As Beauty and the Beast continues its festive run at Fairfield Halls, schools and group audiences have been delivering glowing feedback, praising the production for its energy and unforgettable panto magic.
Following a strong first week of performances, teachers, pupils, and community organisations from across London and the local community have been flocking to Fairfield Halls, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Many have highlighted the dazzling costumes, lively choreography, and warm, traditional panto spirit that make Beauty and the Beast a perfect shared festive experience.
“The children had an amazing time at the Beauty and the Beast Pantomime – our third panto at Fairfield Halls – we can’t wait to see Cinderella next year!”
360 Centre, Fairchildes Primary School
“We absolutely loved Beauty and the Beast – what a fantastic way to start our Christmas celebrations. Also, a huge thank you to the staff, who were super helpful and friendly. We have already booked for next year!’
Seaton House School
“A huge hit with both the children and staff – thank you, Fairfield Halls!”
St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery
“We all had an amazing time, great fun for all of us!”
Winterbourne Nursey & Infant School
At the heart of the show is a powerhouse cast, led by Ellie Dadd (BBC’s EastEnders), whose performance as Belle has been singled out for its “strength, warmth and stage presence”. Comedy favourites Jamie Steen (Polly La Plonk) and Charlie Guest (Louis La Plonk) bring “razor-sharp timing and classic panto brilliance”, delivering big laughs while anchoring the show firmly in beloved pantomime tradition.
The supporting cast further elevates the production, with West End star Sorelle Marsh delivering a “glittering, assured performance” as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell bringing charm and nuance to Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor making an “impressive panto debut” as the dashing Prince, earning warm audience response throughout.
With critical buzz building, word-of-mouth spreading rapidly and fewer than 30 performances remaining, demand for tickets continues to grow. Early booking is strongly recommended to secure the best available seats.
From its breathtaking transformation scene to its exhilarating final curtain call, Beauty and the Beast delivers a high-quality, joy-filled theatrical experience, combining festive fun with genuine craft and ambition.
This Christmas, Fairfield Halls isn’t just hosting a pantomime – it’s presenting a theatrical event of exceptional quality.
- Performances run until Sunday 4 January 2026
- Accessible relaxed performance on Friday 2 January 2026 – open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience.
- Group rates are still available for groups of 10+, 20+ and 30+ – great for families and friends who want to club together and enjoy great savings. Book online now. There are also concessions for under 16s on selected performances
Schools and groups can also now register their interest for next year’s pantomime, Cinderella, with dedicated school performances and group rates available. A limited number of funded tickets for pupils on low income are also available. Early enquiries are encouraged to secure preferred dates.
For more information about group rates, contact groupsales@bhlive.org.uk
Tickets are selling online at fairfield.co.uk and from the box office – see website for opening times.
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.
For more information about UK Productions Ltd, visit 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.
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
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.