Cornerstone announces this year’s panto and it’s a beauty!
Published 5 August 2025
Panto will be returning to Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot (oh yes it will!) for at least three years off the back of the success of Cinderella in 2024.
This year’s pantomime will be Beauty and the Beast and it will start on Thursday 18 December with a special preview night performance and will then continue through to Wednesday 31 December.
As with Cinderella last year, Beauty and The Beast will be looking for local young talent to take part in the production with Young Company Auditions taking place at Cornerstone on Saturday 13 September. Details for how to take part will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for this fantastic family show will go on sale on Wednesday 6 August at 10am to Cornerstone members and general release at 10am on Friday 8 August.
As with Cinderella, there will be relaxed performances for audiences that need a more conducive environment and a touch tour for blind and partially signed audiences so they can meet the cast and feel some of the props before the show begins. This will make sure that everyone coming to see Beauty and the Beast will be able to enjoy the magic of pantomime at Cornerstone this Christmas.
South Oxfordshire District Council who owns and runs the centre went to tender earlier this year for a theatre company that could offer a high-quality pantomime over three years with the option to extend a further two years.
They have agreed a contract with Polka Dot Pantomimes Ltd to provide a family pantomime to Cornerstone, and this was agreed by Cabinet at their meeting on the 10 July.
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “Last year’s pantomime was wonderful. It was great to see audiences of all ages having a good time.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to offer this contract to Polka Dot Pantomimes to give Cornerstone some continuity with its programming and to allow staff to build on their partnership with the company to offer great experiences for audiences over the next few years. I can’t wait to see Beauty and The Beast this Christmas!”
Darren Maddison from Polka Dot Pantomimes Ltd said: “We’re excited to be producing professional pantomime at the Cornerstone Arts Centre and are thrilled to be working with the incredible venue team. Last year’s production was a great first season and we are looking forward to developing traditional family pantomime with a modern twist for this and future years.
“Beauty and the Beast is a spellbinding pantomime that features spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, lots of audience interaction and even real panto pooches! Our pantomimes are the perfect festive treat and suitable for audiences of all ages and we can’t wait to welcome everyone this Christmas.”
Last year’s panto Cinderella exceeded expectations and saw new audiences coming to Cornerstone Arts Centre, with 50 per cent of those booking tickets being first time visitors to the centre.
Working with the same company in the coming years will help to ensure consistency and quality which will attract returning audiences year after year and establish Cornerstone as a key feature in resident’s festive celebrations. The contract will also enable the company and Cornerstone to announce the following year’s production 12 months in advance capitalising on repeat bookings and giving the centre some stability and continuity with audiences.
Details about this year’s panto can be found on the Cornerstone website along with information about the Cornerstone membership.
