Review: Cinderella Panto at The Pavilion Bournemouth
We were treated to the most wonderful festive welcome at this year’s Cinderella Pantomime Press event at The Pavilion. The evening began with a special reception complete with fun photo opportunities, mince pies, drinks and the chance to catch up with fellow media and influencers - the perfect way to set the tone for a sparkling night ahead.
Inside the theatre, it was a full house and the atmosphere was buzzing before the curtain even went up. And from the very first moment, it was clear we were in for a laugh-a-minute performance filled with mischief, mayhem and true panto magic.
A Standout Cast Full of Star Quality
The cast this year is nothing short of sensational.
Melanie Walters lit up the stage as the Fairy Godmother - warm, witty and effortlessly charming. She had the whole audience laughing with some brilliant Gavin & Stacey references…but we won’t spoil those for you!
Noel Brodie returned for an incredible 11th year in panto at The Pavilion, and it’s easy to see why he’s such a crowd favourite. His confidence, natural stage presence and quick-fire humour kept the energy sky-high throughout.
The Ugly Sisters were absolutely hilarious - outrageously costumed, fabulously larger-than-life and impossible not to love. A special shoutout must go to Melody Hard-Up (James Morris) who handled a costume malfunction like a true professional. Instead of breaking the magic, it added to the fun, keeping the audience laughing and proving just how talented and quick-witted this cast truly is.
The Prince was every inch the West End leading man - with impeccable vocals, polished acting and slick choreography. Cinderella herself was terrific too, bringing sweetness, strength and sparkle to the role.
Craig Berry as Baron Hard-Up absolutely blew us away. His vocals were powerful enough to shake the rafters, and it’s hard to believe this was his panto debut; he delivered the role with the confidence of someone who’d been doing it for years.
Modern, Fresh and Packed With Surprises
One of the best things about this year’s production is how brilliantly it blends classic panto fun with modern references that both kids and adults adore. Expect:
-
Plenty of up-to-date songs from the likes of Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan and more
-
Light-hearted innuendo for the grown-ups
-
Roblox “brain rot” interaction led by Buttons that had the kids roaring
-
'6-7' interaction - the kids were absolutely thrilled with this and I'm thankful that they've been saying it so much at home I vaguuelly knew what they were referencing (parents, I'm sure you'll know what I mean!)
And of course… real-life ponies pulling Cinderella’s carriage! A truly magical touch that drew gasps from the entire audience.
A High-End Production From Start to Finish
The set design is stunning, the costumes are wildly creative (especially the Sisters’ jaw-dropping outfits), and the pace never falters. It’s a polished, high-quality production with all the charm, chaos and warmth that makes a panto unforgettable.
A Perfect Ending to the Evening
After the final bows, we headed over to Elevate Brasserie for an early dinner overlooking Bournemouth Beach. With views of the big wheel and glittering Christmas lights, it was the perfect way to round off an evening full of festive sparkle and family fun (full review of Elevate coming soon). Also, if you present your panto ticket at Elevate Brasserie & Bar on the day of the show - Kids Eat for £1!
