Following a spectacular first week of performances, Cinderella pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion has continued to charm audiences and critics alike, with a new wave of glowing reviews celebrating the production’s humour, heart, and festive magic.
Following a spectacular first week of performances, Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion has firmly established itself as one of the standout pantomimes of the festive season, delighting audiences and critics alike with its polish, warmth and theatrical excellence.
Audiences, including families, schools and theatre-goers from across the region, have been flocking to the Pavilion, with overwhelming praise for the production’s exceptional values and traditional panto spirit. From the dazzling costumes and high-energy choreography to the strength of the performances and the show’s confident storytelling, Cinderella is being celebrated as a festive experience delivered with real craft and flair.
“The show has it all – a great storyline with a few twists thrown in, a strong cast , impressive sets, flamboyant costumes, impeccable vocals and clean choreography, and of course, plenty of witty jokes.”
BH Living“Exactly what you’d had hoped for from a festive family night out – big laughs, dazzling costumes, catchy musical numbers and enough audience participation to keep everyone happy from toddlers to grandparents entertained.”
Blackmore Vale Magazine“Brimming with glitter, giggles, and jaw-dropping moments, this truly is Bournemouth’s ultimate family pantomime – where fairytale dreams sparkle into life. From the dazzling ballroom scenes to the enchanting midnight transformation, every second is filled with wonder. Dreams really do come true at the Pavilion this year!”
BCP Mumbler“Super fun, full of sparkle, and packed with those laugh-out-loud moments that get both the kids and us grown-ups giggling in equal measure.”
Everything Mummy
The cast continues to receive exceptional acclaim, anchored by a series of standout, crowd-pleasing performances that have quickly become highlights of the production. Melanie Walters (BBC’s Gavin & Stacey) brings “warmth, sparkle and genuine emotional depth” to the role of the Fairy Godmother, enchanting audiences with a performance that balances magical mischief with heartfelt charm, and earning some of the loudest applause of the night.
In the title role, Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) “shines with confidence and charisma, delivering a bright, engaging performance” that places Cinderella firmly at the heart of the story. Her stage presence, vocal strength and infectious energy have resonated strongly with audiences of all ages, making her a compelling and relatable leading lady.
Noel Brodie continues to win hearts night after night as a “warm, lovable and perfectly pitched Buttons”, bringing humour, sincerity and effortless audience connection to the role. Completing the line-up, comedy duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph – The Fabulous Sisters – have been repeatedly singled out for their “razor-sharp timing, lightning-fast wit and fearless commitment to classic panto comedy”, delivering scene-stealing moments that send laughter rippling through the auditorium and cement their status as true panto crowd favourites.
With word of mouth growing fast, reviews continuing to build and fewer than 30 performances remaining, demand for tickets is increasing. Prices start from just £19 for selected performances, and early booking is strongly advised to secure the best available seats.
From the iconic transformation scene to the joy-filled final bow, Cinderella continues to deliver a magical, high-quality theatrical experience, perfect for families, friends and fairytale fans of all ages.
From curtain-up to final applause, Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion promises pure festive magic. Performances run through to Sunday 4 January 2026, with tickets available at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk or from the box office.
Group rates remain available for bookings of 10+, 20+ and 30+, making it the perfect choice for families and friends looking to enjoy festive theatre together and save. Concessions for under-16s are also available on selected performances.
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions, Cinderella brings this beloved rags-to-riches fairytale vividly to life on the Pavilion stage.
More information about Bournemouth Pavilion is available at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk, with further details about UK Productions Ltd at ukproductions.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, Croydon Council, and Southampton City 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.
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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 Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, and dances. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
Bournemouth Pavilion is home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- Buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
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Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion