West End star Jack Wilcox joins Melanie Walters, Olivia Birchenough, Noel Brodie, Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph in Bournemouth’s Cinderella pantomime.

The countdown is on… with fewer than 100 sleeps to go, excitement is building fast as Bournemouth Pavilion prepares to host the most glittering Christmas spectacular yet – Cinderella!

This is no ordinary pantomime. Produced by UK Productions Ltd, Cinderella is set to dazzle audiences with West End production values on a Bournemouth stage – think breathtaking new sets, glorious costumes dripping with sparkle, sensational lighting, show-stopping dance routines, and spectacular effects guaranteed to wow the whole family. With a stellar cast leading the magic, this is Bournemouth’s ultimate festive treat, packed with laughter, wonder, and theatrical brilliance.

To mark the official countdown, Bournemouth Pavilion didn’t just roll out the red carpet – it brought the whole town to a standstill! Crowds gathered, cameras flashed, and excitement filled the air as the all-star cast made their grand entrance. Leading the celebrations were Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), local comedy favourite Noel Brodie, and the outrageously fabulous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph. The buzz was electric, with the Pavilion transformed into a glittering hub of festive magic.

And just when audiences thought the lineup couldn’t get any bigger, the production revealed its showstopping surprise – the announcement of West End leading man Jack Wilcox, joining this already dazzling company as Prince Charming.

Fresh from leading roles across the West End and international stages, Jack Wilcox is set to bring even more star ‘Princely’ power to Bournemouth’s festive spectacular. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Jack’s career highlights include starring as Bobby Child in Crazy For You (Gillian Lynne Theatre) Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain (Kilworth House), Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (UK Tour), Ralph Sheldrake in White Christmas (Dominion Theatre), Billy Crocker in Anything Goes (The Barbican/UK Tour), and Prince Charming in Cinderella (Cambridge Arts Theatre).

He was part of the original London cast of An American in Paris, has performed in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria, and appeared internationally in productions such as Titanic in Toronto and A Chorus Line in Tel Aviv. Alongside his theatre work, Jack has featured on screen in All Star Musicals and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Jack Wilcox said:

“I feel very excited to be playing the Prince in Cinderella this Christmas. It’s a privilege to step into the role with this phenomenal cast and the brilliant UK Productions creative team. Christmas pantomime is all about magic, joy, and bringing people together – and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than on stage in Bournemouth with a show of this scale and sparkle.

“The production values are huge, the talent on stage is second to none, and I know audiences are in for something truly special. I honestly can’t wait to get started and to share this magical adventure with families this Christmas.”

UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd, said:

“This year’s Cinderella will be unlike anything Bournemouth has ever seen. We are pulling out all the stops – from jaw-dropping sets and dazzling costumes to spectacular choreography and breathtaking effects – this is a pantomime of the very highest quality. And with such an incredible cast, led by the brilliant Melanie Walters, the sparkling Olivia Birchenough, local favourite Noel Brodie, the outrageous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, and now the hugely talented Jack Wilcox joining this already dazzling lineup, the stage will be bursting with talent, humour, and festive joy.

“Jack’s career across the West End and internationally has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are thrilled he’s joining this year’s cast. The countdown is on, and I promise audiences a Christmas show that will be talked about for years to come. If there’s one event you cannot miss this festive season, it’s Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion.”

Melanie Walters said:

“Oh, what’s occurring? It’s going to be proper 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!”

This isn’t just any Cinderella. Written by pantomime master Jon Monie, the show combines all the traditions of panto – comedy, romance, villains, heroes, and magic – with a fresh, spectacular staging that pushes the boundaries of what audiences expect from a family Christmas show. Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

On the day, panto favourite Noel Brodie was in fine form, loving the gathering audiences as he returns for his remarkable eleventh Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime, bringing his trademark high-energy hilarity and razor-sharp comic timing. Adding even more glitter and giggles, the dynamic duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph bring nearly 50 years of pantomime experience between them – and had wicked fun with the crowds in their outrageous roles as the Fabulous Sisters – promising dazzling costumes, outrageous humour, and show-stopping performances that will leave audiences in stitches throughout the festive season. And now, West End leading man Jack Wilcox joins the fairytale magic as Prince Charming.

Nicola Coney, Entertainment and Events Manager at BH Live, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome this dazzling cast and production team back to Bournemouth Pavilion. Pantomime is such a treasured tradition for our audiences. This year’s show promises to be another joyful, high-energy celebration of theatre and family fun. We’re particularly proud to continue offering relaxed performances and concessions to ensure the magic of live performance reaches as many people as possible.”

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 highlights include:

• A variety of vibrant, young talent from across the region including singers and dancers.
• 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.

From curtain-up to the final bow, Cinderella promises pure magic, perfect for families, friends, and fairytale fans of all ages.