Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite for CINDERELLA at the London Palladium

The London Palladium's panto tradition

With outlandish costumes, physical comedy, audience participation, and over-the-top characters, pantomime is an iconic part of British theatrical tradition, and the London Palladium is the proud host of some of the most spectacular and star-studded pantomimes in the West End. Last year, they celebrated their 10th anniversary with Sleeping Beauty, starring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary.

About Cinderella

This year, the London Palladium will be performing Cinderella: a magical rags to riches fairytale starring Julian Clary as the Fairy Godfather, alongside panto legends Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge.

2026 marks the 11th year that Julian, Paul and Nigel have appeared in every single pantomime at the Palladium, since the annual festive season tradition was revived with 2016’s Cinderella. Rob Madge (Cabaret, My Son’s A Queer) is also back by popular demand, after his debut in 2022’s Jack and the Beanstalk.

Cinderella will also star Dex Lee (known for his long-running role in BBC 1’s Doctors and for theatre credits which include Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Prince Charming, with musical theatre star Hope Dawe (Burlesque, Weird) as Cinderella.

French & Saunders

But most excitingly, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will be joining the cast as the wickedly hilarious ugly sisters. The beloved comedy duo is best known for their BBC sketch show and recently started a podcast together called French & Sanders: Titting About.

In the world of Palladium panto, French has starred as Queen Dragonella in Snow White (2018/2019) and later as Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk (2022/2023). Saunders made her Palladium pantomime debut in the 2023/2024's Peter Pan as Captain Hook.

The duo 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.”

Who else is involved?

Michael Harrison's production of Cinderella features set designs by Mark Walters and costume designs by Hugh Durrant, Teresa Nalton and Mike Coltman created especially for the Palladium, choreography by Karen Bruce, visual special effects by The Twins FX, lighting designs by Ben Cracknell, sound designs by Matt Peploe and composition and orchestrations by George Dyer.

Cinderella will be playing at the London Palladium from 5th December 2026 to 10th January 2027.