BH Live, the charity that operates Fairfield Halls in Croydon, is celebrating thousands of visits to its recent star-studded pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
As well as being another festive smash hit for the theatre, with overwhelmingly positive reviews; generous show goers also generously donated thousands of pounds to the charity’s outreach fund.
This will be used to enable less privileged children (who benefit from pupil premium provision) to access theatrical and cultural experiences, including this year’s festive pantomime, Cinderella.
Last year, Fairfield Halls outreach fund was distributed via local schools to provide funded pantomime tickets for less privileged pupils. Furthermore, thanks to BH Live’s access and concessionary schemes, thousands of people were also able to experience the show at a discounted rate.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;
“A visit to the panto is often a child’s first experience of live theatre, and it can leave a lasting impression. That’s why, thanks to generous donations from our customers to our outreach fund, we can partner with local schools to provide panto places for less privileged pupils.
“Our aim is to ensure every child can share in the excitement when their class attends a show. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters this year, we’re delighted to be able to make that happen once again and extend our reach further.”
But the excitement doesn’t end here, as Fairfield Halls gears up for another glittering pantomime spectacular – Cinderella!
Bursting with sparkle, laughter and spectacular surprises, this is Croydon’s No.1 family pantomime – the show where dreams really do come true.
From the glittering ballroom to the magical midnight transformation, every moment shines with wonder. Make this Christmas unforgettable and share the magic of Cinderella with the ones you love – because no family celebration is complete without a little panto magic. This is the Christmas event Croydon has been waiting for!
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime will once again be produced by UK Productions Ltd, one of the country’s leading producers of musical theatre and pantomime nationally and internationally.
On behalf of UK Productions, Martin Dodd added;
“It’s wonderful that together with BH Live and its team at Fairfield Halls we are able to introduce so many school children to the theatre. Pantomime is a great British tradition, and the fact that this is coupled with audience generosity, to make even more theatre accessible to less privileged school children is really special – we can’t wait for Cinderella to take to the stage!”
A captioned performance* is scheduled for Monday 21 December 2026. A relaxed performance** is scheduled for Wednesday 30 December 2026, with bookings for schools*** and groups performances also available.
Tickets to the most magical night of the year is just one slippered step away! Visit fairfield.co.uk for more information, or contact Group Sales at groupsales@bhlive.org.uk for more information about group bookings and concessions.
Funded places through the outreach scheme are limited – contact schools@bhlive.org.uk to find out more.
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:
*A captioned 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.
**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.
***School performances for the 2025/2026 production of Cinderella are Friday 11 Dec 2026 (10:30am) Tuesday 15 Dec 2026 (10am & 1:30pm), Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 (10am & 1:30pm) tickets are £19 each when booked and paid for before 30 September 2026.
About Beauty and the Beast
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by UK Productions, from opulent costumes, electrifying choreography, and meticulously crafted sets, Beauty and the Beast immediately established itself as one of the standout pantomime productions of the year.
Leading the cast, Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC) enchanted 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 sparkled as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell charmed as Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor swept audiences off their feet as the dashing Prince.
Audiences praised not only the scale of the spectacle but the confidence, polish, and precision with which it was delivered. The production was an immersive theatrical experience that felt bold, joyful and expertly made.
Audiences praised not only the scale of the spectacle but the confidence, polish, and precision with which it was delivered. The production was an immersive theatrical experience that felt bold, joyful and expertly made.
“Director Sarah Redmond packs this production with surprising special effects, lots of effective comedy and powerhouse vocals.”
The Stage (4* review)
“Funny, poignant, charming, entertaining – it’s a performance that has everything and there’s never a single dull moment in the show.”
Croydon Advertiser
“This panto telling has a much more classic feel, with intricate costumes and beautiful sets with a sprinkling of special effects to boot.”
Croydonist
“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
The cast received exceptional acclaim throughout the production’s run, anchored by a series of standout, crowd-pleasing performances that have quickly become highlights of the production. Ellie Dadd (BBC’s EastEnders) performance as Belle was singled out for its “strength, warmth and stage presence”. Comedy favourites Jamie Steen (Polly La Plonk) and Charlie Guest (Louis La Plonk) were commended for their “razor-sharp timing and classic panto brilliance”, delivering big laughs from audiences.
The supporting cast further elevated the production, with West End star Sorelle Marsh delivering a “glittering, assured performance” as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell brought charm and nuance to Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor made an “impressive panto debut” as the dashing Prince, earning warm audience response throughout.
Beauty and the Beast offered far more than entertainment; it was the first introduction to pantomime for many families and young people. With relaxed, captioned, and school-specific performances, the production ensured that everyone had the chance to experience its magic.
UK Productions, who produce Bournemouth Pavilion’s seasonal panto, is one of the country’s leading producers of musical theatre and pantomime both nationally and internationally.
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 2026/27 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.