Cinderella has everything you’d expect to see in a 5-Star Panto – stunning set designs, sparkly costumes, outrageous dames, flawless choreography, beautiful vocals, and of course plenty of audience participation.

The cast is brilliant but Buttons, played by Noel Brodie is our favourite, he always steals the show with his incredible wit and ability to improvise and captivate the audience.  The Fairy Godmother is played by Melanie Walters (Gwen from Gavin & Stacey), Cinderella is played by Olivia Birchenough (Milkshake presenter), West End leading man Jack Wilcox stars as the dashing Prince Charming, David Zachary is Dandini and Craig Berry is Baron Hard-Up.  Adding to the chaos are the talented Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, two of the country’s most experienced and funny dames.  All of the cast were captivating and the dancers were perfect, especially the younger ones who didn’t miss a single step.

The story begins with kind and caring Cinderella who discovers that her father has attended ‘impulsive classes’ and remarried which results in her being stuck with 2 cruel stepsisters.  Cinderella unknowingly meets the Prince who then holds a ball at the Palace to find his Princess but the stepsisters decide she is not worthy of attending and make Cinderella her rip up her invite.

Everything changes when her glittering Fairy Godmother appears and with a wave of her wand she magically brings a sparkly carriage drawn by 2 miniature horses to life on stage.  With Cinderella now in her stunning gown she attends the ball to dance with the Prince, but the clock ticking and at midnight she needs to run!  Does the Prince find the owner of the glass slipper?  Of course he does, and it’s a joyful ending for everyone.

We had so many favourite scenes but I loved the night of the ball where they quickly switched between songs to speed up the night, and the dames costumes were just bonkers!  Any parent will have heard the words 6 – 7 and the kids went crazy when Buttons said it every time.  My daughter however nearly died with embarrassment when we all had to sing the Italian Brainrot song haha.  She knew every word but hid in her jumper because it's 'so cringe' haha.

Cinderella was brilliant from start to finish and the theatre is super sparkly to get you in the mood.  We had such a lovely afternoon, I can’t recommend it enough.

Cinderella is on at the Bournemouth Pavilion from Saturday 6th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.  A relaxed performance will be held on Tuesday 16th December 2025.  This is open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience.

For more information and tickets, please visit the Bournemouth Pavilion.

Dorsetmums was invited to attend the opening of Cinderella with the purpose of writing a review however all words are my own.

The festive lights at Nutley Farm get bigger and better each year and it’s clear to see why families love it there so much.

On arrival we walked through the lit archway to the Christmas Courtyard where we found lovely decorated wooden structures, a giant Christmas tree, small marquees with seating, and barns. We had planned to go and see the lights first but the kids were apparently starving so we went straight to the main barn where food and drinks are served.

The menu has hot dogs, beef burgers, pork and apple burgers, loaded chips, jacket potatoes, nachos and kids meals. The festive barn is really welcoming and we were delighted to hear an excellent Elton John tribute singer who was getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. There’s plenty of tables and chairs for eating and you can also have your photo taken in the magical Christmas set up with options to buy prints, magnet frame, bauble and more.

Just outside of the main barn there is now a Hot Chocolate Hut, Crepe and Waffle Hut and even a Sweet Shop where you can buy treats, smores and big marshmallows for tasting on the fire pit nearby.

The crepe and waffle menu included all the traditional toppings like lemon and sugar, Nutella, Biscoff sauce, plus deluxe options included any sauce with yummy chocolates. You could event opt for savoury crepes with cheese, cheese and spinach, cheese and onion or cheese, ham and spinach.

We all had various loaded chips, hot dogs, crepes and waffles which were reasonably priced and my son especially loved his gingerbread hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows on top.

Now that we were well fed we set off to experience the illuminated light trail. We found sparkling arches, colourful lit trees, giant lit up reindeer and snowflakes, huge candy canes, photo props, a barn projection where you could see Father Christmas in a top window and much more.

At the end of the trail there’s a bungee trampoline which costs £5 for 5 mins and swings for little ones which cost £3. We also found some festive stalls nearby with some beautiful Christmas gifts.

When we had arrived the reindeer barn was busy but now it was a lot quieter and I was desperate to see the adorable Rudolph, Prancer, Sprout and Parsnip. You can buy a pot of reindeer food which costs £2 and they will reward you with lots of attention which gives you the chance to have a stroke. It was a perfect end to a wonderful night.

Good to know:

• The Nutley Farm Lights and Reindeer experience will be running on selected dates from Friday 28th November to Tuesday 30th December 2025.

• Live music will be playing in the barn on selected evenings at 7.30pm.

• Nutley Farm offer tickets for see Father Christmas in his Grotto however due to popularity, 2025 tickets are now sold out.

• Toilets are located in the Christmas Courtyard.

• Nutley Farm supports the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. To date, they have raised over £50,000 which is incredible and it’s great to know that by visiting you will be contributing to such a worthwhile cause.

For more information and tickets, please visit Nutley Farm.