The London Palladium, once the home of traditional Christmas pantomime in the British capital, is to host its first panto in nearly three decades, when Cinderella is presented there beginning performances December 9 for a run through January 15.

Pantomimes played there regularly between 1948 and 1987, with stars that included Julie Andrews, Cliff Richard, Peter Sellers, Cilla Black and Ronnie Corbett. But the festive cornerstone has been absent since 1987's production of Babes in the Woods that starred Barbara Windsor, Cannon & Ball and Rod Hull and Emu.

Now Qdos Entertainment, the U.K's biggest pantomime producer, having produced more than 650 pantomimes over the last 34 years, will stage this year's return. In a press statement, Qdos Entertainment Chairman Nick Thomas said, “Given the rich history of the London Palladium, where galaxies of top entertainers have appeared in traditional family pantomime, Qdos Entertainment is greatly honoured to have been invited to stage Cinderella at this iconic theatre. We are thrilled to be bringing pantomime back following an absence of nearly three decades with a sumptuous production that befits The Palladium's role as the home of pantomime in London.”

The production will be directed by Qdos Entertainment Managing Director Michael Harrison, an independent theatre producer who co-produced the current Mrs Henderson Presents and the soon-to-return The Bodyguard, as well as the Olivier winning revival of Gypsy. It is choreographed by Andrew Wright, Olivier nominated for co-choreographing Guys and Dolls, and currently represented in the West End by Mrs Henderson Presents.

Casting is still to be announced.

Tickets go on sale April 15 at CinderellaPalladium.com.