TV Favourite Olivia Birchenough steps into Cinderella’s slippers for Bournemouth’s most magical pantomime yet – with a dream cast and dazzling spectacle to match.

This Christmas, the stage at Bournemouth Pavilion is set for something truly extraordinary. From Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, audiences are invited to experience the fairytale of a lifetime as Olivia Birchenough, the hugely popular star of Channel 5’s Milkshake!, plays the title role in a glittering new production of Cinderella.

Olivia joins an all-star cast that includes Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters and Bournemouth’s comedy favourite Noel Brodie, promising audiences a pantomime bursting with laughter, heart, and West End-level magic.

Olivia Birchenough is one of the UK’s most recognisable and adored children’s presenters. For over a decade, she’s been a familiar face in homes across the country, beloved for her warmth, humour and natural ability to connect with young audiences. Her stage credits are equally impressive, with acclaimed leading roles in Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, and Snow White — consistently praised for her sparkling energy and engaging stagecraft.

She is a two-time winner of Best Leading Female at both the Great British Pantomime Awards and the Panto Insider Awards and now brings that award-winning magic to Bournemouth for what promises to be her most spectacular role yet.

Olivia Birchenough said: “I'm over the moon to be spending Christmas back down in beautiful Bournemouth! This will be my third panto at The Pavilion, and you can't get better than the classic that is Cinderella! We're going to have a ball!”

Olivia joins an all-star cast that promises to light up the stage with chemistry, comedy, and Christmas sparkle. Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters, known and adored as the hilarious and loveable Gwen, brings her pitch-perfect comic timing and irresistible warmth to the role of the Fairy Godmother – a glitter-drenched guide with a few tricks (and cheeky one-liners) up her sleeve.

Alongside her, Bournemouth’s very own Noel Brodie returns for an unbelievable 11th year as Buttons – the ultimate panto sidekick, delivering heart, hilarity, and a never-ending stream of crowd-pleasing chaos. Together, this trio brings a perfect blend of TV talent, seasoned

stagecraft, and local legend status, making this Cinderella not just a show, but a full-on festive event. Expect a panto bursting with laughter, heart, mischief, and West End-level production values that will leave audiences of all ages grinning from ear to ear.

Melanie Walters said: “I can’t wait to play Fairy Godmother this year - she’s such an iconic character and in this script she’s the right mix of glamorous and unhinged! And working with Olivia is such a joy – she’s got the kind of stage presence you can’t teach. I’m so looking forward to waving my wand and sprinkling glitter at anything that moves. This panto is going to knock your festive socks off!”

Noel Brodie said: “I keep coming back because Bournemouth audiences are the best – and because I’ve still not managed to win Cinderella’s heart! This year, we’re going bigger than ever. More laughs. More gags. More absolute nonsense. It’s the most fun you can have without a wand licence!”

This unmissable production is helmed by UK Productions Ltd, one of the country’s leading pantomime producers. Under the creative eye of Martin Dodd and featuring a script by award-winning writer and comic Jon Monie, this Cinderella will dazzle with every detail.

From the sweeping staircase at the royal ball to the magical carriage ride, every moment is crafted with West End precision. Expect extravagant set design, lavish costumes, dazzling special effects, and precision choreography that lights up the stage. The lighting design alone is a full-scale spectacle, blending theatrical artistry with visual magic that will leave audiences breathless.

Martin Dodd, Producer, UK Productions said: “We are raising the bar this year – Cinderella is one of the most cherished pantomimes, and we’re pulling out all the stops. Olivia is simply perfect for the role – she has this extraordinary ability to light up a stage and captivate every person in the room. With Melanie’s comic brilliance and Noel’s unbeatable connection with audiences, this cast is a dream. All three have worked together before, and when they are on stage together, the chemistry fizzes and the sparkles fly. Add in a script from award-winning writer Jon Monie and a first-class creative team, and you’ve got something really special – packed with music, magic, and mayhem – we can’t wait to share with the incredible audiences at Bournemouth Pavilion. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your nan – this is a Christmas night out you’ll never forget!”

This is not just a night at the theatre - Cinderella is Bournemouth’s full-blown Christmas celebration and audiences “Love It!”. A chance to laugh until your cheeks hurt, gasp at the magic, and share unforgettable festive moments with the people you love.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said: “What an amazing line-up! With pantomime often being the first introduction to theatre for many young people, we're delighted that this year’s production has so many well-known stars that they will recognise and love. It is set to be another sparkling experience for audiences to remember for years to come. We hope everyone has a fantastic time!”

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 production highlights include:

• This year’s production will also feature a variety of local talent – including singers and dancers. Even more exciting cast announcements to follow soon.
• 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

This is Cinderella as you’ve never seen her before - a dazzling, heartfelt, hilarious festive fairytale. But be quick… this magic won’t wait until midnight.

Book now at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools), contact: groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.