Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime returns this festive season with a magical new production of Beauty and the Beast, running from Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Produced by the panto powerhouses UK Productions Ltd and choreographed by Anthony Whiteman, this year’s show celebrates local talent, featuring Croydon-based dancers alongside seasoned professionals.
For many in the ensemble, performing on Fairfield Halls’ iconic stage is both a dream come true and a chance to inspire the next generation of performers. With rehearsals underway, the curtain is almost ready to go up!
Following auditions earlier in the year, children from Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy, based in South London and Kent, will join the cast as members of the ensemble – some have performed at Fairfield halls before. For others, this year marks their first step onto the iconic stage.
Founded in 1970 by Gloria Berry, Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy is one of the South East’s leading Performance and Dance Academies. Bright Sparks has provided quality training and all-round performance skills to children of all ages for decades.
Grace, a young performer at Bright Sparks, shared;
“I feel incredibly lucky to be performing at Fairfield in this year’s pantomime for my fourth year on this magical stage! It’s such a wonderful experience, and I love every moment from the vibrant costumes and fantastic cast to the music and dance routines that truly bring the show to life. It’s a joy to be part of something so special with my Bright Sparks Team.”
On behalf of Bright Sparks, founder Gloria Berry shared;
“We are absolutely thrilled to be supplying some of our juvenile performers for the fourth year with UK Productions Ltd. To have one of our Bright Sparks alumni, Shannon Kelly, also performing in this year’s ensemble is extra special. We love spending our festive season at Fairfield Halls.”
Shannon Kelly, who began her training at age two at Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy, returns to the venue where her own journey started.
“It feels so good to be returning to the venue that started it all for me, and to be performing in my hometown,” Shannon said. “It’s an honour to show young local children that a career in the performing arts is possible.”
Daniel James Greenway, a professional performer whose credits include Wicked, Legally Blonde, and last year’s Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, also joins the cast.
“I’m really excited to be returning to UK Productions this year. Pantomime has such a unique rhythm and energy. It keeps you on your toes in the best way, and the shared joy between the cast and audience is something I really treasure. I’ve been fortunate to perform in so many different styles and settings, but panto has a magic all of its own. I can’t wait to enjoy every moment on stage at Fairfield Halls.”
Beauty and the Beast marks the first professional production for debut performer Lily Clifton. Lily said:
“I’m so excited to be part of panto this year. Growing up, Christmas pantos were always my favourite thing to see. It’s full of fun and happy memories!”
From auditions to rehearsals, the cast have been working hard to bring Jon Monie’s script to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, sparkling costumes, and plenty of laughter.
Ellie Dadd (EastEnders) who is starring as leading lady, Belle, said;
“Playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls is such a dream! I love bringing this magical story to life, and it’s wonderful to perform alongside such a talented cast. There’s nothing like the joy and laughter of a Christmas panto and I can’t wait to share it with families in Croydon!”
Fairfield Halls’ annual pantomime has been produced by, UK Productions Ltd, for the past five years. Owned by Croydon Council and operated by local charity and social enterprise BH Live, Fairfield Halls continues to play a vital role in the borough’s cultural and economic life.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues shared;
“Each year, Fairfield Halls’ 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 over 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway. This festive season alone, the company will stage 11 pantomimes in theatres across the country, including this year’s magical Bournemouth Pavilion production of Cinderella.
On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said:
“As a company we stage 11 pantomimes across the country. We first produced pantomime in Croydon in 2022 with Peter Pan. To now be staging Beauty and the Beast with this stellar lineup is a 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 Beauty and the Beast at Fairfield Halls brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.
Leading the cast, Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC) enchants 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 sparkles as Fairy Bon Bon, Will Haswell charms as Hugo Pompidou, and Samuel John Taylor sweeps audiences off their feet as the dashing Prince.
Together, they cast bring fresh magic, laughter and warmth, making Beauty and the Beast the festive spectacular Croydon residents can’t afford to miss this Christmas.
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.
- Performances from Friday 12 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
- Captioned performance on Monday 22 December 2025 – open to everyone
- 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
For more information about 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, 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 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 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 Bright Sparkes Performers Theatre and Dance Academy
Founded in 1970 by Gloria Berry, Bright Sparks Performers Theatre and Dance Academy is one of the South East’s leading Performance and Dance Academies. Providing quality training and all-round performance skills to children of all ages.
We currently hold classes for children aged 2 to 18, offering training in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Commercial, Acrobatics, Acting Through Song, Musical Theatre, Drama and Singing. Over the 54 years that this wonderful school has been open, we have seen all our students go on to do amazing things within and outside the industry and we couldn’t be prouder.
Bright Sparks pupils have appeared in many West End shows as kids, with leading parts in musical such as The Wizard of Oz; Once; Fences; The Lion King; Les Misérables; Billy Elliot; Matilda; Nativity and national tours of The Sound of Music; Matilda and Annie. They have also appeared at many regional theatres in productions such as Aida; The Jungle Book; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; An Inspector Calls and Evita. So many of our wonderful graduates have continued on into the industry as adults, appearing in musicals such as Aladdin; The Book of Mormon; We Will Rock You with some even making it to Broadway!
Recent Television and Commercial credits include: Eastenders; Emmerdale; Hanna (Amazon); Aldi; Casualty; Holby City; Disney Junior; M.I. High; Cartoonito; Five Days; Call the Midwife; First Choice; Asda; John Lewis; McDonalds and British Airways to name but a few.
Previous and current pupils have also had considerable success in feature films such as Nativity; Love Actually; The Boat That Rocked; Les Misérables and Nanny McPhee.
Over the past 30 years we have been fortunate to supply the pantomime babes for some of London and the South East’s top theatres including The Hammersmith Apollo, Fairfield Halls, The Shaw Theatre, The Orchard Theatre, The Churchill Theatre, The Hawth, The Hackney Empire, The Assembly Halls, The London Palladium and London O2 Arena.
We have been lucky to have quite a few of our students go onto continue their training at the top Musical Theatre and Dance Colleges in the country, such as Bird College, Performers, Laine Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre, Urdang Academy, ArtsEd, The Brit School and Wilkes Academy.
We are thrilled to be returning once again to Fairfield Halls for this year’s panto Beauty and the Beast.
If you love performing you too could be a Bright Spark. For more information visit our social media pages or email info@brightsparksdance.com
Follow us on Instagram – @Brightsparksperformersx