In a major West End coup, legendary comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are set to reunite on stage for the first time in 17 years.
French and Saunders will star as The Ugly Sisters in this year’s festive spectacular, Cinderella, running at the London Palladium from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Sign up for Cinderella at the London Palladium ticket alerts here.
French & Saunders in the West End
While both Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have appeared in the annual Palladium Panto separately in recent years – French in Snow White and Jack and the Beanstalk, and Saunders as Captain Hook in Peter Pan – this marks their first joint stage venture since their farewell tour in 2008 and 2009.
In a joint statement, 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.”
An all-star cast
French & Saunders join an elite line-up of Palladium Panto royalty regulars for Cinderella in 2026, including:
- Comedian Julian Clary as The Fairy Godfather
- Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin as Zerdini
- Acclaimed actor Nigel Havers as King Charmer
- Award-winner Rob Madge as Sequins
The production also introduces West End favourite Hope Dawe (Burlesque) in the title role of Cinderella, with TV star Dex Lee (Doctors, Moulin Rouge!) starring as Prince Charming.
Record-breaking pantos
Produced and directed by Michael Harrison, the Palladium Panto has become a cornerstone of the London Christmas season.
Last year’s 10th-anniversary production of Sleeping Beauty broke box-office records by attracting over 137,000 theatregoers. With the addition of French & Saunders, 2026 is expected to challenge those figures!
The creative team for Cinderella features choreography by Karen Bruce, lavish costumes by Hugh Durrant with Teresa Nalton and Mike Coltman, set designs by Mark Walters, and visual special effects by The Twins FX.
More Jennifer Saunders in 2026
Before stepping into the Ugly Sisters’ shoes, Jennifer Saunders will take on a major dramatic role this autumn. She is set to star as Mrs. Rafi in a new revival of Edward Bond’s The Sea at the Theatre Royal Bath, from 22 October to 7 November 2026. There’s no current news on whether The Sea will transfer into the West End.
Read more about Jennifer Saunders in The Sea at Theatre Royal Bath.
Planning a visit with children? Explore more family-friendly West End shows in London.
Plan Your Visit
- Theatre: The London Palladium, Argyll Street
- Dates: 5 December 2026 – 10 January 2027
- Tickets: Expected to sell out quickly – check our Cinderella show page
More about tickets for Cinderella – London Palladium Panto here.
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