Children across Croydon were recently encouraged to discover the joy of reading in their local library thanks to the magic of panto.

Dame Dilly Donut (Croydon local, Jamie Steen) and the Wicked Queen (Kellie Shirley – Eastenders, Biff & Chip, Casualty) from Fairfield Halls’ annual production of SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS delivered free reading sessions to more than 75 children at Croydon Central Library.

As well as enjoying a fairytale story, library visitors received the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and meet and greet session to find out more about the importance of panto.

This year’s performances, staged by leading musical theatre and panto producer UK Productions, are set to be the greatest of them all. Poor Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen. In true rags-to-riches style, Snow White manages, with the help of her madcap friend Muddles, to meet a handsome Prince and make her dreams come true.

Croydon’s own Kellie Shirley (EastEnders, Biff & Chip, Casualty) will star as ‘Wicked Queen’ with panto favourites Jamie Steen as ‘Dame Dilly Donut’, Charlie Guest returning to Fairfield Halls as ‘Muddles’, Mia Overfield (David Walliams' Demon Dentist UK tour) as 'Snow White' and Callum Connelly as 'Prince Percy'.

With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a naughty nurse, a hilarious jester and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s not to be missed!

A captioned performance (Friday 27 December 2024) and a relaxed performance (Friday 3 January 2025) will also return to Fairfield Halls’ stage this year. Relaxed performances are adapted to welcome people of all ages. These include people who may have sensitivities to loud noise, sudden movement, and bright lights. The performances may also suit people with learning difficulties, sensory communication disorders or who are neurodivergent.

Fairfield Halls is operated and managed by BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council. On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues shared;

“Panto is such a magical way to introduce theatre to young people - I am delighted to see that it can also inspire more children to visit their local library as well! Dame Dilly Donut and the Wicked Queen had a fantastic time visiting Croydon Central Library.

“It was a great opportunity for our cast to meet local people, and to encourage young people to understand the cultural importance of panto. I want to offer a big ‘thank you’ to the library team and to all the visitors who made this year’s reading sessions such a big success.”

Martin Dodd, Show Producer for UK Productions, said;

“It was great to see such an enthusiastic turnout for our reading session at the Central Library. Encouraging children of all ages not just to enjoy the magic of live theatre, but also the thrill of reading, is a real privilege and a delight.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone from Croydon and surrounding areas to this year’s spectacular production of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:

"We welcome all art in the borough - this theatrical production of Snow White will have something for everyone to enjoy after the Croydon Central Library readings. Next month, at our landmark venue Fairfield Halls, this evergreen classic and Christmas treat will be delivered right on our doorstep. It’s great that there will be both a captioned and relaxed performance to ensure everyone is welcome.”

For more information, ticketing, and what’s on, visit fairfield.co.uk. Group performances and concessions are also available.