News Story
This year, we’re marking National Pantomime Day (Friday 12 December 2025) with a spellbinding celebration of ‘transformation’ in this year’s enchanting production of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion.
From rags to riches, pumpkins to carriages, and dreams to dazzling reality, Cinderella’s journey embodies the very essence of pantomime. Transformation is at the heart of this beloved tale, reminding audiences that hope, resilience, and a touch of magic can change lives forever.
Audiences will be treated to breathtaking stagecraft, glittering costumes, and laugh‑out‑loud comedy, all wrapped up in a story that has enchanted generations. The transformation scenes – from the Fairy Godmother’s spellbinding magic to Cinderella’s journey from servant to princess – are sure to leave children wide‑eyed and adults filled with festive nostalgia.
Transformation in Cinderella:
- Visual wonder: Watch as pumpkins become carriages, mice become men, and rags turn into ballgowns before your eyes.
- Emotional journey: Cinderella’s transformation inspires audiences to believe in possibilities and happy endings.
- Community tradition: Pantomime brings families together, creating shared memories that last long after the curtain falls.
National Pantomime Day is a chance to reflect on how pantomime continues to transform communities – bringing joy, laughter, and togetherness at the most magical time of year.
Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), who is playing the role of Fairy Godmother, said;
“Panto has always been about transformation – of stories, of spaces, and spirits. Each performance at Bournemouth Pavilion, we watch audiences go from curious to completely enchanted, and there’s nothing quite like that shared magic.
“On National Panto Day, this festive tradition transforms all of us: it turns everyday life into something a little more sparkly. That’s the real power of panto, and it’s why I’m so proud to be part of it.”
On behalf of the UK Pantomime Association, Simon Sladen, founder of Panto Day, shared;
"Pantomime transformations take many forms, from pumpkins into coaches and magic beans into a beanstalk, not forgetting the transformation of the stage scene-to-scene and actors into characters thanks to make-up and costume."
Written by acclaimed pantomime master Jon Monie and produced by panto powerhouse UK Productions Ltd, this year’s production of Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion brings the magic of the fairytale to life with spectacular sets, dazzling lighting, plenty of sparkle, and glorious costumes.
Established in 1995, UK Productions Ltd has delivered more than 200 musical and drama productions across the UK and internationally, with credits spanning the West End and Broadway.
On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said:
“This year, National Panto Day is all about transformation — and not just the kind where a pumpkin becomes a coach or a Dame becomes even more dazzling. Every year, panto transforms our theatres, our audiences and our hearts. That’s the joy of it: a magical, chaotic, glorious tradition that brings people together and reminds us why we love putting on a show.”
Starring 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.
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.
- Captioned performance on Sunday 14 December 2025 – open to everyone.
- 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 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 pupils), 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.
About UK Productions:
Established in 1995, UK Productions is responsible for over 200 musical and drama productions nationally, internationally, in the West End and on Broadway.
Producing credits include The Beekeeper of Aleppo, The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde - the Musical, 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Singin’ in the Rain, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jekyll & Hyde - the Musical, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Murdered to Death, Anything Goes, The Pirates of Penzance, and Barnum.
They are also renowned pantomime producers and have productions the length and breadth of the country. During Christmas 2025/26 they will have 11 productions in number 1 theatres. The company operate a busy set and costume production and hire business, supplying musicals, plays and pantomime sets, props and costumes to commercial and amateur producers nationally and internationally.
