This weekend, the festive panto season officially got underway at Fairfield Halls as Beauty and the Beast burst onto the stage to delight audiences.
The opening performances drew packed houses and rave reactions, with families enjoying dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, and plenty of traditional panto fun. From the first “He’s behind you!” to the final curtain call, the theatre was filled with laughter, music, and festive cheer.
Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC) dazzled as leading lady Belle, while comedy favourites Jamie Steen and Charlie Guest brought the house down with plucky jokes and traditional panto mischief as Polly La Plonk and Louis La Plonk. West-End star Sorelle Marsh sparkled as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell charmed as Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor swept audiences off their feet as the dashing prince.
“Director Sarah Redmond packs this production with surprising special effects, lots of effective comedy and powerhouse vocals.”
The Stage (4* review)
“For a joyful family afternoon filled with laughter, magic and a much-loved fairytale, Beauty and the Beast at Croydon is a perfect festive treat.”
The Theatre Flyer
“With all the traditional panto fun this is one for the whole family. Highly recommended!”
Sue Swallow Actor
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions, this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls brings this much-loved classic to life.
Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC), who plays Belle in this year’s pantomime, shared;
“Kicking off the panto season at Fairfield Halls has been an absolute delight! The laughter, the energy, and the warmth from our audiences have made these first performances truly special. It’s a privilege to share the stage with such a talented cast, supported by an incredible backstage team who bring every moment of magic to life.”
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.
Martin Dodd, Producer for UK Productions, said:
“The response to Beauty and the Beast this opening weekend has been phenomenal. The cast light up that stage, bringing such energy, humour and heart that the magic in the auditorium is undeniable. We’re incredibly proud of this production, and audiences are already snapping up tickets. If you’re planning a festive trip to the theatre, make sure Beauty and the Beast is at the top of your list — it’s proving to be a real Christmas standout.”
Together, the cast of Beauty and the Beast bring fresh magic, laughter and warmth, a 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 run until 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
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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, 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.
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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