This Christmas, experience the magic, the music, and the must-see theatrical event of the season!
From Friday, December 12, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, Fairfield Halls transforms into a world of wonder. The much-loved fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, is reimagined as a jaw-dropping, laugh-out-loud spectacular that promises unforgettable festive fun for the whole family.
This is pantomime at its absolute finest – a sumptuous, high-quality production with breathtaking staging, dazzling costumes, and sensational performances that will delight audiences of all ages. With tickets starting at just £15, this is your perfect Christmas treat – but book early to secure the very best seats before they vanish!
EastEnders favourite Ellie Dadd (Amy Mitchell) leads the all-star cast, stepping into the glittering spotlight as the brave and big-hearted Belle. A seasoned stage performer with West End credits including Matilda the Musical, Ellie is ready to charm Croydon with a performance that promises grace, humour, and warmth.
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.”
Managing Director and Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions said:
“We are delighted to be returning to Fairfield Halls and even more to bring one of our favourite productions for the Christmas Season. The show is filled with comedy, show-stopping tunes, magic, and an award-winning script by Jon Monie. It’s a fantastic show for young and old, and it’s sure to make your Christmas complete, particularly with the wonderful Ellie Dadd taking on the lead role of Belle.”
Penned by the multi-award-winning Jon Monie, this reimagined production blends laugh-out-loud comedy with heart, energy and a modern twist. The show features a host of larger-than-life characters – from the mischievous Louis to the ever-glamorous Polly La Plonk – set against a backdrop of stunning stage design, vibrant costumes and toe-tapping musical numbers.
The production is directed by panto favourite Sarah Redmond (Peter Pan, Aladdin) and choreographed by West End’s Anthony Whiteman. Together with a top-tier creative team and a cast bursting with talent, they deliver a show that’s packed with sparkle, warmth and theatrical magic.
Highlights include:
- An accessible relaxed performance on Friday 2 January 2026
- School performances with free ice cream for groups of 20+
- Discounts available for group bookings (10+, 20+, 30+)
- Subsidised tickets for schools with pupil premium
- students (T&Cs apply)
- Concessions for under-16s on selected performances
- More exciting cast announcements coming soon
Last year’s pantomime at Fairfield Halls saw Mia Overfield scoop Best Lead in a Pantomime at the prestigious UK Pantomime Awards, setting a high bar that this year’s ensemble is primed to meet – and exceed!
Fairfield Halls, operated by charity and social enterprise BH Live, is also proud to continue its community outreach, offering pantomime tickets for children from low-income families thanks to the generosity of previous audiences.
Steve Turner, Director of Venues at BH Live, said:
“Pantomime is often a child’s first experience of live theatre. We’re proud to be making that experience accessible to even more young people this year and encourage people to book early to get the best seats in the house!”
Backed by the theatrical excellence of UK Productions – known nationwide for their flawless staging, top-tier creative vision, and crowd-pleasing storytelling – Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls is a masterclass in festive entertainment. Every scene is meticulously crafted, every moment designed to dazzle. This is more than a pantomime. It’s a full-scale, feel-good theatrical event that promises to leave audiences spellbound.
Tickets are on sale now at fairfield.co.uk. Don’t miss the magic – book today and make Beauty and the Beast your family’s Christmas tradition.
For information about group bookings, school visits including subsidised tickets for pupil premium students (*limited availability T&CS apply), email groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Ellie began her training at D&B Theatre School from the age of 4 where she trained in all styles of dance, along with singing and acting. She first made her West End debut as Amanda Thripp in Matilda (RSC), as well as securing lots of other exciting opportunities as a child performer.
Ellie then furthered her training at D&B Academy of Performing Arts and was over the moon to secure the role of Amy Mitchell in Eastenders at the end of her first year! Ellie continued her studies along with her filming commitments and graduated this summer from a 3-year Musical Theatre and Screen Acting course.
Ellie’s credits include: Amy Mitchell in EastEnders (BBC); Grantchester (ITV); Silent Witness (BBC); ESPN FA Cup Campaign (Commercial); DFS (Commercial); McDonalds (Commercial); Virgin Money (Commercial); Xbox(Commercial); Narnia (Commercial); Amanda Thripp in Matilda the Musical (West End); Charlie & Lola – Stage Show; Small Axe (Voiceover); Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Snow White (all for UK Productions).
Ellie performed with UK Production as a juvenile dancer at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley in Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Snow White and was so excited to return to the company last year when she played Princess Rose in Sleeping Beauty in Malvern. She is thrilled to be back again, this time playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Ellie would like to thank her friends, family and the D&B Management team for their continued love and support.
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Fairfield Halls, Croydon
Fairfield Halls is managed BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, in partnership with Croydon Council.
With a long and distinguished history, Fairfield Halls sits in the heart of Croydon.
Spaces inside the venue include its 809-seat Ashcroft Theatre, the world-class 1,802-seat Concert Hall, and The Recreational a 750-capacity standing live music venue. Additional studio space is available in the adjoining Cube Studio. As well as the main auditoriums, there are additional spaces and rooms that regularly accommodate local business events, conferences, exhibitions, meetings, consumer-led events, and attractions such as family gatherings and celebrations.
Companies in residence at Fairfield Halls include Talawa, and London Mozart Players.
Following a major refurbishment in 2019, the venue’s opening seasons included an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, performance, dance and family entertainment including an annual festive pantomime.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother opened the Fairfield Halls on Friday 2 November 1962. The inaugural concert in the Concert Hall was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent, with renowned soloist Yehudi Menuhin also performing.
The Ashcroft Theatre was opened on 5 November by Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft, with the opening ceremony including a monologue by Sir John Betjeman called ‘Local Girl Made Good’. The first play performed was Royal Gambit, starring Dulcie Gray.
The Arnhem Foyer is named after Croydon’s twin-town of Arnhem in the Netherlands.
Buy tickets
- Buy tickets online at fairfield.co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office at Fairfield Halls – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit fairfield.co.uk
Follow us on:
Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon
Instagram – @croydonfairfield