Just when you thought the summer holidays might stretch on forever, the cries of “I’m bored!” echoing louder each day, Fairfield Halls has come to the rescue – with a panto-powered adventure for kids that will keep imaginations buzzing and boredom banished.

“Fairfield Halls…But I’m Bored!!” is a brand-new summer theatre challenge inspired by Cinderella, and it’s every parent’s answer to the school holiday slump. It’s playful, creative, utterly free – and packed with enough storytelling sparkle to tide families over until the glittering return of panto season this Christmas.

From drawing a poster of Beauty and the Beast (don’t forget the magic rose and castle), writing the story of Beauty and the Beast (what might you change?), to designing enchanted castles and sculpting fairy-tale props, children are invited to dive into a world of make-believe where magic is just a marker pen or some modelling clay away. It’s a chance to rewrite fairy tales, explore fantastical gardens, or go on a living room treasure hunt with enchanted roses, magic wands, and dancing shoes.

The activities are easy to do at home, mess-friendly (mostly!), and perfect for children of all ages, especially those who are getting restless as summer stretches on. And parents? You can sit back and watch as your living room is transformed into a perfect panto playground. A full list of super summer creative panto challenges can be found online at fairfield.co.uk

If you fancy getting out and about why not try the magical Beauty and the Beast Picture Trail, which launches at the start of August, for the chance to win four tickets to see this year’s panto. To enter you’ll need to go on an adventure to find four special Beauty and the Beast posters, on display in and around Croydon. Full details can be found here.

But this isn’t just about surviving summer – it’s about building excitement for the main event. Because come December, Fairfield Halls will pull out all the stops for a jaw-dropping production of Beauty and the Beast – a theatrical event so magical, so lavish, so thunderously entertaining, it’s set to be the most talked-about Christmas show!

From Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, the curtain will rise on a full-scale festive extravaganza. Leading the all-star cast is EastEnders favourite Ellie Dadd (Amy Mitchell) as the brave and big-hearted Belle. Ellie will be joined by ‘pantomime legend’, Jamie Steen as Polly La Plonk, who returns to Fairfield Halls following a triumphant performance last year and Charlie Guest, Fairfield Halls’ very own ‘King of Christmas’, as the side-splitting Louis La Plonk.

This is Beauty and the Beast as you’ve never seen it before – a theatrical event packed with breathtaking stage sets, dazzling costumes, and spine-tingling musical numbers that will leave audiences gasping, laughing, and cheering for more. With tickets already selling fast, theatre lovers are urged to book now to avoid missing the most magical show of the season.

At the centre of this year’s excitement is the blockbuster return of Charlie Guest, Croydon’s beloved ‘King of Christmas’, who is back by popular demand for a third triumphant season as the hilariously chaotic Louis La Plonk. With his signature charm, riotous energy, and dazzling stage presence, Charlie is ready to bring the house down night after night.

This is not just another pantomime. This is a spectacle!

Ellie said: “Being able to play a princess is every girl's dream, and I can’t wait to bring Belle to life. I loved every second of doing panto last year - it’s a joy seeing families light up with laughter. This production feels extra special, and being so close to home makes it even more magical.”

Martin Dodd, Producer at UK Productions, added: “We’re so excited to be returning to Fairfield Halls with another spectacular show. It’s full of energy, fun, and quality, and I think families are going to be completely blown away. We honestly can’t wait to see the smiles and hear the laughter when the curtain goes up. With these fabulous activities you can keep the panto fun going throughout the summer holidays!”

For now, grab the glitter, raid the craft box, and get your children involved with Fairfield Hall’s Beauty and the Beast themed summer challenge. And then… brace yourself for a Christmas spectacle that will blow the roof off!

If you are crafting and getting involved with the panto inspired challenges, please do post pictures of your fantastic creativity and tag in @fairfieldcroydon (Facebook) and @croydonfairfield (Instagram). Visit Fairfield.co.uk to download the complete list of challenges.