A trip to the panto is one of the festive season’s most magical traditions. But for some people, especially first-time theatre-goers, a trip to the theatre can feel just as overwhelming as it is exciting.

That’s why registered charity BH Live, which runs Fairfield Halls in partnership with Croydon Council, has teamed up with leading panto producers, UK Productions Ltd, to make sure this year’s pantomime is accessible to everyone.

This year, the captioned performance will take place on Monday 22 December 2025 at 2pm. Dialogue is displayed on a screen throughout the performance.

This performance may benefit those who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. A captioned performance may also be of benefit to those who are neurodivergent, have auditory processing conditions, or whose first language is not English.

On Friday 2 January 2026 at 2pm, Fairfield Halls will host a relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast.

At a relaxed performance, the theatre environment is sensitively adapted so that everyone can enjoy the magic of live theatre. Sound levels are lowered, the house lights are kept on, stage smoke is reduced, and people are welcome to move around or take a break away from the auditorium whenever they feel they need to.

These performances may benefit people who are neurodivergent, have learning difficulties or sensory communication disorders, or who find loud noises and bright lights difficult.

Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity BH Live, in partnership with Croydon Council.

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

“Panto is such a special part of the festive season, and we want everyone to feel welcome to participate in that magic. A relaxed performance means more people, especially those who might find a traditional theatre setting challenging, can experience the joy, laughter, and spectacle of panto.”

Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered more than 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway.

On behalf of UK Productions Ltd, Martin Dodd, Managing Director, said;

“We’re absolutely delighted to be offering relaxed and captioned performances of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas. Panto is all about bringing people together for laughter, magic and festive fun — and these performances open up that wonderful world to even more audiences. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join the sparkle and share in the joy of this spectacular show.”

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, 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 all
• 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.