Nothing beats heading to watch a pantomime at Christmas. The traditional show that has been around for over 300 years marks the festive season for most families and theatre goers. Bournemouth have consistently put on pantomimes to wonder and amaze audiences, and this years rendition of Cinderella was no different. Cinderella has graced the Bournemouth Pavilion stage 16 times since it's doors opened in 1929 and this years iteration brings new energy and sparkle to the stage. 

Cinderella follows the story we all know and love. A young girl, two ugly step sisters, a fairy godmother and a nationwide hunt for the owner of a glass slipper after Prince Charming's ball. Woven into this show is a brilliant sidekick in Buttons, and a hilarious retelling that has the whole family in stitches. 

The legendary Melanie Walters takes to the stage as the Fairy Godmother, bringing touches of Gavin and Stacey and a cheeky persona, she truly captures the hearts of the audience. Olivia Birchenough is our Cinderella, sweet, innocent, and with a hint of girl power, she was truly wonderful. Jack Wilcox steps into the shoes of Prince Charming, with a perfectly posh voice, and a hilarious pony obsession, his chemistry with Birchenough made for the perfect royal couple. 

Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph made a scene as they arrived on stage as step sisters Melody (Mi-Lady if you will) and Harmony Hardup. I can honestly say I have not seen a more hilarious duo in a long, long time of panto-going. Both brought the comedic timing, the quips, and the ad-lib lines that left the audience roaring with laughter. Need a joke for the grownups? This pair had you sorted. The show was all tied together by Bournemouth panto royalty Noel Brodie. Having taken to the Pavilion stage for 14 years, he tried his hands at Buttons, the loveable sidekick and comedian throughout the show. Brodie is a staple at the Bournemouth panto and I honestly can't imagine a year without him bringing everything together. 

The one thing I love about pantomimes, especially the Bournemouth one is that it doesn't take itself seriously. With fantastic rewordings of chart hits such as Raye's 'Where is My Husband?' and the classic 'Dancing Through Life' from Wicked, there was a song for the whole audience to know and love. We even had a touch of K-pop with a nod to the Demon Hunters! 

In addition to the modern songs, there were more than enough meme moments for both parents and kids to laugh and groan at. From the current memes of 'Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday' to the current bane of all parent's lives '67', it left the kids engaged and the parents happy. With enough grown up jokes to balance out the brain rot, it was the perfect recipe for the best 2025 panto in the land. 

Tickets are flying for Cinderella at the Bournemouth Pavilion. 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. Performances run from Saturday 6 December 2025 - Sunday 4 January 2026 with both captioned and relaxed performances scheduled. For more info please see below: