Few productions capture the spirit and sparkle of the festive season quite like Cinderella. This year, the beloved fairytale returns to Bournemouth Pavilion, continuing a proud tradition of pantomime magic that has delighted audiences for more than 90 years.

Since opening its doors in 1929, Bournemouth Pavilion has been the beating heart of the town’s Christmas celebrations, enchanting generations of theatregoers with laughter, music, and timeless stories all brought to life on stage.

The venue’s volunteer archivists, ensures every performance, programme and poster over the decades is logged and preserved. The archives are a treasure trove of historical materials, ranging from vintage playbills and photographs to letters, architectural plans, and unique memorabilia – including pantomime posters, programmes, and brochures.

“Looking back through the archives, it’s clear that Cinderella has always held a special place in Bournemouth’s heart,” says Christian Knighton, who oversees the venue’s archives. Christian has worked at Bournemouth Pavilion for more than 50 years, joining the theatre as a stagehand in 1975. “Pantomime, as an art form, has evolved over the decades, but its ability to bring families together and create lasting memories has never changed. It remains a defining part of our cultural heritage.”

Step back in time…

Bournemouth Pavilion’s enduring relationship with Cinderella began on 26 December 1934, when variety performer Maisie Ashley took to the stage for the venue’s second-ever pantomime production. The art deco auditorium was packed for opening night, setting the stage for Bournemouth Pavilion’s association with panto and festive tradition.

Between 1934 and 2010, more than 15 productions of Cinderella have graced the Pavilion stage. During the 1940s and 1950s, legendary producer Emile Littler, one of the UK’s great pantomime impresarios (a person who organises and often finances concerts, plays, or operas), brought several of his celebrated festive shows to Bournemouth.

Littler’s 1952 production starred 1940s British film favourite Jean Kent as Prince Charming, known for her roles in Trottie True (1949) and The Woman in Question (1950) alongside Sir Dirk Bogarde. The show was in high demand, with Littler writing in the production’s accompanying programme:

“Among my mail during the last four years have been many requests for a Cinderella Pantomime, and now this season it is my proud pleasure to present for you, the favourite of them all.”

A few years later, Littler’s 1959 production of Cinderella sparkled with familiar names from the world of magic and comedy, including David Nixon (The David Nixon Show), Chuck O’Neil, and the comedy duo Billy Nelson and Billy Morris. Tickets for children cost just 3 shillings – that’s around 18p today.

By the 1980s, Cinderella had become a firm family favourite at the venue. The 1981 production, presented by Stepham Bell Promotions, featured some of the UK’s most loved entertainers. Clive Dunn, famous as Lance-Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, played Baron Hardup, with Roy Hudd in the role of Buttons, adding pantomime sparkle to his impressive television career (The Sooty Show, Last of the Summer Wine, Call the Midwife, Benidorm).

Since the early 2000s, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomimes have been produced in partnership with UK Productions Ltd, the creative force behind some of the country’s biggest stage spectacles. Their 2002 production of Cinderella marked the venue’s twelfth adaptation of the fairytale and was directed by and starred CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis as Buttons. The cast also featured Ruth Madoc (Hi-De-Hi!) as the Fairy Godmother and Nicholas Smith (Are You Being Served?) as Baron Hardup, delighting audiences with a fresh, family-friendly take on the story.

Cinderella today…

Over the decades, Cinderella has evolved from simple sets and live orchestras to the spectacular staging, lighting, and special effects seen today. Yet the heart of the story remains unchanged. Each production brings new energy and sparkle to Bournemouth Pavilion’s stage while keeping the magic of the classic tale alive.

This year, that tradition continues with a dazzling new production from UK Productions Ltd, written by award-winning pantomime master Jon Monie. The 2025 Cinderella will feature Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), 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, this stellar cast will bring Cinderella’s enchanting rags-to-riches story to life once more with laughter, music, magic, and a generous sprinkle of fairy dust.

Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“As we celebrate the rich history of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion, we’re also looking forward to the future. This year’s production promises all the magic and sparkle audiences have come to expect, and we hope everyone leaves the theatre with the same sense of wonder and joy that Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomimes have inspired for nearly a century.”

On behalf of UK Productions, Martin Dodd, Producer, said;

"This is our 24th year of proudly producing pantomime at the Bournemouth Pavilion, and our 4th version of Cinderella, each one updated and adapted to reflect the present day, whilst not forgetting the traditions of the past. There’s something truly magical about telling this rags to riches story — from the sparkle of Cinder’s ticket to the ball, to the moment the glass slipper finds its match, and the race home before midnight. It’s a tale that reminds us all to believe in happily ever afters.”

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.
• Accessible captioned performance on Sunday 14 December 2025 – open to all
• 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 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.

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.