French and Saunders to star in 2026 London Palladium panto Cinderella

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Comedy icons Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will return to the stage together for the first time in 17 years to play the Ugly Step Sisters in this year’s Palladium pantomime Cinderella. 

The duo will be joined by returning cast members Julian Clary, who returns wand in hand as The Fairy Godfather, along with Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge as the panto enters its 11th season. 

The cast will also include Dex Lee as Prince Charming and Hope Dawe as Cinderella who will both make their Palladium Panto debuts this year. 

The 2026 production will also be the 11th consecutive year that Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin and Nigel Havers have performed in since the Palladium panto was revived back in 2016. 

Cinderella is produced and directed by Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes with a creative team featuring set designer Mark Walters, costume designers Hugh Durrant, Teresa Nalton and Mike Coltman, choreography by Karen Bruce, with visual effects from The Twins FX, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound from Matt Peploe and composition and orchestrations by George Dyer. 

Dawn and Jennifer said: “We have wished to play the Ugly Sisters for so many years, it feels this is the fulfilment of a dream – a dream our hearts made. Watch out. It won’t be pretty.”

Producer and director Michael Harrison said: “Last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty broke all records at the London Palladium. We always want to raise the bar for our incredible panto audiences each year, so I’m absolutely delighted that Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will be starring in this year’s Cinderella. Having two of the nation’s most beloved comedy icons together on the Palladium stage is incredibly exciting. Their legendary chemistry and razor-sharp humour will make this a truly special experience for audiences.”

Cinderella will run at The London Palladium from Saturday 5 December 2026 - Sunday 10 January 2027

Tickets will go on general sale Thursday 2 April 2026. More info and Sign up for Priority Booking from Thursday 31 March at 10am at www.londonpalladium.com 


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