Comedy Legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders Set to Reignite the Stage as Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters
Get ready, Australia! Two of the nation’s most beloved comedy powerhouses, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, are making a spectacular return to the stage, and this time, they’re trading their iconic sketch show personas for something altogether more villainous. In a move that has fans buzzing with excitement, the dynamic duo will be gracing the boards as the notorious Ugly Sisters in a dazzling production of the timeless fairy tale, Cinderella.
This marks their first joint stage appearance in a staggering 17 years, with their last collaboration being their farewell tour, “Still Alive! The Final Farewell Tour,” which concluded back in November 2008. The announcement alone has sent ripples of anticipation through the entertainment world, promising a night of unparalleled comedic brilliance and, no doubt, a healthy dose of mischief.
The London Palladium, a venue steeped in theatrical history, will be the stage for this much-anticipated reunion. Joining French and Saunders in this magical pantomime will be the charismatic Julian Clary, who will wield his wand as the all-powerful Fairy Godfather. Also set to enchant audiences are seasoned performers Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, and the rising star Rob Madge, promising a cast brimming with talent and comedic timing.
French and Saunders, best known for their groundbreaking BBC sketch show which captivated audiences from 1987 to 2005, have a long-standing history with the London Palladium. Dawn herself has previously enchanted audiences in Snow White in 2019 and Jack And The Beanstalk in 2023. Jennifer also showcased her talents on the Palladium stage in Peter Pan in 2023. Their return, therefore, is not just a reunion but a homecoming to a venue where they have already left their indelible mark.
Reflecting on their upcoming roles, French and Saunders jointly expressed their long-held ambition: “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.” This statement alone is enough to conjure images of their signature sharp wit and perfectly honed delivery, hinting at a portrayal of the Ugly Sisters that will be anything but conventional – and undoubtedly hilarious.
The production of Cinderella is in the capable hands of Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes. Harrison, who helmed last year’s record-breaking Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium, is clearly thrilled to have secured such a stellar cast. He commented on the new show, stating, “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.”
The reunion of these comedy titans comes after a humorous anecdote shared by Jennifer Saunders about a rather peculiar past experience with Dawn. During an appearance on Claudia Winkleman’s BBC chat show, Jennifer recounted an incident where the pair decided to experiment with ecstasy. The story, recounted with characteristic deadpan humour, involved the duo obtaining a tablet with the intention of sharing it.
Jennifer explained the peculiar circumstances: “Dawn and I once thought we’d be really daring, and we got an ecstasy tablet.” She went on to describe how the pill was placed on Dawn’s mantlepiece, and after about six months, they felt ready to partake. However, upon retrieving their water and preparing to take the pill, they made an unexpected discovery. “We didn’t know what to expect at all and….the pill had gone!”, Jennifer revealed, describing the outcome as “quite a relief.” This light-hearted tale only adds to the enduring appeal and candid nature of their friendship, which is sure to translate into electrifying stage chemistry.
Performance Details and Ticketing Information
Mark your calendars! Cinderella is scheduled to run at the London Palladium from December 5, 2026, to January 10, 2027. This festive period promises to be filled with laughter, magic, and the undeniable charm of French and Saunders.
Tickets for this highly anticipated pantomime will go on general sale at 10 am on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Given the immense popularity of the stars and the venue, early booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. This is an opportunity to witness a truly special theatrical event, a reunion of comedy royalty delivering a classic tale with their unique and inimitable flair. Prepare for a Cinderella like no other, where the Ugly Sisters are sure to steal the show – and perhaps a few hearts, too.
