After last year’s sensational Christmas festive hit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, pantomime returns to Fairfield Halls with a ROAR – and one cast member leading the charge is none other than the unstoppable Jamie Steen, making a triumphant return to the Croydon stage to star in Beauty and the Beast – a glittering family extravaganza running from Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Fairfield Halls has unveiled its 2025 pantomime – a spectacular new production of Beauty and the Beast – and it’s already lined up to be the must-see Croydon event of the festive season – ticket sales are already breaking records!
Rising TV star and EastEnders favourite, Ellie Dadd, will be stepping into the iconic role of Belle. With a magnetic stage presence, Ellie brings a fresh take to the beloved fairy tale heroine – fearless, funny, and full of heart that promises to enchant audiences young and old. With a list of high-profile credits to her name, she is the perfect leading lady to bring this timeless tale to life.
Now, joining Ellie will be ‘pantomime legend’, Jamie Steen, who returns to Fairfield Halls following a triumphant performance in last year’s smash-hit production. With over 30 years of panto experience, Jamie has become a beloved fixture in UK theatre, performing alongside icons like Su Pollard, Rachel Stevens, and Camilla Dallerup. Jamie is known nationwide for his razor-sharp comedy, infectious energy and crowd-pleasing performances that have made him a favourite with families up and down the country.
Jamie Steen said:
“Coming back to Fairfield Halls feels like coming home. The audience last year was phenomenal – the atmosphere, the energy – it was something special, and I can’t wait. This year’s production is going to be even bigger. I’ve seen what’s planned behind the scenes, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most exciting pantos I’ve ever been a part of.”
This year, Jamie brings his larger-than-life alter ego Polly La Plonk to the stage. Expect outrageous outfits, traditional festive mischief, and laugh-out-loud moments for audiences of all ages.
Back by huge public demand is Fairfield Halls’ very own ‘King of Christmas’ Charlie Guest as the side-splitting Louis La Plonk, marking his third consecutive year lighting up the stage. Known for his infectious energy and comic timing, Charlie promises another show-stealing turn that audiences won’t forget.
This year’s show is written by Jon Monie, one of the UK’s most celebrated pantomime writers, whose award-winning scripts have delighted audiences across the country. Direction and choreography come courtesy of the dynamic duo Sarah Redmond and Anthony Whiteman, whose previous hits include Aladdin, Peter Pan, and last year’s Snow White, which earned national acclaim.
Martin Dodd, Producer at UK Productions, said:
“This cast is exceptional. Ellie has a real star quality that lights up the stage, and having Jamie back is a huge win for us and Croydon audiences – he’s a true panto pro. The entire company is packed with talent, and they’re supported by an incredible backstage team. The level of detail, creativity and quality being poured into this production is extraordinary. The sets, the lighting, the choreography, the music – everything is being elevated. It’s going to be unforgettable.”
The creative team behind this year’s show are pulling out all the stops to deliver a West End-worthy experience for audiences in Croydon. From newly designed lavish sets and show-stopping costumes to beautifully crafted lighting and spectacular special effects, this Beauty and the Beastis set to be the most visually striking pantomime Fairfield Halls has ever staged.
Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
Steve Turner, Director of Venues at BH Live, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome Jamie back to Fairfield Halls! Panto is an unforgettable festive experience for visitors of all ages, and a highlight in our theatre’s calendar. Our pantomime producer, UK Productions, has secured another fantastic cast for this year’s festive spectacular. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to Fairfield.”
UK Productions and Fairfield Halls made national headlines this year when actress Mia Overfield won Best Lead in a Pantomime at the 2025 UK Pantomime Awards – a first for the venue and a proud moment for Croydon. The buzz is back, and expectations are sky-high.
This is pantomime as it should be: bold, brilliant, bursting with fun, and filled with festive heart. A magical story told with stunning visuals, a talented cast, and all the traditional panto trimmings – from outrageous costumes and slapstick laughs to enchanting romance and classic audience participation – Croydon we are giving you it ALL!
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-BOOK.
You’re not going to want to miss this Christmas treat – it’s a magical experience for all ages, and it’s got to be number one on Santa’s list this year.
- Concessions for under 16s on selected performances
- Accessible relaxed performance on Friday 2 January 2026 – open to all
- Dedicated school performances – free ice cream for school groups of 20+
- Concessions on group bookings 10+, 20+ and 30+ people
- More exciting casting announcements coming soon!
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
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Jamie Steen – Cast Bio
Some of Jamie’s theatre credits include Mother Goose the Musical (UK tour); Dixieland Minstrel Show (UK tour); Summer Spectacular (Spa Theatre, Scarborough); Magic of the Musicals (UK tour); David Essex Gala Ball (Hilton Hotels); We’ll Meet Again (UK tour); Rock Through The Ages (UK tour); Memories and Melodies (Spa Theatre, Bridlington); Decades (UK tour); Friday Night Is Variety Night (Pavilion, Whitby); The Good Old Days (UK tour); Shall We Dance (UK tour); Searching (Sevenoaks Festival); We’ll Meet Again -Diamond Jubilee Show (UK tour); The Magic of Eurovision (Holland tour); We’ll Meet Again – Hits from the Blitz (UK tour); Forever in Blue Jeans (UK tour); Santa’s Magical Candy Workshop (Butlins); Circus Spectacular (M and S Bank Arena, Liverpool); Wizard of Oz (Princess Alexander Auditorium) and Wizard of Oz (Swansea Grand Theatre).
Film and TV Credits include: Joey in Happy Campers; Cadbury’s advert; Panto Day (Documentary); Ugly Sister in See and Hear; Pontins Holiday’s advert. Jamie played the role of Dennis in the film Prawn, which was a contender in the UK Directors’ 48 hour challenge and screened at BAFTA.
No stranger to pantomime, this is Jamie’s 32nd year of appearing in Pantoland, one of his great loves. He has played almost every role from Comic and Dame to Principle boy and Ugly Sister in theatres all over the country. A few highlights include Idle Jack in Dick Whittington; Silly Billy in Goldilocks; Wishee Washee in Aladdin; Man Friday in Robinson Crusoe; Granny Hood in Red Riding Hood; Sarah The Cook in Dick Whittington; Beast in Beauty and the Beast; Prince in Snow White; Buttons in Cinderella; Widow Twankey in Aladdin and Mother Goose.
For 6 years Jamie would have been seen terrifying audiences across the country as one half of the horrible Ugly Sisters in Cinderella and has previously appeared at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, alongside CBBC’s Kirsten O’Brien; The Civic, Aylesbury, with comedy legend Bernie Clifton; The Assembly Rooms, Derby alongside Neil Morrissey and Loose Women’s Kelle Bryan; The Playhouse, Weston Super Mare with Coronation Street’s Sean Wilson; The Playhouse, Epsom and at The Oakengates Theatre, Telford with Strictly Come Dancing’s Camilla Dallerup; and then Nurse Katy Coughdrop in Sleeping Beauty at Broadway Theatre, Catford alongside Eastenders’ and Hollyoaks’ Richard Blackwood
In 2014 Jamie joined the UK Productions family, playing dame in the role of Nursie in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl alongside Ruth Madoc. He continued the role of Nursie in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool in 2015 alongside the legendary Su Pollard and Dancing on Ice star Dan Whiston. 2016 saw Jamie and Su together once again but this time at the Assembly Halls, Tunbridge Wells. In 2017 Jamie traded the poison apple for a beanstalk, when he appeared as Dame Trott at Bournemouth Pavilion alongside S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens in Jack and the Beanstalk. In 2018 Jamie appeared at the Anvil theatre, Basingstoke alongside Dani Harmer (CBBC’s Tracy Beaker) in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In 2019 he then went on an 8 month tour of Sleeping Beauty playing Queen Camilla for Butlins, followed by playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin at the Festival Theatre, Malvern with Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis. 2021 took him to the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool as The Queen in Sleeping Beauty with Gareth Gates and then back to the Grand Theatre, Blackpool in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with the Coronation Street legend Vicky Entwistle. In 2022 and 2023 Jamie was back at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth in Beauty and the Beast as Polly La Plonk with Eastenders Emma Barton and Dame Dilly Donut in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Jamie is thrilled to be back at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon after a wonderful season last year as Dame Dilly in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and can’t wait to spend Christmas with the fabulous audiences of Croydon once again.
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
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.
UKP are 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/