The UK Pantomime Association announces winners of THE PANTOMIME AWARDS 2023

The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) announced the winners of The Pantomime Awards 2023, in association with Butlin’s, at a star-studded ceremony at the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End last night (11 April). 

The winners are:

Best Choreography: Stillie Dee – Jack and the Beanstalk, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

Best Comic sponsored by Santa Himself: Adam C Booth – Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast (Crossroads Pantomimes) 

Best Costume Design: Jasmine Swan – Beauty and the Beast, Mercury Theatre, Colchester (In-House) 

Best Dame sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment: Brian James O'Sullivan – Maw Goose, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (In-House) 

Best Director (sponsored by John Good Ltd): Estelle van Warmelo – Beauty and the Beast, The Courtyard, Hereford (In-House) 

Best Ensemble sponsored by Stagecoach: Mairi Barclay, Adam Brown, Gabriel Fleary, Becca Francis, Shailan Gohil, Richard Leeming, Genevieve Nicole and Laura Tyrer – Mother Goose, Duke of York's Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

Best Lighting Design sponsored by Production, Light & Sound: Sally Ferguson – Dick Whittington, Nottingham Playhouse (In-House) 

Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being: Jo Osmond – Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (Evolution Productions) 

Best Contribution to Music sponsored by Howden Insurance Brokers: Emma Fraser – Dick Whittington, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (Evolution Productions) 

Best Early Career Newcomer sponsored by Staffordshire University: Neha Eapen – Cinderella, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates) 

Best Newcomer to Pantomime sponsored by Staffordshire University: Vernon Kay – Cinderella, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (Imagine Theatre) 

Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead: Jasmine Triadi – Cinderella, Salisbury Playhouse (In-House) 

Best Script: Joyce Branagh – Jack and the Beanstalk, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell (In-House) 

Best Secondary Lead: Ohaana Greaves – The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, Fairfield Halls, Croydon (UK Productions) 

Best Set Design: Mark Walters, Nina Dunn and Matt Brown – Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre (Imagine Theatre) 

Best Sisters: Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji – Cinderella, Lighthouse, Poole (In-House) 

Best Sound Design: James Cook – Aladdin, Derby Arena (Little Wolf Entertainment) 

Best Supporting Artist: Anna-Jane Casey – Mother Goose, Duke of York's Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

Best Villain sponsored by Breckman & Company: Ben Locke – Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

Best Pantomime (Under 500 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Robin Hood, Theatr Clwyd, Mold (In-House) 

Best Pantomime (500 – 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Mother Goose, Duke of York's Theatre, London (Ambassador Theatre Group) 

Best Pantomime (Over 900 seats) sponsored by Butlin’s: Beauty and the Beast, Swansea Grand Theatre (Imagine Theatre) 

Su Pollard was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award for her many decades of passion and commitment to treading the boards in pantomimes around the country. 

The Special Recognition Awards, which celebrate productions and individuals representing the values that the Association seeks to promote, were given to Ian McKellen for passionate advocacy and services to the artform of pantomime; to Cast, Doncaster for their ongoing commitment to integrated BSL signing in pantomime; and to Theatre Royal Stratford East for their continued innovative and inclusive practice in the field of pantomime. 

The ceremony was hosted by the UKPA’s President Christopher Biggins, with presenters including Nigel Clarke, Max Fulham, Derek Griffiths, Amanda Lovett and Theo Mayne, Debbie McGee, Gracie McGonigal, Scott Mitchell and Vikki Stone. There were also performances from Anna-Jane Casey, Gigi Zahir, Myra DuBois and a specially curated performance from Butlin’s.

Chair of the UK Pantomime Association, Simon Sladen, said: "Congratulations to all our nominees and winners. The Pantomime Awards celebrate an array of outstanding talent and demonstrate an industry alive and thriving. The commitment, creativity and passion on show each season makes pantomime one of the most thrilling of all theatrical genres. The UK Pantomime Association is proud to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding skill, expertise and excellence upon the pantomime stage." 

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees!

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