A trip to the panto is one of the festive season’s most magical traditions. But for some people, especially first-time theatre-goers, a trip to the theatre can feel just as overwhelming as it is exciting.
That’s why registered charity BH Live, which runs Fairfield Halls in partnership with Croydon Council, has teamed up with leading panto producers, UK Productions Ltd, to make sure this year’s pantomime is accessible to everyone.
This year, the captioned performance will take place on Monday 22 December 2025 at 2pm. Dialogue is displayed on a screen throughout the performance.
This performance may benefit those who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. A captioned performance may also be of benefit to those who are neurodivergent, have auditory processing conditions, or whose first language is not English.
On Friday 2 January 2026 at 2pm, Fairfield Halls will host a relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast.
At a relaxed performance, the theatre environment is sensitively adapted so that everyone can enjoy the magic of live theatre. Sound levels are lowered, the house lights are kept on, stage smoke is reduced, and people are welcome to move around or take a break away from the auditorium whenever they feel they need to.
These performances may benefit people who are neurodivergent, have learning difficulties or sensory communication disorders, or who find loud noises and bright lights difficult.
Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity BH Live, in partnership with Croydon Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said;
“Panto is such a special part of the festive season, and we want everyone to feel welcome to participate in that magic. A relaxed performance means more people, especially those who might find a traditional theatre setting challenging, can experience the joy, laughter, and spectacle of panto.”
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 Ltd, Martin Dodd, Managing Director, said;
“We’re absolutely delighted to be offering relaxed and captioned performances of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas. Panto is all about bringing people together for laughter, magic and festive fun — and these performances open up that wonderful world to even more audiences. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join the sparkle and share in the joy of this spectacular show.”
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.
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 can’t afford 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 all
- 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.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
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 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/
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
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Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon
Instagram – @croydonfairfield