For more than 20 years Bournemouth Pavilion has partnered with UK Productions Ltd – the panto powerhouse behind some of the nation’s most dazzling theatrical spectacles – to stage the town’s beloved annual festive pantomime.

A glittering highlight of the Christmas season, Bournemouth Pavilion’s pantomimes have become a cherished tradition for families across the region.

Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered over 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway. This festive season alone, the company will stage 11 pantomimes in theatres across the country, including this year’s magical Bournemouth Pavilion production of Cinderella.

Behind every mesmerising backdrop and spectacular set lies a team of skilled carpenters, electricians, and artists. One of the men at the creative helm is Jon Harris, Head of Scenic Presentation at UK Productions.

For over a decade, Jon has brought iconic pantomime scenes to life – from Widow Twankey’s bustling launderette in Aladdin to Jack’s cosy cottage in Jack and the Beanstalk.

We caught up with him to discover what life is really like behind the scenes.

What’s a typical day like for you? What do you do? What are your responsibilities?

“Most days I’m in the Scenic Workshop, designing and creating our “working drawings”. I collaborate with Set Electricians to develop the integration of the electrics, and with the Scenic Artists to establish the final look of our designs. We usually have multiple projects running at once, so I’m often juggling the different set pieces through the various stages of construction. As Head of Scenic Presentation, I oversee the design and creation of new and existing scenery, ensuring everything works seamlessly with other departments once it’s on stage.”

What has your career journey been? Did you know you always wanted to work in theatre/showbiz?

“I knew I wanted to work in theatre from the age of 11. I trained in Technical Theatre at Mountview Academy, specialising in scenic carpentry, before working at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. After a stint in the Exhibition Industry, I joined UK Productions as a Production Carpenter for touring musicals and pantos. This led to me managing the Scenery Warehouse and, in 2015, I set up UK Productions’ Scenic Workshop, where I’ve been creating ever since.”

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

“Designing and building scenery, then seeing it lit and alive on stage.”

What’s your most memorable panto moment?

“Creating Snow White’s cottage with a winch system so it magically opened – the audience loved it so much the set itself got a round of applause!”

If you could cast anyone, who would you love to cast as a principal panto character?

“Ant and Dec as a panto double act. Imagine the slosh scene – it would be absolute chaos!”

What’s your career highlight?

“Taking my children to see Panto each year. I love showing them what their Dad has built!”

This year, Bournemouth Pavilion’s glittering annual production is Cinderella. Produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions Ltd and written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie, this production brings the magic of the fairytale to life with glorious costumes, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle and, of course, spectacular sets.

This year’s production stars 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.

Tickets are already selling fast, and with a cast like this, demand will only continue to rise.

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.
• 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 on Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 December 2025 – tickets still available

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.