Comedy Duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders to Star as Ugly Sisters in London Palladium Panto
In a highly anticipated return to the stage, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are set to reunite after 17 years to portray the Ugly Sisters in the London Palladium's production of Cinderella. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has generated significant excitement among fans of the legendary comedy pair.
A Dream Fulfilled for the Iconic Duo
French and Saunders expressed their enthusiasm for the roles, stating, "It won't be pretty," while adding, "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." This production marks their first joint appearance on the West End stage since their last tour in 2008-09, highlighting a milestone in their nearly five-decade-long partnership.
Background and Career Highlights
The duo first met as students at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and have since built a formidable career in comedy. Their collaboration includes a hugely successful sketch comedy series for the BBC, tours in 1990 and 2000, and more recent projects like the podcast Titting About in 2020. Their chemistry and humour have cemented their status as beloved figures in British entertainment.
Producer's Excitement and Cast Details
Michael Harrison, the producer of the Palladium panto, shared his delight, saying, "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 cast also features Dex Lee as Prince Charming, Hope Dawe as Cinderella, and returning stars Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, and Rob Madge.
Palladium Panto History and Success
The London Palladium revived its pantomime tradition in 2016 after a hiatus since 1987, with Clary previously starring in a production of Cinderella that was noted for its bold humour. Recent successes include the 2025 panto Sleeping Beauty, featuring Catherine Tate, which attracted over 137,000 attendees. French has prior Palladium experience in roles such as Queen Dragonella in Snow White (2018) and Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk (2022), while Saunders debuted as Captain Hook in Peter Pan in 2023.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Cinderella will run from 5 December to 10 January, with tickets available for purchase starting 2 April. This production promises to be a highlight of the festive season, blending classic pantomime elements with the unique comedic talents of French and Saunders.
