This winter, Fairfield Halls erupts into a blaze of colour, music and pure theatrical magic, as the curtain rises on its sensational pantomime Beauty and the Beast, running until Sunday 4 January 2026.

From the very first beat, audiences are swept into a world of breathtaking choreography, outstanding lighting and show-stopping spectacle, delivering a panto experience like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

A stand-out powerhouse of Croydon’s festive season, Beauty and the Beast is packed with electrifying dance routines, cinematic lighting effects and high-octane energy, all wrapped around the classic panto thrills audiences adore. Expect bigger laughs, bolder characters, magical transformations and gloriously chaotic audience participation, with every moment fuelled by passion, precision, and festive fun - oh yes it is!

Stepping into the role of the fearless and kind-hearted Belle is Ellie Dadd, best known to millions as Amy Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders.

Ellie’s journey to the stage began at just four years old, training at D&B Theatre School, where she honed her skills across dance, singing and acting. She made her West End debut as Amanda Thripp in Matilda (RSC) and went on to enjoy a host of exciting roles as a young performer.

She later continued her training at D&B Academy of Performing Arts, before landing the role of Amy Mitchell in EastEnders in 2022. Balancing filming with her studies, Ellie recently graduated from a three-year Musical Theatre and Screen Acting course, making this festive season even more special.

We caught up with Ellie to chat all things Belle, beasts and big panto energy, and to find out why she’s thrilled to be back in the magical, mischievous world of pantomime this Christmas…

How are you feeling about stepping back on stage?

“So excited! The feeling you get stepping on stage in front of an audience is indescribable.”

You first appeared in some of UK Productions earlier pantomimes as a child. What do you remember most vividly from those early performances?

“My childhood memories of starring in panto are some of my favourites. I remember most things about those performances: my bond with my castmates, as well as the amazing costumes I’ve worn. I’ve dressed as everything – from a pirate to a bunny, complete with a massive bunny head!”

How did those early experiences shape your love of performing?

“My first pantomime was when I was six. I was the smallest person on stage, but it didn’t stop me from giving it my all. The audience reactions made me want more! I realised I wanted to continue to bring joy to people’s lives through performance.”

How does it feel to be returning to panto now as the lead adult performer and to be performing with UK Productions again?

“It honestly feels like a full circle moment. When UK Productions asked me to return last year, my immediate reaction was to say ‘yes’ because I had such a lovely time as a child. To return this year in a leading role is amazing. I’m so, so lucky.”

Pantomime is known for its chaos and fun. Do you have a favourite memory or funny mishap from past shows?

“Every show is different. You never have the same audience – it’s so unpredictable to know what experience you’re going to get.

“Some of the cast members like to throw curveballs too, switching things up to make you laugh. Last year, the musical director wore a different hat at the end of each show, which was one of the things I ended up looking forward to each time I came into the theatre.”

What’s your favourite pantomime tradition?

“Throwing glitter at the beginning of the walk down (the curtain call at the end of the performance)! I also wanted to do it as a child, and now, here I am!”

If you could play any panto role in the future – hero or villain – which would you choose and why?

“I think a villain would be such a fun role to play! You get to interact with the audience, and the kids love getting involved with the 'boos’ and letting you know what the villain has got up to.”

How do you think pantomime keeps that sense of magic alive for both audiences and performers year after year?

“Pantomime is such a dazzling type of performance. As well as being a Christmas tradition for many families, there are so many magical special effects, costumes, and sets, which really keep the panto magic alive for the audience.”

What advice would you give to aspiring young performers?

“Work hard and dream big – nothing is impossible!”

Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime has been produced by UK Productions Ltd for the past five years. Fairfield Halls is owned by Croydon Council and operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live. The venue continues to play a vital role in the borough’s cultural and economic life.

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

"Pantomime is a cherished tradition that brings families together year after year, and we’re thrilled to welcome audiences back to Fairfield Halls for this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. We’re proud to continue working with UK Productions to deliver another magical experience that entertains and inspires audiences of all ages."

Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered over 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway. This festive season alone, the company will stage 11 pantomimes in theatres across the country, including this year’s magical Bournemouth Pavilion production of Cinderella.

Martin Dodd, Producer for UK Productions, said: “Ellie has been part of the UK Productions family since she was a juvenile dancer in Bromley, and watching her return to the Ashcroft Theatre at Fairfield Halls as our leading lady truly feels like a full-circle moment. She brings warmth, talent and a touch of real panto magic to the role of Belle. We’re absolutely delighted to have her back on our stage, and we know Croydon audiences are going to fall in love with her all over again this Christmas.”

Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.

Ellie Dadd (BBC’s EastEnders) enchants as Belle, bringing heart, strength and star power to the role, while Croydon’s very own “King of Christmas” Charlie Guest returns in riotous form as Louis La Plonk for his third triumphant year. Joining him once again is panto powerhouse Jamie Steen, back and bigger than ever as the unstoppable Polly La Plonk.

Adding even more sparkle to the stage, West End sensation Sorelle Marsh dazzles as the magical Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell delivers charm and charisma as Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor sweeps audiences off their feet as the dashing Prince. Together, this phenomenal cast ignites the stage with fresh magic, fearless comedy and festive warmth, making Beauty and the Beast the unmissable Christmas spectacular Croydon will be talking about all season long.

With a cast this electric and prices starting from just £18.50 for selected performances, this is your chance to experience the ultimate family treat, a joy-packed, jaw-dropping celebration of spectacle, laughter and pure theatrical magic.

Highlights include:

· Performances until Sunday 4 January 2026

· Captioned performance on Monday 22 December 2025 – open to everyone

· 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.

Tickets are selling fast at fairfield.co.uk.

Group and school bookings (including limited Pupil Premium subsidies) are available. Email groupsales@bhlive.org.uk for more information.