Fairfield Halls has revealed that the talented Rachel Grundy will star as Cinderella in this year’s spectacular festive pantomime, joining a stellar line-up for what promises to be one of the must-see family shows of Christmas 2026.
For generations, pantomime has been more than a night at the theatre. It is the Christmas memory families return to year after year: grandparents bringing grandchildren, parents remembering the shows they saw as children, little ones shouting their first “He’s behind you!”, and whole audiences coming together for laughter, music, magic and festive mayhem.
This Christmas, that treasured tradition comes dazzlingly to life at Fairfield Halls, as Cinderella brings all the sparkle, romance, comedy and wonder audiences could wish for in a truly unmissable seasonal spectacular.
Rachel, whose exceptional voice, warmth and stage presence have made her a firm favourite with audiences, will step into the iconic glass slippers as she leads this enchanting production alongside Lee Latchford-Evans from chart-topping pop phenomenon Steps, who stars as the dashing Prince Charming.
Bringing the laughs is Charlie Guest as Buttons, with comedy duo Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson completing the line-up as the fabulously wicked and delightfully boo-worthy Melony and Harmony Hard-Up.
Rachel said:
“After having such a wonderful time playing Cinderella last Christmas, I’m thrilled to be stepping into her glass slippers again in Croydon! Panto has always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to spend the festive season sharing laughter, magic and a little bit of sparkle with audiences at Fairfield Halls.”
Packed with laughter, music, mischief, magic and heart, Cinderella is set to be the festive show families will be talking about long after the clock strikes midnight.
Martin Dodd from UK Productions said;
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Rachel Grundy as our Cinderella at Fairfield Halls this Christmas. Rachel possesses everything you could wish for in a leading lady – warmth, elegance, a wonderful sense of fun, and a natural ability to captivate an audience from the moment she steps on stage.
“Audiences will instantly fall in love with Rachel’s Cinderella and she brings a genuine charm and sincerity to the role that makes her the perfect fit. Whether she’s sweeping the kitchen floor, dazzling at the Royal Ball, or winning the heart of Prince Charming, she’ll have audiences cheering her on every step of the way.”
Rachel boasts an impressive array of TV and film credits alongside a sparkling career in the magical world of pantomime. On stage, she has wowed audiences in Legally Blonde The Musical, The Rocky Horror Show and Phantom, showcasing her versatility and star quality. She is no stranger to pantomime either, having delighted crowds as Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk, Tinker Bell in Peter Pan, and the fabulously named Fairy Liquid in Beauty and the Beast.
Fairfield Halls is owned by Croydon Council and operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, added;
“It’s wonderful to welcome Rachel back to the UKP Fairfield Halls panto family, she is a musical maestro and vocal powerhouse, everyone will be cheering her on to find her Prince Charming!”
This Christmas, theatregoers are in for an unforgettable treat as Rachel helps bring the timeless story of Cinderella to dazzling life on stage – perfect festive escape, promising pure magic for families, friends, and fairytale fans of all ages.
Tickets are on sale now at fairfield.co.uk.
This year’s booking highlights include:
- Performances from Friday 11 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
- Accessible captioned performance on Monday 21 December 2026 – open to all
- A relaxed performance on Wednesday 30 December 2026, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience.
- Ice creams for school groups of 50+ 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 (6+, 20+, 50+) (T&Cs apply).
- School and young people’s concessions for under 16s on selected performances (T&Cs apply) – Friday 11 December (10:30am and 7pm), Sunday 13 December (11am), Tuesday 15 December (10:00am and 1:30pm), Wednesday 16 December (10:00am and 1:30pm), Sunday 3 January 2027 (3pm).
- School performances available.
For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk
More information about Fairfield Halls can be found online at fairfield.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.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
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
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
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 by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, in partnership with Croydon Council.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, BH Live. It has been established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
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 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.
The Terrace Bistro offers pre-show dining with drinks and light-bites.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother opened 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
- See what’s on and 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
Address: Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG, LONDON
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 2026/27 they will have 11 productions in number 1 theatres.
The company also operates 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.