The world of British comedy is about to get a delightful jolt. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, two names synonymous with laughter for over four decades, are preparing to share a stage once more.
Their comedic partnership began in 1978, blossoming into the groundbreaking sketch show, *French and Saunders*. From there, they conquered television with iconic roles in *Absolutely Fabulous* and *The Vicar of Dibley*, cementing their status as national treasures.
Now, after a 17-year hiatus from performing together, the duo is set to reunite in a spectacularly mischievous role: the Ugly Sisters in this year’s pantomime at the London Palladium. It’s a dream role they’ve long envisioned, promising a performance that will be anything but conventional.
“We have wished to play the Ugly Sisters for so many years,” they confessed, “it feels this is the fulfilment of a dream – a dream our hearts made. Watch out. It won’t be pretty.” Their legendary chemistry and quick wit are poised to transform the classic fairytale into a hilarious spectacle.
Joining French and Saunders will be Julian Clary as the Fairy Godmother, adding another layer of comedic brilliance. Familiar faces like Nigel Havers, Paul Zerdin, and Rob Madge will also grace the Palladium stage, promising a truly star-studded production.
This isn’t French’s first foray into Palladium pantomime. She previously delighted audiences as Queen Dragonella in *Snow White* (2018) and Dame Trot in *Jack and the Beanstalk* (2022), showcasing her versatility and comedic timing.
Saunders, too, has experienced the magic of the Palladium, making her debut in 2023 as a wonderfully wicked Captain Hook in *Peter Pan*. Her previous performance undoubtedly fueled anticipation for this latest collaboration with French.
The Palladium pantomimes have become a benchmark for festive entertainment, consistently breaking records. Last year’s production of *Sleeping Beauty* captivated over 137,000 patrons, surpassing the previous record held by *Robin Hood* and achieving the highest-grossing week for any show at the box office.
With French and Saunders now taking center stage, this year’s *Cinderella* is poised to not only continue that tradition of excellence but to elevate it to new heights, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
