Bournemouth Pavilion’s annual pantomime returns this festive season with a dazzling new production of Cinderella, running from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Produced by the panto powerhouses UK Productions Ltd and choreographed by David Allwood, this year’s show shines an extra spotlight on local talent, with dancers from the Bournemouth area starring alongside seasoned professionals.
For many in the ensemble, performing on Bournemouth Pavilion’s historic stage is both a dream come true and a proud celebration of their hard work, and with rehearsals underway, the curtain is almost ready to go up!
Following auditions earlier in the year, young performers from The Stage Door School of Dance based in Bournemouth and Steppin’ Out Academy based in Poole will join the cast as members of the ensemble. For some, this year marks their first step onto a theatre stage.
Established in 1971, The Stage Door School of Dance has been supporting students to step into the world of performance for decades. Previous students have worked all over the world on cruise ships, theatre productions, Film and TV.
Julie Headford, Director at The Stage Door School of Dance, shared;
“Performing in Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomime is a wonderful opportunity for our young performers. Some are even following in their mothers’ footsteps, as they used to be Pantomime Juveniles themselves! Being able to nurture their talent alongside professional performers is a unique experience, and the friendships and special memories they make during this time will stay with them forever.”
In the adult ensemble and returning to the Bournemouth Pavilion for her third consecutive pantomime, professional dancer Jessie Adams said;
“Returning to UK Productions for my third-year running is an absolute honour. They’re such a lovely, supportive company to work for, and I always know every year is going to be as good as the last,” said Jessie. “My experience within the Bournemouth community during panto season is nothing but pure joy, with constant fun and supportive audiences.”
Zack Godfrey, currently completing his final year at Emil Dale Academy, will make his professional debut in Cinderella.
“From dancing around the living room in my mum’s sparkly heels to strutting my stuff on the Pavilion stage, I’ve been prepping for this year’s Cinderella longer than I thought!” said Zack. “It’s an incredible feeling to start my professional journey here.”
Fellow ensemble member Liam Wetherell, who has performed in multiple UK Productions Ltd pantomimes across the UK, spoke about what makes the genre so special:
“Panto is such a magical experience. You really get to throw yourself into multiple characters and have fun throughout the whole process,” he said. “My favourite moment is opening night — I love the buzz of the cast waiting behind the curtain, ready to make their first entrance.”
From auditions, content days, and script readings, the cast have come together over the last few weeks to fine-tune this year’s production of Cinderella.
Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), who is playing the role of Fairy Godmother, said;
“All the hard work pays off when we finally get together and the script comes to life! It’s a joy to be with the whole ensemble, and we can’t wait to bring the panto magic to Bournemouth Pavilion audiences!”
For nearly a century, Bournemouth Pavilion has stood at the heart of the town’s cultural landscape. Since its first pantomime, Dick Whittington, in 1934, the venue has continued its festive tradition, delighting generations of theatre-goers. For over 20 years, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomimes have been brought to life by UK Productions Ltd, renowned for their large-scale musicals and family entertainment.
On behalf of BH Live, who operate Bournemouth Pavilion on behalf of BCP Council, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said:
“Each year, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomime brings together professional performers and emerging local talent to create something truly magical. In partnership with UK Productions, we’re incredibly proud to give young performers from the local community and beyond the chance to be part of a professional production. Their energy and enthusiasm really capture the spirit of the show and the festive season.”
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, Producer Martin Dodd said:
“As a company, we stage 11 pantomimes across the country. We first produced pantomime in Bournemouth in 2001 with Dick Whittington and now staging Cinderella with a stellar line up is testament to the local, national and high profile talent we can secure and work with. On behalf of everyone involved at UKP, we can’t wait for the curtain to go up!”
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this year’s production of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.
Starring Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!), Bournemouth’s favourite funny man, Noel Brodie, West End star Jack Wilcox, and The Fabulous Sisters, Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, together they’ll bring this enchanting rags-to-riches tale to life, complete with comedy, music, magic and, of course, a sprinkling of fairy dust.
Cinderella tickets start from just £19 for selected performances. Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. This is one fairytale that won’t wait until midnight!
From curtain-up to the final bow, Cinderella promises pure magic, perfect for families, friends, and fairytale fans of all ages.
Tickets are on sale now at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
This year’s panto highlights include:
- Performances from Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
- A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region including singers and dancers.
- Captioned performance on Sunday 14 December 2025 – open to everyone.
- A relaxed performance on Tuesday 16 December 2025, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience.
- Ice creams for school groups of 30+ plus a limited number of funded tickets for pupils on low income, thanks to the generosity of previous panto audiences (T&Cs apply).
- Group rates available (10+, 20+, 30+).
- Concessions for under 16s on selected performances.
- School performances Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 December 2025.
For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools), contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk
More information about Bournemouth Pavilion can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
More information about UK Productions Ltd can be found online 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.
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
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, dances and fashion shows. 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 bournemouthpavilion.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.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion
About The Stage School of Dance
PATRON: CHRIS JARVIS | Children’s TV Presenter
The Stage Door School of Dance was established in 1971 by Maureen Headford and, together with her daughter Julie, the school continues to offer committed and dedicated training to their students. Maureen worked both in the theatre and TV in her youth and now, as a Fellow and Major Examiner for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, travels and examines worldwide. Julie, a former professional dancer, is also a Fellow and Deputy Lead Examiner (Vocational Tap) for the ISTD, making the school the only one in the area to have two Examiners as their teaching staff.
Children can start from the age of three years with their dancing developing into a structured training in the main dance genres of Ballet, Tap and Modern, with the opportunities to also explore Jazz and Musical Theatre. Whether just for enjoyment or with a view to making theatre skills part of their career choice, the students are guided through an examination programme with opportunities for performance. Over the years this has included performances on the West End stage, summer seasons at the BIC and the Pier Theatre and providing a choir for Elf the Musical at the BIC. All this as well as the wonderful experience of performing alongside the stars of this year’s pantomime.
At the Stage Door, we are supported by a team of qualified staff. Felicity Mullins organises our Musical Theatre Company, who presented Into the Spotlight, a musical revue, at The Factory Space in June and who are already busy rehearsing for their next event. Zoe Jeffries teaches our young children in our Sopley Branch. These wonderful teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and entertainment expertise into the school.
Previous students have worked all over the world on cruise ships, theatre productions, Film and TV. We are so proud of all our former students, currently Aden Dzuda is performing in the West End show, MJ The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre. Many others have opened their own dance and theatre schools across the UK, Europe and Australia. It is wonderful to reflect on the many young people whose lives we have influenced by turning their dreams into reality.
We are thrilled to announce that this year is the 51st year the Stage Door School of Dance has been training and providing juveniles for the professional Pantomimes. We are so pleased to welcome back students from Steppin’ Out Academy to join us for this year’s production and thank another of our former students, Angela Taylor, for her support. We would all like to thank UK Productions for this opportunity and sincerely hope all our performers enjoy this wonderful experience.
If you would like more information about joining dance with us in Bournemouth or Angela Taylor in Hamworthy, please visit our websites at:
www.stagedoordance.co.uk Phone 01202 291497 | www.steppinoutacademy.co.uk Phone 01202 667893 or find us on Facebook/Instagram
We would love to be able to help more young people develop their talents and fulfil their dreams!