This year, we’re marking National Pantomime Day (Friday 12 December 2025) with a spellbinding celebration of ‘transformation’ in this year’s enchanting production of Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls.

Transformation is at the heart of this classic tale: a cursed prince learns that true beauty is found within. A villain realises the error of his ways. Our leading lady is transformed through bravery.

Transformation here is more than magical, it’s a message of kindness, love, and seeing beyond appearances.

Audiences can expect dazzling effects, spectacular costumes, and plenty of pantomime fun, from slapstick comedy to sing‑along moments. The transformation of the Beast into a prince is not only a theatrical highlight but also a poignant reminder that change is possible when compassion leads the way.

Transformation in Beauty and the Beast:

• Magical storytelling: A beastly curse gives way to a heartwarming revelation of inner beauty.
• Spectacular stagecraft: Audiences will marvel at dazzling effects and costumes that bring transformation to life.
• Timeless message: This pantomime reminds us that change is possible when compassion leads the way.

National Pantomime Day celebrates the enduring tradition of pantomime, a genre that itself has transformed over centuries while remaining a cornerstone of festive theatre.

Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC), who plays leading lady Belle in this year’s production, said;

“Panto transforms absolutely everyone who watches. You see it in the story of Beauty and the Beast, of course, but you also see it in the audience: families reconnecting, kids discovering theatre for the first time, and adults remembering what it feels like to believe in a bit of magic. That’s why panto matters, because it reminds everyone that change can be joyful, shared, and full of wonder. This year’s National Panto Day theme of ‘transformation’ couldn’t be more fitting.

On behalf of the UK Pantomime Association, Simon Sladen, founder of Panto Day, shared;

"Pantomime transformations take many forms, from pumpkins into coaches and magic beans into a beanstalk, not forgetting the transformation of the stage scene-to-scene and actors into characters thanks to make-up and costume."

This season, Fairfield Halls invites families to experience the wonder of transformation in a pantomime that will warm hearts, spark imaginations, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions Ltd, 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.

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, Producer Martin Dodd said:

“This year, National Panto Day is all about transformation — and not just the kind where a pumpkin becomes a coach or a Dame becomes even more dazzling. Every year, panto transforms our theatres, our audiences and our hearts. That’s the joy of it: a magical, chaotic, glorious tradition that brings people together and reminds us why we love putting on a show.”

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 don’t want 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.

Follow us for news, behind-the-scenes exclusives and cast reveals:

Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon
Instagram – @croydonfairfield

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

About UK Productions:

Established in 1995, UK Productions is responsible for over 200 musical and drama productions nationally, internationally, in the West End and on Broadway.

Producing credits include The Beekeeper of Aleppo, The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde - the Musical, 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Singin’ in the Rain, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jekyll & Hyde - the Musical, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Murdered to Death, Anything Goes, The Pirates of Penzance, and Barnum.

They are also renowned pantomime producers and have productions the length and breadth of the country. During Christmas 2025/26 they will have 11 productions in number 1 theatres. The company operate a busy set and costume production and hire business, supplying musicals, plays and pantomime sets, props and costumes to commercial and amateur producers nationally and internationally.

https://www.ukproductions.co.uk/