It is that time of year again……..
Oh no it isn’t………
Oh yes it is!!
This year’s Bournemouth pantomime is Cinderella and it didn’t disappoint.
Brought right up to date with modern, cultural references to keep the kids engaged, but with plenty of innuendo to keep the adults entertained, Cinderella was a delight from start to finish.
The cast were spectacular, with pitch perfect songs that appeal to everyone in the audience, from Jet 2’s “Darling Hold My Hand” to Rae’s “Where is my Husband”, “Common People” from Pulp to Eurovision’s “What the Hell Just Happened” and even some Soda Pop from K-Pop Demon Hunters and Wicked’s Dancing Through Life.
Bournemouth’s favourite Noel Brodie is back as buttons, but gone is “Hi Kids”, now we greet him with the cheeky “6-7” trend, which delighted all the kids in the audience. He also brought some fun new language, Cinderella is now “lengting” (that is beautiful to you and me) and Prince Charming has “Rizz” (Charisma).
Melanie Walters is perfectly cast as the warm hearted Fairy Godmother, with plenty of references to her role in Gavin and Stacy.
Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) dazzled as the leading lady, but my favourite performance was from Nicholas Hoult lookalike Jack Wilcox, as the eccentric, pony loving, Prince Charming.
Comedy duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, had panto mischief aplenty and some of the best Dame costumes I’ve seen as The Fabulous Sisters, Harmony and Melody (Mi-Lady).
If you want to tear your kids off their tech and introduce them to the delights of live entertainment, this pantomime is the perfect treat this festive season.
Cinderella tickets start from just £19 for selected performances. Early booking is strongly advised to get the best available seats and avoid disappointment. Performances run through to Sunday 4 January 2026
More information about Bournemouth Pavilion can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Disclaimer: We were guests of Bournemouth Pavilion for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
