Just when you thought the summer holidays might stretch on forever, the cries of “I’m bored!” echoing louder each day, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre has come to the rescue – with a panto-powered adventure for kids that will keep imaginations buzzing and boredom banished.

“Bournemouth Pavilion…But I’m Bored!!” is a brand-new summer theatre challenge inspired by Cinderella, and it’s every parent’s answer to the school holiday slump. It’s playful, creative, utterly free – and packed with enough storytelling sparkle to tide families over until the glittering return of panto season this Christmas.

From drawing a poster of Cinderella (don’t forget Buttons, The Sisters, and Fairy Godmother!), writing the story of Cinderella (what might you change?) to designing enchanted castles and sculpting fairy-tale props, children are invited to dive into a world of make-believe where magic is just a marker pen or some modelling clay away. It’s a chance to rewrite fairy tales, explore fantastical gardens, or go on a living room treasure hunt with enchanted roses, magic wands, and dancing shoes.

The activities are easy to do at home, mess-friendly (mostly!), and perfect for children of all ages, especially those who are getting restless as summer stretches on. And parents? You can sit back and watch as your living room is transformed into a full-blown Panto playground. A full list of super summer creative panto challenges can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

If you fancy getting out and about, why not try the magical Cinderella Picture Match Trail for the chance to win four tickets to see this year’s panto? To enter, you’ll need to go on an adventure around Bournemouth to match six special Cinderella posters, on display in and around the town. Full details can be found at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

But this isn’t just about surviving summer – it’s about building excitement for the main event. Because come December, Bournemouth Pavilion will pull out all the stops for a jaw-dropping production of Cinderella – a theatrical event so magical, so lavish, so thunderously entertaining, it’s set to be the most talked-about Christmas show on the south coast.

From Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, the curtain will rise on a full-scale festive extravaganza, featuring one of the UK’s most beloved comedy stars, Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters, in the iconic role of the Fairy Godmother.

This is Cinderella as you’ve never seen it before – a high-octane, technicolour feast for the senses. Audiences will be swept into a world of breathtaking stage effects, glittering costumes, spectacular musical numbers, and comedic brilliance from a show-stopping cast. Expect a fairy-tale transformation backed by West End-calibre lighting, cinematic sets, and choreography that bursts from the stage.

Melanie Walters, best known as the nation’s favourite omelette-maker Gwen, brings warmth, wit, and star power in spades. “Oh, what’s occurring? I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the fabulous cast of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion this year! It’s going to be properly 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!”

Martin Dodd, Producer at UK Productions, said, “This year’s Cinderella is a show of immense scale and ambition. We’ve gone all out – the costumes, the sets, the music, the script – every element is dialled up to eleven. With these fabulous activities, you can keep the panto fun going throughout the summer holidays!”

For now, grab the glitter, raid the craft box, and get your children signed up for Bournemouth Pavilion’s Cinderella themed summer challenge. And then… brace yourself for a Christmas spectacle that will blow the roof off!

If you are crafting and getting involved with the panto-inspired challenges, please do post pictures of your fantastic creativity and tag in @BournemouthPavilion (Facebook and Instagram).