For five years in partnership with UK Productions Ltd – the panto powerhouses behind some of the nation’s biggest theatrical spectacles – Fairfield Halls 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 Fairfield Halls production of Beauty and the Beast.
But behind every dazzling transformation scene and glittering b
all 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, Fairfield Halls’ glittering annual production is Beauty and the Beast. 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, glorious costumes and plenty of sparkle.
Beauty and the Beast’s wardrobe alone consist of 130 costumes, 40 pairs of shoes, and more than 50 accessories such as masks, hats, and wigs! Over 80m of fabric is used to make just one set of the ensemble’s costumes.
This year’s production stars Ellie Dadd (EastEnders, BBC), dazzling as the enchanting Belle. 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.
Joining them is West End leading lady Sorelle Marsh, who will sprinkle star power and sparkle as the glittering Fairy Bon Bon. Will Haswell brings charm, wit and a twinkle in his eye as the loveable Hugo Pompidou, sure to keep audiences laughing with his smooth humour and playful antics. Rising star Samuel John Taylor adds romance, heart and fairytale wonder as the dashing Prince, ready to sweep audiences into a world of enchantment.
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
• 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 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.
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
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Instagram – @croydonfairfield
X – @Fairfield_Halls