French and Saunders to play The Ugly Sisters in 2026 London Palladium panto CINDERELLA
Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes has announced the 11th season of the London Palladium Pantomime, revealing that comedy legends French & Saunders will reunite on stage in the West End for the first time in 17 years as the Ugly Sisters in magical rags-to-riches fairytale, Cinderella.
They will join London Palladium royalty, Julian Clary, wand in hand as The Fairy Godfather, alongside Palladium Panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge, as London’s most spectacular pantomime returns to its most iconic theatre.
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.”
2026 marks the 11th year that Julian, Paul and Nigel have appeared in every single pantomime at the world-famous venue, since Harrison first revived the annual festive season tradition at the theatre with 2016’s Cinderella. Rob Madge is also back by popular demand, having made a triumphant debut in 2022’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
The principal company this year also welcomes acclaimed TV and theatre star Dex Lee (known for his long-running role in BBC 1’s Doctors and theatre credits including Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West End) as Prince Charming, with musical theatre star Hope Dawe (Burlesque, Weird) stepping into the glass slippers as Cinderella. The fairytale couple are both set to make their debuts in The London Palladium Pantomime this Christmas.
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.”
Harrison’s production has set design by Mark Walters and costume by Hugh Durrant, Teresa Nalton and Mike Coltman created especially for The London Palladium, choreography by Karen Bruce, visual special effects by The Twins FX, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Matt Peploe, and composition and orchestrations by George Dyer.
