TV presenter Olivia Birchenough will return to Bournemouth this Christmas to star as Cinderella in this year’s pantomime at the Bournemouth Pavilion.
The Milkshake! host will be joined by Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters, who takes on the role of the Fairy Godmother, and local comedian Noel Brodie, who appears for his eleventh year as Buttons.
The show runs from Saturday 6 December this year until Sunday 4 January 2026.
Produced by UK Productions Ltd, the pantomime will feature a script by comic Jon Monie, with set design, special effects and choreography all created by a professional West End creative team.
Olivia Birchenough, who is well-known to families across the UK through her role on Channel 5, said she was looking forward to returning to the Bournemouth Pavilion for her third panto, calling Cinderella a “classic”.
Melanie Walters, best known for her role as Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, said the show mixes comedy and glamour, adding that she was excited to work alongside Olivia.
Noel Brodie, a regular on the Pavilion stage, said the 2025 production will be “bigger than ever” and described performing in front of Bournemouth audiences as the most fun he has all year.
The production will include a relaxed performance on Thursday 16 December and feature local singers and dancers. Further casting details are expected to be announced soon.