Bournemouth Pavilion’s annual pantomime returns this festive season with a dazzling new production of Cinderella, running from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.

Produced by the panto powerhouses UK Productions Ltd and choreographed by David Allwood, this year’s show shines an extra spotlight on local talent, with dancers from the Bournemouth area starring alongside seasoned professionals.

For many in the ensemble, performing on Bournemouth Pavilion’s historic stage is both a dream come true and a proud celebration of their hard work, and with rehearsals underway, the curtain is almost ready to go up!

Following auditions earlier in the year, young performers from The Stage Door School of Dance based in Bournemouth and Steppin’ Out Academy based in Poole will join the cast as members of the ensemble. For some, this year marks their first step onto a theatre stage.

Established in 1971, The Stage Door School of Dance has been supporting students to step into the world of performance for decades. Previous students have worked all over the world on cruise ships, theatre productions, Film and TV.

Julie Headford, Director at The Stage Door School of Dance, shared;

“Performing in Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomime is a wonderful opportunity for our young performers. Some are even following in their mothers’ footsteps, as they used to be Pantomime Juveniles themselves! Being able to nurture their talent alongside professional performers is a unique experience, and the friendships and special memories they make during this time will stay with them forever.”

In the adult ensemble and returning to the Bournemouth Pavilion for her third consecutive pantomime, professional dancer Jessie Adams said;
“Returning to UK Productions for my third-year running is an absolute honour. They’re such a lovely, supportive company to work for, and I always know every year is going to be as good as the last,” said Jessie. “My experience within the Bournemouth community during panto season is nothing but pure joy, with constant fun and supportive audiences.”

Zack Godfrey, currently completing his final year at Emil Dale Academy, will make his professional debut in Cinderella.
“From dancing around the living room in my mum's sparkly heels to strutting my stuff on the Pavilion stage, I’ve been prepping for this year’s Cinderella longer than I thought!” said Zack. “It’s an incredible feeling to start my professional journey here.”

Fellow ensemble member Liam Wetherell, who has performed in multiple UK Productions Ltd pantomimes across the UK, spoke about what makes the genre so special:
“Panto is such a magical experience. You really get to throw yourself into multiple characters and have fun throughout the whole process,” he said. “My favourite moment is opening night — I love the buzz of the cast waiting behind the curtain, ready to make their first entrance.”

From auditions, content days, and script readings, the cast have come together over the last few weeks to fine-tune this year’s production of Cinderella.

Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), who is playing the role of Fairy Godmother, said;

“All the hard work pays off when we finally get together and the script comes to life! It’s a joy to be with the whole ensemble, and we can’t wait to bring the panto magic to Bournemouth Pavilion audiences!”

For nearly a century, Bournemouth Pavilion has stood at the heart of the town’s cultural landscape. Since its first pantomime, Dick Whittington, in 1934, the venue has continued its festive tradition, delighting generations of theatre-goers. For over 20 years, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomimes have been brought to life by UK Productions Ltd, renowned for their large-scale musicals and family entertainment.

On behalf of BH Live, who operate Bournemouth Pavilion on behalf of BCP Council, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said:

“Each year, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomime brings together professional performers and emerging local talent to create something truly magical. In partnership with UK Productions, we’re incredibly proud to give young performers from the local community and beyond the chance to be part of a professional production. Their energy and enthusiasm really capture the spirit of the show and the festive season.”

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.

On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said:

“As a company, we stage 11 pantomimes across the country. We first produced pantomime in Bournemouth in 2001 with Dick Whittington and now staging Cinderella with a stellar line up is testament to the local, national and high profile talent we can secure and work with. On behalf of everyone involved at UKP, we can’t wait for the curtain to go up!”

Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this year’s production of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.

Starring Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!), Bournemouth’s favourite funny man, Noel Brodie, West End star Jack Wilcox, and The Fabulous Sisters, Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, together they’ll bring this enchanting rags-to-riches tale to life, complete with comedy, music, magic and, of course, a sprinkling of fairy dust.

Cinderella 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!

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 from Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
• A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region including singers and dancers.
• 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.
• 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+).
• Concessions for under 16s on selected performances.
• School performances Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 December 2025.

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.