After last year’s sensational festive hit, Beauty and the Beast, pantomime returns to Fairfield Halls with another enchanting production, Cinderella, with performances running from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Audiences are invited to lose themselves in a festive fairy-tale spectacular packed with show-stopping costumes, breathtaking sets and all the glitter, laughter and magic that panto fans love.
Taking centre stage as leading heartthrob, Prince Charming, is Lee Latchford-Evans from UK pop group phenomenon, Steps. Following the successful UK musical tour of Here & Now, Lee is excited to step onto Fairfield Halls’ stage to charm audiences’ hearts this Christmas for his 16th professional pantomime.
Lee said;
“I’m excited to be heading down to Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, playing Prince Charming in this year’s pantomime – Cinderella. I love Cinderella, there’s magic, mystery and who knows, there may even be a Steps song or two, so what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets quickly before they’re all gone. I’ll see you there!”
Joining Lee is Croydon panto favourite Charlie Guest as ‘Buttons’, returning to Fairfield Halls with even more side-splitting comedy, mischievous mayhem and laugh-out-loud moments. With his trademark wit and infectious energy, audiences can expect non-stop fun for the whole family in what promises to be the ultimate festive treat.
Produced by UK Productions Ltd, the acclaimed team behind many of the most spectacular pantomimes, this production is written by award-winning writer Jon Monie. Cinderella combines all the traditions of panto – romance, villains, heroes, and heart – with a dazzling stage set that promises the very best in festive family entertainment.
On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said;
“We’re delighted to announce that Lee Latchford-Evans will be ‘step’-ping into the role of Prince Charming in our spellbinding production of Cinderella at Fairfield Halls this festive season.
“Best known as one fifth of the chart-topping pop sensation Steps, Lee brings a wealth of stage experience, charisma and unmistakable energy to the role of Prince Charming. Audiences can expect a performance full of warmth, fun and enough sparkle to make this production truly magical for all ages. It would be a tragedy if you missed it… book your tickets today!”
Fairfield Halls is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, added;
“We’re thrilled to welcome pantomime back to Fairfield Halls this festive season with the magical tale of Cinderella. With a fantastic cast led by Lee Latchford-Evans and the much-loved Charlie Guest, this promises to be a truly memorable experience for families across Croydon and beyond. We look forward to welcoming audiences of all ages back to celebrate the joy of live theatre with us.”
From boo-worthy baddies to belly laughs and moments of pure enchantment, Cinderella is the 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
- A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region, including singers and dancers.
- 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 – spaces selling fast.
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:
*A full media pack for this year’s Cinderella pantomime at Fairfield Halls, including cast biographies, headshots, and other assets, is available online.
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.