Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are set to reunite on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years in the London Palladium’s 2026 pantomime production of Cinderella. Their appearance as the Ugly Sisters marks a major draw for the annual festive show, which promises a blend of comedy and classic pantomime tradition.

The London Palladium has announced that the iconic comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders will play the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella during the 2026 season, running from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. This marks their first West End collaboration in nearly two decades.

French and Saunders expressed enthusiasm about taking on the roles, saying it “feels this is the fulfilment of a dream” and hinted at their playful chemistry by saying, “Watch out. It won’t be pretty.”

This announcement follows the Palladium’s record-breaking 10th anniversary run of Sleeping Beauty, which drew record crowds. The producer, Harrison, emphasised the intention to raise the bar for pantomime audiences: “Having two of the nation’s most beloved comedy icons together on the Palladium stage is incredibly exciting.”

The production team for Cinderella features notable creative contributors including set designer Mark Walters, costume designers Hugh Durrant, Teresa Nalton, and Mike Coltman, choreographer Karen Bruce, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound by Matt Peploe, and music composed by George Dyer.

Further casting details were also revealed alongside the headline casting, promising a mix of familiar and new faces, though specifics were not disclosed.

Priority booking for Cinderella opens on 31 March, with general ticket sales starting on 2 April, allowing eager audiences early access to what promises to be a festive theatrical highlight.

This production continues the Palladium’s tradition of staging grand, star-studded pantomimes that combine treasured fairy tales with established comedic talent, further cementing its role in festive theatre culture.