Fairfield Halls, Croydon’s go-to panto venue, is celebrating another spellbinding panto production with Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
Produced by UK Productions, the show captivated thousands of people across its four-week run, bringing belly laughs, jaw-dropping moments, and thunderous applause from audiences of all ages.
Headlined by EastEnders, Biff and Chip, and Casualty favourite Kellie Shirley, who commanded the stage as the Wicked Queen, the production received rave reviews for its dazzling spectacle, pitch-perfect performances, and spellbinding story.
“We felt like we were part of the show!”
“The singing, costumes, and characters were 10/10.”
Rising star Mia Overfield enchanted as ‘Snow White,’ while comedy powerhouses Jamie Steen as ‘Dame Dilly Donut’ and Charlie Guest as ‘Muddles’ had audiences doubled over with laughter.
For Kellie Shirley, this year’s panto was a return to her theatrical roots. Kellie said;
“I first fell in love with acting at a panto at Fairfield Halls as a child, so coming back full circle has been extraordinary. Panto is where the magic begins for so many kids, and it’s such an honour to help create those moments.”
The production has also earned a prestigious nomination for an Offie Award, which recognises outstanding contribution to excellence, innovation, and ingenuity at independent off West End theatres across London. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony for finalists later this spring.
From relaxed and captioned performances to special school shows, BH Live – a registered charity and social enterprise that operates the venue in partnership with Croydon Council – offered over 1,100 concessionary tickets and 300 companion passes, encouraging more visitors to enjoy the magic of live theatre.
Thanks to audience generosity, the Fairfield Halls team collected more than £3,000 during panto performances – which will be used to fund free panto tickets for pupil premium students at this year’s panto performance – Beauty & the Beast.
Steve Turner, BH Live’s Director of Venues, said:
“Pantomime isn’t just a show—it’s an experience. It’s the spark that ignites a love of theatre, and we’re thrilled that so many families joined us this year. Next year, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure Beauty & the Beast is the biggest and best yet!”
Martin Dodd, Producer, UK Productions, said:
“We are delighted to have continued our partnership with BH Live to produce and stage another fantastic pantomime that delighted and inspired thousands. Fairfield Halls is fast becoming a beacon for top-quality pantomime, and this year’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs was no exception.
“From a stellar cast to the breathtaking production values, it’s been a joy to see audiences of all ages laughing, cheering, and completely swept up in the magic. Fairfield Halls is where traditions are made and memories are created, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an extraordinary legacy.”
2025: The Beast is Coming – Grab the VERY BEST SEATS!
Fairfield Halls’ annual panto will return with Beauty & the Beast from 12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026. Promising a spectacular show packed with great talent, incredible production values, and laugh-out-loud fun, tickets are already on sale with a discounted Early bird offer until 31 January 2025.
For tickets, group bookings, and information on pupil premium funding, visit fairfield.co.uk or email groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.
More information on 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 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, X – @BHLIVE_UK | 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 John Whitgift Community Cube which is also home to a vibrant café open daily serving food and drink. 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
X – @Fairfield_Halls
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 also 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.