforgettable years, we’re about to take it up several notches. This show is packed with showstoppers, surprises, and side-splitting fun. Louis La Plonk is back, and he’s bringing the biggest Christmas party Croydon’s ever seen! You do not want to miss this one!”

But it’s not just the cast that makes this production shine. The heart of the show beats with a script from award-winning pantomime genius Jon Monie, whose writing has scooped top honours at the UK Pantomime Awards and is beloved by critics and audiences alike. His unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy, touching emotional beats, and rich, immersive storytelling ensures that Beauty and the Beast will captivate every generation. Add to that a soundtrack of irresistible musical numbers and you’ve got a show with both sparkle and soul.

Joining Charlie Guest on stage is the recently announced EastEnders sensation, Ellie Dadd, taking on the iconic role of Belle. With her striking stage presence, magnetic charm, and stunning vocals, Ellie brings fresh energy and a touch of TV star power to this magical tale, creating a Belle who is as bold and brilliant as she's beloved. Together, Charlie and Ellie lead a cast that promises to deliver a Panto experience packed with heart, humour, and high-octane theatrical magic.

From the glittering entrance of Fairy Bon Bon to the delightful chaos caused by Polly La Plonk and her mischievous son, this production is bursting with unforgettable characters and moments. The story of Belle and the Beast unfolds in spectacular style, filled with spellbinding romance, thrilling twists, and the ultimate message: that love, and courage can conquer even the darkest curse.

And behind the scenes, magic is being spun by the acclaimed creative duo Sarah Redmond and Anthony Whiteman, who direct and choreograph with flair and finesse. Having helped smash hits like Aladdin, Peter Pan, and Snow White, they return to Fairfield Halls with their most ambitious production yet - one that promises jaw-dropping visuals, infectious dance numbers, and the kind of panto sparkle that stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre.

Martin Dodd, Producer at UK Productions, added: “We’re so excited to be returning to Fairfield Halls with another spectacular show, and having Charlie Guest back as Louis La Plonk feels like bringing the magic home. He’s an absolute star - hilarious, brilliant, and loved by audiences year after year.

“What makes this year extra special is the meticulous care that has gone into every element of the production. From Jon Monie’s wonderfully witty and heartfelt script to the show-stopping musical numbers and stunning visuals, this is pantomime with real West End sparkle. It’s full of energy, fun, and quality, and I think families are going to be completely blown away. We honestly can’t wait to see the smiles and hear the laughter when the curtain goes up.”

Steve Turner, Director of Venues at BH Live, said: “Last year thousands of show-goers came to Fairfield Hall’s pantomime and we hope everyone will join us once more for an unforgettable festive experience. We can’t wait to raise the curtain on another magical panto season. It is a highlight in the theatre’s calendar for so many people of all ages. We are thrilled our pantomime producer, UK Productions, has secured another great cast member for our festive spectacular.”

And speaking of last year, Fairfield Halls made national headlines when Mia Overfield scooped Best Leadin a Pantomime at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025 for her unforgettable turn in Snow White. With that glittering success still fresh in audience minds, the pressure is on, but this year’s creative team and cast are ready to go even bigger, brighter, and more breath-taking.

Whether you’re a family looking for your next festive tradition, a school group eager to treat students to something spectacular, or a life-long panto fan who wants to be part of something special, this is the show Croydon will be talking about. It’s bold. It’s brilliant. It’s Christmas, in technicolour.

Tickets are on sale now at fairfield.co.uk. Early booking is essential - don’t be the one who missed out. For school or group bookings, including subsidised tickets for Pupil Premium students (limited availability), email groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.

This Christmas, the magic is real. Charlie is back. And the beast is waiting. BOOK NOW - before it’s too late.

This year’s production includes:

• Concessions for under 16s on selected performances
• Accessible relaxed performance on Friday 2 January 2026 – open to all
• Dedicated school performances – free ice creams for school groups of 20+
• Concessions on group bookings 10+,20+ and 30+ people
• More exciting casting announcements coming soon!

For information about group bookings, school visits including subsidised tickets for pupil premium students (limited availability T&Cs apply), email groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.