For more than 20 years in partnership with UK Productions Ltd – the panto powerhouses behind some of the nation’s biggest theatrical spectacles – Bournemouth Pavilion has staged the town’s much-loved annual festive pantomime, a glittering highlight of the Christmas 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.
But behind every dazzling transformation scene and glittering ball gown lies a team of talented
craftspeople, and one woman at the creative helm is Liz, Head of Costume at UK Productions.
For over two decades, Liz has been the creative force behind the costumes that bring UK Productions’ shows to life. Based in Blackpool, the showbiz capital of the North, she leads a dedicated team responsible for designing, creating, maintaining and managing costumes for up to 50 productions every year.
We caught up with Liz to discover what life is really like behind the ‘seams’, from the glamour to the occasional wardrobe horror!
What’s a typical day like for you? What do you do? What are your responsibilities?
“For the last 22 years, I have run the costume department for UK Productions, designing and providing costumes for up to 50 shows a year. Our costume workshop has a fantastic team that packs, maintains, repairs and constructs costumes and headdresses, throughout the year.
“A typical day for me is juggling the many aspects of providing costumes. Designing costumes, advising and managing the staff, providing materials and equipment, communicating with the directors/producers and cast members, reading scripts and bringing everything together ahead of the many opening nights of theatre productions all over the country.”
What has your career journey been? Did you know you always wanted to work in theatre/showbiz?
“My passion for theatre comes from dancing and performing as a child along with being obsessed with period productions. I always wanted to have a practical career, and I was determined to do something I enjoyed.
“I left sixth form college to go to The London College of Fashion where I gained my Art and Design BTEC Diploma, specialising in Costume Design. I then did a degree in Costume Design at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
“As I trained, I worked for UK Productions in any spare time I had away from studies. After graduating I did some small-scale design projects and worked backstage in various touring wardrobe positions. Until the opportunity arose to join UK Productions full time.”
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
“I love fabric shopping; it’s a real bridge between the design and the making. Quite often this is the point when people think you’re crazy also, so it’s great when you trust your experience and see it all come to life.
“Overall, my job feels amazing when you’ve got it right. The cast member feels the part in your costume, when the director feels it enhances the story and when the producer wants to use you again.”
What’s your most memorable panto moment?
“Watching my son perform in one of my costumes as a lost boy in Peter Pan. He’s 6ft now, so there’s no way it would fit him, so when I come across it in the workshop, I do feel emotional!”
What’s your career highlight?
“Meeting and making good friends with so many talented and wonderful people. Theatre is such a wonderful environment to work in, and wardrobe gets to know everyone really well!”
This year, Bournemouth Pavilion’s glittering annual production is Cinderella. Produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions Ltd and written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this production brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle and, of course, glorious costumes.
Cinderella’s Fabulous Sisters alone have an equally fabulous wardrobe, with 20 dresses, 20 pairs of shoes, 20 wigs, a 10ft feather boa, a pair of handmade bespoke glittery shoes – 12 inches high! – and a 5kg make-up box.
This year’s production stars 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.
- 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 20+ 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 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.
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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 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 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