Fairfield Halls is delighted to announce that acclaimed performer Sharon Ballard will star as Fairy Godmother in this year's spellbinding family pantomime, Cinderella.

A BRIT School alumna, Sharon has built an impressive career across stage, screen and voiceover. Currently appearing as Nurse Shola in BBC One's EastEnders, Sharon’s other performing credits include Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe, Quiz in the West End, and her last festive outing was as the Goody Fairy opposite Sir Ian McKellen and John Bishop in the West End production of Mother Goose.

Speaking about joining the production, Sharon Ballard said:

"Cinderella has always been my favourite pantomime, so returning as Fairy Godmother nearly 20 years after first playing the role, this time at my local theatre, Fairfield Halls, feels like a wonderful full-circle moment. I can't wait to wave that magic wand again and share a little bit of magic with Croydon audiences!"

Sharon’s screen credits include Good Omens, Pennyworth, Sherlock, The Royals and Me Before You. Her theatre work spans productions including SuperYou at the Lyric Theatre and One Night of Tina on tour across Europe.

Sharon is also no stranger to pantomime audiences. Previous festive appearances include Mother Goose, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Dick Whittington and Cinderella.

Away from the stage and screen, Sharon has spent more than 15 years nurturing local talent through her award-winning Cherry Stars Stage and Screen School in Croydon, helping hundreds of young performers build confidence, develop their skills and pursue careers in the performing arts.

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

"We are delighted that Sharon Ballard will be joining the cast of Cinderella as Fairy Godmother at Fairfield Halls this Christmas. Sharon is a wonderful addition to the company, bringing great talent, warmth and personality to a production that promises to be packed with laughter, spectacular moments and festive magic. With a fantastic cast and all the ingredients for a truly memorable family pantomime, we can't wait to welcome audiences for a Christmas treat full of fun, sparkle and surprises. Make sure you book your tickets and join us for the magic!"

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're thrilled to welcome Sharon Ballard to Fairfield Halls as our Fairy Godmother this Christmas. Sharon's talent, warmth, and natural connection with audiences make her the perfect person to bring this iconic character to life. Alongside our fantastic cast and creative team, she'll help create a truly magical festive experience for families across Croydon and beyond. We can't wait to welcome audiences through our doors for what promises to be an unforgettable production of Cinderella."

For generations, pantomime has been at the heart of Christmas celebrations, creating treasured memories for families year after year. From children experiencing their first theatre trip to parents and grandparents reliving a festive tradition of their own, pantomime brings audiences together through laughter, music, magic and shared moments of joy.

This Christmas, Fairfield Halls will continue that tradition with a dazzling production of Cinderella, produced by UK Productions Ltd. Packed with spectacular special effects, stunning costumes, side-splitting comedy and all the magic of a classic fairytale, it promises to be an unforgettable festive treat for audiences of all ages.

Returning to the role of Fairy Godmother almost two decades after first taking up the wand, Sharon's appearance at her local theatre makes this casting announcement especially meaningful.

From magical transformations and dazzling spectacle to outrageous comedy and audience participation, Cinderella is set to deliver everything audiences love about pantomime and more. Whether it's your first visit to Fairfield Halls or a festive tradition you return to every year, this enchanting production promises a Christmas experience to remember.

Tickets are on sale now at fairfield.co.uk.

This year’s booking highlights include:

• Performances from Friday 11 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
• Accessible captioned performance on Monday 21 December 2026 – open to all
• A relaxed performance on Wednesday 30 December 2026, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience – view our online
  Relaxed Panto Performance Guide.
• Ice creams for school groups of 50+ plus a limited number of funded tickets for pupils on low income, thanks to the generosity of previous panto audiences (T&Cs apply).
• Group rates available (6+, 20+, 50+) (T&Cs apply).
• School and young people’s concessions for under 16s on selected performances (T&Cs apply) - Friday 11 December (10:30am and 7pm), Sunday 13 December (11am), Tuesday 15 December (10:00am and 1:30pm), Wednesday 16 December (10:00am and 1:30pm), Sunday 3 January 2027 (3pm).
• School performances available.

For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: [email protected]

More information about Fairfield Halls can be found online at fairfield.co.uk.

More information about UK Productions Ltd can be found online at ukproductions.co.uk.