This weekend, the festive season officially got underway at Bournemouth Pavilion as Cinderella, the venue’s annual pantomime, burst onto the stage to delight audiences.
The opening performances drew packed houses and rave reactions, with families enjoying dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, and plenty of traditional panto fun. From the first “He’s behind you!” to the final curtain call, the theatre was filled with laughter, music, and festive cheer.
Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC) delighted as the Fairy Godmother, Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) dazzled as the leading lady, while Noel Brodie’s cheeky ‘Buttons’ and comedy duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph – The Fabulous Sisters – brought the house down with plucky jokes and traditional panto mischief.
“Cinderella, directed by Simon Fielding, was panto at its finest, with plenty of infectious humour, wonderfully chaotic scenes, and, most importantly, a gigantic dose of life-affirming fun.”
New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times“It’s a polished, high-quality production with all the charm, chaos and warmth that makes a panto unforgettable.”
Total Guide To Dorset“With a fabulous line up including Melanie Walter’s (Gavin and Stacey’s very own Gwen) as the wonderful, wand waving Fairy Godmother, to the terrible two; Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph as the dramatic and diabolical Dame duo, the cast kept us all spellbound for the duration of this spectacular spectacle!”
What’s Good To Do
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions, this year’s production of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion brings this enchanting rags-to-riches tale to life.
Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), who is playing the role of Fairy Godmother, said;
“What a magical weekend of panto fun and laughter! It’s such a joy to be back on the Bournemouth Pavilion stage, performing for such incredible audiences. On behalf of our talented cast and the dedicated team behind the scenes, we’re thrilled to bring this spectacular production to life. So gather your biggest boos and your loudest cheers. Let the festive fun begin!”
Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered more than 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway.
Martin Dodd, Producer for UK Productions, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Cinderella burst into Bournemouth Pavilion with such energy and joy. With a stellar line-up led by Melanie Walters, Noel Brodie and Olivia Birchenough this cast delivers everything audiences love about panto and more. The opening weekend reactions have been phenomenal, and we can’t wait to welcome even more people to share in the laughter, sparkle and festive magic. This really is the perfect Christmas treat—just don’t leave it until midnight to book!”
Cinderella tickets start from just £19 for selected performances. Early booking is strongly advised to get the best available seats and avoid disappointment. This is one fairytale that won’t wait until midnight!
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.
This year’s panto highlights include:
- Performances run through to Sunday 4 January 2026
- School performances Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 December 2025. Ice creams for school groups of 30+ 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+)
- Captioned performance on Sunday 14 December 2025 – open to everyone
- A relaxed performance on Tuesday 16 December 2025, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience
- Concessions for under 16s on selected performances
- A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region including singers and dancers
For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools), contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk
More information about Bournemouth Pavilion can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.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. 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.
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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.
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, and dances. 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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Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion