Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime returns this festive season with a magical new production of Beauty and the Beast, running from Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.

Produced by the panto powerhouses UK Productions Ltd and choreographed by Anthony Whiteman, this year’s show celebrates local talent, featuring Croydon-based dancers alongside seasoned professionals.

For many in the ensemble, performing on Fairfield Halls’ iconic stage is both a dream come true and a chance to inspire the next generation of performers. With rehearsals underway, the curtain is almost ready to go up!

Following auditions earlier in the year, children from Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy, based in South London and Kent, will join the cast as members of the ensemble – some have performed at Fairfield halls before. For others, this year marks their first step onto the iconic stage.

Founded in 1970 by Gloria Berry, Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy is one of the South East’s leading Performance and Dance Academies. Bright Sparks has provided quality training and all-round performance skills to children of all ages for decades.

Grace, a young performer at Bright Sparks, shared;

"I feel incredibly lucky to be performing at Fairfield in this year’s pantomime for my fourth year on this magical stage! It’s such a wonderful experience, and I love every moment from the vibrant costumes and fantastic cast to the music and dance routines that truly bring the show to life. It’s a joy to be part of something so special with my Bright Sparks Team."

On behalf of Bright Sparks, Michaela Kelly shared;

"We are absolutely thrilled to be supplying some of our juvenile performers for the fourth year with UK Productions Ltd. To have one of our Bright Sparks alumni, Shannon Kelly, also performing in this year’s ensemble is extra special. We love spending our festive season at Fairfield Halls."

Shannon Kelly, who began her training at age two at Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy, returns to the venue where her own journey started.

“It feels so good to be returning to the venue that started it all for me, and to be performing in my hometown,” Shannon said. “It’s an honour to show young local children that a career in the performing arts is possible.”

Daniel James Greenway, a professional performer whose credits include Wicked, Legally Blonde, and last year’s Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, also joins the cast.

“I’m really excited to be returning to UK Productions this year. Pantomime has such a unique rhythm and energy. It keeps you on your toes in the best way, and the shared joy between the cast and audience is something I really treasure. I’ve been fortunate to perform in so many different styles and settings, but panto has a magic all of its own. I can’t wait to enjoy every moment on stage at Fairfield Halls.”

Beauty and the Beast marks the first professional production for debut performer Lily Clifton. Lily said:

“I’m so excited to be part of panto this year. Growing up, Christmas pantos were always my favourite thing to see. It’s full of fun and happy memories!”

From auditions to rehearsals, the cast have been working hard to bring Jon Monie’s script to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, sparkling costumes, and plenty of laughter.

Ellie Dadd (EastEnders) who is starring as leading lady, Belle, said;

“Playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls is such a dream! I love bringing this magical story to life, and it’s wonderful to perform alongside such a talented cast. There’s nothing like the joy and laughter of a Christmas panto and I can’t wait to share it with families in Croydon!”

Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime has been produced by, UK Productions Ltd, for the past five years. Owned by Croydon Council and operated by local charity and social enterprise BH Live, Fairfield Halls 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;

“Each year, Fairfield Halls’ pantomime brings together professional performers and emerging local talent to create something truly magical. In partnership with UK Productions, we’re incredibly proud to give young performers from the local community and beyond the chance to be part of a professional production. Their energy and enthusiasm really capture the spirit of the show and the festive season.”

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.

On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said:

“As a company we stage 11 pantomimes across the country. We first produced pantomime in Croydon in 2022 with Peter Pan. To now be staging Beauty and the Beast with this stellar lineup is a testament to the local, national, and high profile talent we can secure and work with. On behalf of everyone involved at UKP, we can’t wait for the curtain to go up!”

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.

Leading the cast, Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC) enchants as Belle, with Croydon’s own ‘King of Christmas’ Charlie Guest returning as Louis La Plonk for his third year, and panto powerhouse Jamie Steen back as Polly La Plonk. West End star Sorelle Marsh sparkles as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell charms as Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor sweeps audiences off their feet as the dashing Prince.

Together, they cast bring fresh magic, laughter and warmth, making Beauty and the Beast the festive spectacular Croydon residents can’t afford to miss this Christmas.

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.

• Performances from Friday 12 December 2025 – 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.

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For more information about Fairfield Halls, visit fairfield.co.uk.