Panto magic has reached dazzling new heights at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls with the arrival of three phenomenal performers, each promising to take this year’s production – Beauty and the Beast – into the stratosphere.

West End leading lady Sorelle Marsh will sprinkle star power and sparkle as the enchanting Fairy Bon Bon, lighting up the stage with magic and mischief. Will Haswell brings charm, wit and a twinkle in his eye as the loveable Hugo Pompidou, sure to keep audiences laughing with his smooth humour and playful antics. And rising star Samuel John Taylor adds romance, heart and fairytale wonder as the dashing Prince, ready to sweep audiences into a world of enchantment.

Together, they bring fresh magic, laughter and warmth to an already extraordinary cast, making Beauty and the Beast the festive spectacular that Croydon simply cannot afford to miss this Christmas.

This year, UK Productions Ltd. are pulling out all the stops to deliver what promises to be the most dazzling pantomime Fairfield Halls has ever seen. With West End-calibre production values, jaw-dropping choreography, glittering costumes, and spectacular special effects, Beauty and the Beast will transform Croydon into a world of magic and wonder this Christmas.

Audiences were already buzzing with excitement following the announcement of leading stars Ellie Dadd (EastEnders), the outrageously funny Charlie Guest, and Croydon’s much-loved pantomime favourite Jamie Steen. Now, in a show of festive sparkle that only adds to the thrill, three more sensational names join the company to make this year’s pantomime a must-see theatrical event.

Taking flight as the enchanting Fairy Bon Bon will be West End star Sorelle Marsh, a performer whose career has glittered across the world’s biggest stages. A graduate of the renowned Guildford School of Acting, Sorelle has become a true leading lady of musical theatre, dazzling audiences in smash-hit productions including Come From Away in London and internationally, Mamma Mia! where she played Alternate Donna, and Legally Blonde as the hilarious Paulette.

Sorelle has brought her powerhouse vocals and comic timing to productions such as White Christmas, Hairspray, Billy Elliot and Singin’ in the Rain, and shone as Rizzo in Grease and Madame Le Grande Bouche in Disney’s Beauty & The Beast. With a career defined by star power, warmth and sparkle, Sorelle’s Fairy Bon Bon will be a magical mix of charm, mischief and joy – lighting up Croydon with festive wonder for all the family.

Stepping into the shoes of Hugo Pompidou is the brilliant Will Haswell, whose suave comedy and natural stage presence make him a perfect addition to this glittering cast. A graduate of Laine Theatre Arts, Will has built an extraordinary career with roles in some of the UK’s biggest musicals, from Back to the Future at both the Adelphi Theatre and Manchester Opera House (where he covered the iconic role of Marty McFly) to The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Grease (UK Tour) as Jonny Casino, and Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Will has also brought cheeky charm to roles such as Pinocchio in Shrek (UK Tour) and sparkled in productions including Sweet Charity at the Donmar Warehouse, Anything Goes at Kilworth House and the 42nd Street Gala at the London Palladium. No stranger to pantomime, Will has led casts in Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin, delighting audiences with his blend of humour, energy and warmth. As Hugo Pompidou, he will bring charm, quick wit and laugh-out-loud moments to the stage, making him a guaranteed favourite this Christmas.

Adding romance and fairytale enchantment is rising star Samuel John Taylor as The Prince, a role that promises to sweep audiences into a world of magic, music and festive wonder. A recent graduate of the prestigious Guildford School of Acting, Samuel has already carved out an exciting path in professional theatre. He has appeared in Stiletto in London, Pirates of Penzance (UK Tour), The Mikado and The Yeoman of the Guard, as well as shining in training productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Violet and Once Upon a Mattress.

Samuel’s versatility, strong vocals and natural charisma have also seen him work on new theatre workshops including Cliffs, Rescue Me and 1666. Now, stepping into his most magical role yet, Samuel will bring heart, romance and dazzling vocals to the role of the Prince – capturing the spirit of the season and bringing a timeless fairytale to life for Croydon audiences.

With these dazzling new additions, the cast is now complete: Ellie Dadd as Belle, Charlie Guest as Louis La Plonk, Jamie Steen as Polly La Plonk, Sorelle Marsh as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell as Hugo Pompidou and Samuel John Taylor as The Prince. Together they form a glittering company whose comedy, music and sheer stage presence promise to deliver a pantomime on a scale Croydon has never seen before.

Backed by lavish new sets, spectacular costumes, and a creative team led by award-winning writer Jon Monie, director Sarah Redmond and choreographer Anthony Whiteman, this is pantomime at its very best – a production packed with sparkle, laughter, magic and the joy of Christmas.

Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:

“This year’s Beauty and the Beast is not just a pantomime, it’s a theatrical extravaganza on a scale Croydon has never seen before. We are talking breathtaking sets that rival the West End, stunning costumes that dazzle at every turn, sensational choreography, and show-stopping musical numbers that will lift the roof off Fairfield Halls. And at the heart of it all, a phenomenal cast: Ellie, Charlie and Jamie returning to lead the charge, now joined by three outstanding talents in Sorelle, Will and Samuel, whose arrival takes this production to another level entirely.

“The magic, the music, the comedy, the romance – it’s all here, wrapped up in a glittering spectacle for the whole family. This is the festive event everyone will be talking about, the unmissable highlight of the season. If you only see one show this Christmas, make absolutely certain it’s this one.”

Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome this extraordinary cast and creative team to Fairfield Halls. Pantomime is a cherished tradition for our audiences, and this year’s production promises to be a sparkling, high-energy celebration of theatre and festive fun for the whole family. We’re especially proud to continue offering relaxed performances and accessible concessions, ensuring that the magic of live theatre can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.”

Schools’ performances are already close to selling out, and tickets for daytime, matinee and evening shows are disappearing fast. Families are urged to book now to secure the best seats for what promises to be the Christmas show of the year.

Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls is the festive spectacular that everyone will be talking about – thrilling, magical, and utterly unmissable. Book now and be part of the magic.

Tickets are already selling fast, and with a cast like this, demand will only continue to rise.

If you’re looking for the ultimate family treat this Christmas – one packed with joy, spectacle and theatrical magic – Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls is a must-see.

• Accessible relaxed performance on Friday 2 January 2026 – open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience.
• Group rates available (10+, 20+, 30+).
• Concessions for under 16s on selected performances