Fairfield Halls is beaming with pride as rising star Mia Overfield scoops the coveted Best Lead in a Pantomime at the prestigious UK Pantomime Awards 2025, for her spellbinding portrayal of the beloved Snow White in the Christmas smash-hit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The award was presented at a dazzling ceremony on Sunday, 13 April, at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.
Mia lit up the stage across the festive season with a performance brimming with heart, humour, and charm. Her portrayal of Snow White was praised for its sincerity, vocal excellence and magnetic stage presence—an unforgettable turn that captured the hearts of audiences, young and old. The win marks a landmark achievement for Mia and a joyous recognition of the outstanding work delivered by the entire cast, creative team, and staff at Fairfield Halls.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared:
“We are absolutely thrilled for Mia and for the entire production team behind Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Mia brought so much warmth, spirit and charisma to the role of Snow White – she had children laughing and singing along, and adults genuinely moved by her performance. It’s fantastic to see her talent recognised on this national stage. Our congratulations also extend to Callum Connolly, who was nominated as an award finalist for Best Secondary Lead for his stellar performance as the Prince.
“This award is also a celebration of every single person who brought the magic to life: the creative team, the brilliant ensemble, the costume and set designers, the technical crew, and the marketing and front-of-house staff – it truly was a collaborative triumph. We’re delighted to have hosted such an extraordinary production at Fairfield Halls and to have brought so much joy to audiences across Croydon.”
Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions added:
“This award means so much to all of us. We’ve long believed in the magic of pantomime and the way it brings people together—and this year’s production at Fairfield Halls did just that. Mia’s performance as Snow White was both heartfelt and heroic, and we knew from opening night she was something special. Her win is richly deserved, and we’re so proud of her. But it also shines a light on the phenomenal team effort it takes to create a pantomime of this scale and standard. From the direction, choreography, lighting, and costumes to every performer on that stage and every pair of hands behind it—this was a real celebration of talent, dedication, and love for the craft.”
In response to her win, Mia Overfield said:
“To be recognised as Best Lead in a Pantomime is honestly a dream come true. Playing Snow White was an experience I’ll treasure for the rest of my life – every show was filled with joy, laughter, and that unique panto magic you only get when the curtain rises and the audience joins in.
“I’m endlessly grateful to our amazing cast and creatives who lifted me up and inspired me every single day, to the wonderful crew who made everything run like clockwork, and to the entire team at Fairfield Halls and UK Productions for their belief in me. And, of course, to our audiences – thank you for your cheers, your booing, your laughter, and your love. This award is for all of us.”
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a highlight of the 2024/25 festive season at Fairfield Halls, with sold-out performances and rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. From stunning costumes and spellbinding set pieces to laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt storytelling, the production truly delivered everything a family panto should – joy, wonder, and a little bit of Christmas magic.
The UK Pantomime Awards, organised by the UK Pantomime Association, celebrate the very best of British pantomime and recognise the immense talent, creativity, and dedication that make this cherished tradition thrive year after year. This year, 52 judges attended over 496 performances across 216 venues to determine the winners in each category – a huge celebration of the art form and the people who bring it to life.
Don’t miss this year’s magical pantomime adventure Beauty and the Beast, running from Friday 12 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, right here at Fairfield Halls. Packed with laughs, music, magic and mayhem for all ages, it’s the perfect family treat this Christmas.
Tickets start from just £15 – book early to secure the best seats and be part of the next chapter in our award-winning panto tradition!
-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 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
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Facebook – @fairfieldcroydon
Instagram – @croydonfairfield