The curtain may have fallen on another pantomime season, but for a select group of celebrities, the final bow comes with an exceptionally lucrative pay packet. New details have emerged revealing the top earners in the festive theatre circuit, with some stars commanding six-figure sums for just a few weeks of work.
The Undisputed Panto Queen
Topping the pantomime rich list is a surprising name: Alison Hammond. The beloved This Morning presenter reportedly earned a colossal £195,000 for her role as the Magic Mermaid in Birmingham's production of Peter Pan across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Despite taking a break from the stage this Christmas, industry sources suggest no other performer has yet matched her commanding fee, securing her crown as the panto pay queen.
Radio Royalty and Stage Veterans
Hot on Hammond's heels are two Radio 2 personalities. Scott Mills, who recently appeared on The Masked Singer, takes second place, reportedly earning £190,000 for his recurring role as Mayor Mills in productions like Jack and the Beanstalk. He is matched by fellow broadcaster Vernon Kay, who commanded the same fee for his stint in Aladdin last year.
A true icon of the genre, Christopher Biggins, continues to be a major draw. The 77-year-old panto dame legend is said to rake in approximately £180,000 annually. This season, he swapped his usual dame roles to play King Richard in Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
High-Profile Debuts and Steady Earners
The list also highlights stars making successful transitions to the panto stage. Comedian Catherine Tate made her debut this year as the Wicked Fairy in Sleeping Beauty at The London Palladium, pulling in an estimated £120,000 for a 60-show run. She shares this fee bracket with seasoned performers like Bradley Walsh and Brian Conley, both established panto veterans.
Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas demonstrated the value of a fresh face, netting £80,000 for her debut in Dartford's Sleeping Beauty. At the other end of the spectrum, Katie Price is reported to earn up to £50,000 per appearance, this year featuring in a pre-filmed digital role in Darlington.
The figures reveal that pantomime remains a significant and serious earner for celebrities during the festive period, blending traditional family entertainment with star power that commands premium prices from theatres across the UK.
