The countdown is officially on… with fewer than 100 sleeps until the curtain rises, Croydon is set to be swept away by a festive spectacular like no other – Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls!
This year, UK Productions Ltd. are pulling out all the stops to deliver what promises to be the most dazzling pantomime Fairfield Halls has ever seen. With West End-calibre production values, jaw-dropping choreography, glittering costumes, and spectacular special effects, Beauty and the Beast will transform Croydon into a world of magic and wonder this Christmas.
To kick off the celebrations in true showbiz style, three of the pantomime’s brightest stars – Ellie Dadd (EastEnders), the outrageously funny Charlie Guest, and Croydon’s very own panto favourite Jamie Steen – lit up Fairfield Halls with a dazzling festive photocall that had crowds buzzing. Fans turned out in force, with excitement spilling onto the streets as the trio’s arrival sent the atmosphere sky-high.
And the magic didn’t end there. The launch day itself was nothing short of spectacular, as cast members brought Croydon town centre to a complete standstill. It was a moment of pure pantomime magic – unforgettable, unmissable, and a taste of the festive fever that’s already sweeping the community. With such a glittering start, the countdown to opening night has never felt more electric.
The message is clear: this is the show everyone will be talking about – and you don’t want to miss it.
With lavishly designed new sets, lighting to rival the West End, and a creative team at the very top of their game, this isn’t just a pantomime – it’s a theatrical event of epic proportions. Schools’ performances are already close to selling out, and tickets for daytime, matinee, and evening shows are disappearing fast. Families are urged to book now to guarantee the best seats in the house for what is shaping up to be the Christmas show of the year.
UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said:
“This is pantomime on a scale Croydon has never seen before. Beauty and the Beast is going to be truly spectacular – breathtaking sets, stunning costumes, sensational choreography, and of course a phenomenal cast. We’re talking West End quality right here at Fairfield Halls. This isn’t just a panto – it’s a Christmas event, a magical celebration for the whole family. If you see one show this festive season, make it this one.”
EastEnders star Ellie Dadd is set to dazzle as Belle, calling the role “every girl’s dream” and sharing how magical it feels to bring families together with laughter so close to home. She’s joined by Croydon’s very own ‘King of Christmas’ Charlie Guest, back for a third triumphant year as Louis La Plonk, bringing his trademark energy, quick wit, and show-stealing comedy to the stage once again.
Rounding out the trio is panto powerhouse Jamie Steen, returning as the outrageous Polly La Plonk, whose larger-than-life costumes and mischievous humour guarantee laughs for all ages.
Ellie Dadd said:
“Being able to play a princess is every girl’s dream, and I can’t wait to bring Belle to life. I loved every second of doing panto last year – it’s a joy seeing families light up with laughter. This production feels extra special, and being so close to home makes it even more magical.”
Backed by the genius of award-winning writer Jon Monie, direction from Sarah Redmond, and choreography from Anthony Whiteman (the powerhouse duo behind previous hits Aladdin, Peter Pan and Snow White), this production is set to sparkle brighter than ever.
Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
Nicola Coney, Entertainment and Events Manager at BH Live, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome this dazzling cast and production team back to Fairfield Halls. Pantomime is such a treasured tradition for our audiences. This year’s show promises to be another joyful, high-energy celebration of theatre and family fun. We’re particularly proud to continue offering relaxed performances and concessions to ensure the magic of live performance reaches as many people as possible.”
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.
- 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
Instagram – @croydonfairfield
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Full casting biographies, headshots, and the latest panto news can be found at Fairfield Halls’ online media pack.
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 and Croydon 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 Ltd
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
Follow us on:
Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon
Instagram – @croydonfairfield