French and Saunders to Play Ugly Sisters in London Palladium Pantomime
Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are set to reunite on stage for the first time in 17 years, taking on the roles of the Ugly Sisters in the London Palladium's production of Cinderella. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a highly anticipated return for the duo, who last toured together in 2008-09.
A Dream Fulfilled for Comedy Icons
In a statement, French and Saunders expressed their excitement, saying, "It won't be pretty!" They added, "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." The pair first met as students at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London nearly five decades ago, launching a successful career that includes a beloved BBC sketch comedy series and joint tours in 1990 and 2000.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Details
Producer Michael Harrison shared his enthusiasm, stating, "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 production will also feature:
- Dex Lee as Prince Charming
- Hope Dawe as Cinderella
- Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, and Rob Madge in supporting roles
Cinderella runs from 5 December to 10 January, with tickets going on sale on 2 April. This follows the Palladium's revival of pantomime in 2016, after a hiatus since 1987, with previous successes including Catherine Tate's record-breaking run in Sleeping Beauty in 2025.
History of French and Saunders at the Palladium
French has previously appeared at the venue as Queen Dragonella in Snow White (2018) and Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk (2022), while Saunders made her Palladium panto debut in 2023 as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Their collaboration extends beyond stage, including a 2020 podcast titled Titting About, showcasing their enduring partnership in entertainment.
