West End star Jack Wilcox joins Melanie Walters, Olivia Birchenough, Noel Brodie, Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph in Bournemouth’s Cinderella pantomime.
The countdown is on… with fewer than 100 sleeps to go, excitement is building fast as Bournemouth Pavilion prepares to host the most glittering Christmas spectacular yet – Cinderella!
This is no ordinary pantomime. Produced by UK Productions Ltd, Cinderella is set to dazzle audiences with West End production values on a Bournemouth stage – think breathtaking new sets, glorious costumes dripping with sparkle, sensational lighting, show-stopping dance routines, and spectacular effects guaranteed to wow the whole family. With a stellar cast leading the magic, this is Bournemouth’s ultimate festive treat, packed with laughter, wonder, and theatrical brilliance.
To mark the official countdown, Bournemouth Pavilion didn’t just roll out the red carpet – it brought the whole town to a standstill! Crowds gathered, cameras flashed, and excitement filled the air as the all-star cast made their grand entrance. Leading the celebrations were Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), local comedy favourite Noel Brodie, and the outrageously fabulous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph. The buzz was electric, with the Pavilion transformed into a glittering hub of festive magic.
And just when audiences thought the lineup couldn’t get any bigger, the production revealed its showstopping surprise – the announcement of West End leading man Jack Wilcox, joining this already dazzling company as Prince Charming.
Fresh from leading roles across the West End and international stages, Jack Wilcox is set to bring even more star ‘Princely’ power to Bournemouth’s festive spectacular. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Jack’s career highlights include starring as Bobby Child in Crazy For You (Gillian Lynne Theatre) Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain (Kilworth House), Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (UK Tour), Ralph Sheldrake in White Christmas (Dominion Theatre), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes (The Barbican/UK Tour), and Prince Charming in Cinderella (Cambridge Arts Theatre).
He was part of the original London cast of An American in Paris, has performed in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria, and appeared internationally in productions such as Titanic in Toronto and A Chorus Line in Tel Aviv. Alongside his theatre work, Jack has featured on screen in All Star Musicals and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
Jack Wilcox said:
“I feel very excited to be playing the Prince in Cinderella this Christmas. It’s a privilege to step into the role with this phenomenal cast and the brilliant UK Productions creative team. Christmas pantomime is all about magic, joy, and bringing people together – and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than on stage in Bournemouth with a show of this scale and sparkle.
“The production values are huge, the talent on stage is second to none, and I know audiences are in for something truly special. I honestly can’t wait to get started and to share this magical adventure with families this Christmas.”
UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd, said:
“This year’s Cinderella will be unlike anything Bournemouth has ever seen. We are pulling out all the stops – from jaw-dropping sets and dazzling costumes to spectacular choreography and breathtaking effects – this is a pantomime of the very highest quality. And with such an incredible cast, led by the brilliant Melanie Walters, the sparkling Olivia Birchenough, local favourite Noel Brodie, the outrageous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, and now the hugely talented Jack Wilcox joining this already dazzling lineup, the stage will be bursting with talent, humour, and festive joy.
“Jack’s career across the West End and internationally has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled he’s joining this year’s cast. The countdown is on, and I promise audiences a Christmas show that will be talked about for years to come. If there’s one event you cannot miss this festive season, it’s Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion.”
Melanie Walters said:
“Oh, what’s occurring? It’s going to be proper lush – packed with dazzling magic, belly laughs, and festive sparkle. You won’t want to miss this one… get your tickets now before they vanish faster than a pumpkin at midnight!”
This isn’t just any Cinderella. Written by pantomime master Jon Monie, the show combines all the traditions of panto – comedy, romance, villains, heroes, and magic – with a fresh, spectacular staging that pushes the boundaries of what audiences expect from a family Christmas show. Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
On the day, panto favourite Noel Brodie was in fine form, loving the gathering audiences as he returns for his remarkable eleventh Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime, bringing his trademark high-energy hilarity and razor-sharp comic timing. Adding even more glitter and giggles, the dynamic duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph bring nearly 50 years of pantomime experience between them – and had wicked fun with the crowds in their outrageous roles as the Fabulous Sisters – promising dazzling costumes, outrageous humour, and show-stopping performances that will leave audiences in stitches throughout the festive season. And now, West End leading man Jack Wilcox joins the fairytale magic as Prince Charming.
Nicola Coney, Entertainment and Events Manager at BH Live, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome this dazzling cast and production team back to Bournemouth Pavilion. Pantomime is such a treasured tradition for our audiences. This year’s show promises to be another joyful, high-energy celebration of theatre and family fun. We’re particularly proud to continue offering relaxed performances and concessions to ensure the magic of live performance reaches as many people as possible.”
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.
This year’s panto highlights include:
- A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region including singers and dancers.
- A relaxed performance on Thursday 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.
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.
For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools), contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk
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Notes to Editors:
Full casting biographies, headshots, and the latest panto news can be found at Bournemouth Pavilion’s online media pack.
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.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
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 Ltd
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.
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