Acclaimed stage and screen actor joins Lee Latchford-Evans, Sharon Ballard and full cast for this year's magical family pantomime.

Fairfield Halls and UK Productions are delighted to announce that acclaimed actor Cornelius Clarke will star as the lovable and larger-than-life Baron Hard-Up in this year's spectacular pantomime Cinderella.

Cornelius completes a dazzling cast led by Lee Latchford-Evans, from chart-topping pop phenomenon Steps, who stars as the dashing Prince Charming. Audiences can also look forward to plenty of laughs from Charlie Guest as the ever-faithful Buttons, and local Croydon royalty, Sharon Ballard, bringing her panto experience and stunning vocals to the ball. Comedy duo Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson bring mischief, mayhem and plenty of pantomime villainy as the fabulously wicked and delightfully boo-worthy Melody and Harmony Hard-Up, with West End vocal powerhouse Rachel Grundy in the title role of Cinderella and returning favourite Chris Fearn as Dandini.

With a career spanning theatre, television, film and writing, Cornelius Clarke brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the role. His extensive stage credits include Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl, The Hobbit, The Crucible, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Peter Pan and, most recently, Guys and Dolls at London's Bridge Theatre. His screen work includes appearances in Holby City, Anansi Boys and Dublin Narcos.

Speaking about joining the production, Cornelius Clarke said:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing Baron Hard-Up in Cinderella at Fairfield Halls this Christmas. Pantomime is such a special tradition and Baron Hard-Up is a wonderful character at the heart of the story, full of warmth, humour and heart. I can't wait to meet audiences in Croydon and share plenty of laughs with them alongside this fantastic cast."

Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:

"We're delighted to welcome Cornelius to the cast of Cinderella. He is a hugely talented and versatile performer with an outstanding career across theatre and television, and we know audiences are going to love his hilarious take on Baron Hard-Up. Together with Lee, Charlie, Sharon, Luke, Brandon, Rachel and Chris we've assembled a cast that will deliver a truly unforgettable festive experience."

Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council. The relaxed and captioned performances forms part of the charity’s ongoing commitment to making live entertainment accessible and inclusive for all.

On behalf of BH Live, Nicola Coney, BH Live Entertainment Manager, added:

"We're excited to reveal another fantastic addition to our Cinderella cast. Cornelius brings tremendous stage presence, comic timing and family appeal to the role of Baron Hard-Up. This year's pantomime is shaping up to be one of our biggest and brightest yet, and we can't wait to welcome audiences through the doors for a magical Christmas adventure."

Packed with spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, sensational songs and plenty of audience participation, Cinderella promises everything audiences expect from a magical festive pantomime, with a few surprises thrown in along the way.

Whether you're cheering on Cinderella, swooning over Prince Charming, laughing along with Buttons, or booing the wicked Melony and Harmony Hard-Up, this enchanting family pantomime is set to be the must-see show of the festive season. Bursting with sparkle, laughter and Christmas magic, it's the perfect festive treat for families, friends and fairytale fans of all ages. Tickets are on sale now.