Pantomime Awards 2025 nominees announced by the UK Pantomime Association

The UK Pantomime Association has unveiled the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2025, celebrating excellence across the UK’s pantomime industry.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 13 April 2025 at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment.

This year’s nominees highlight the talent and dedication of those working on and offstage to bring pantomime productions to life across the country. Categories include Best Choreography, Best Villain, Best Costume Design, and the coveted Best Pantomime awards across three venue size categories.

A new award has also been introduced in memory of pantomime legend Nigel Ellacott, who passed away in 2024. The Nigel Ellacott Special Recognition Award will honour individuals or productions that uphold the history, tradition, and heritage of pantomime.

Among the nominees, standout names include Anthony Spargo for Best Villain in Dick Whittington and his Cat (Greenwich Theatre), Maisie Smith for Best Newcomer to Pantomime in Beauty and the Beast (Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury), and Rylan for Jack and the Beanstalk (Cliffs Pavilion, Southend).

The awards also acknowledge technical and creative achievements, with nominations for Best Lighting, Best Set Design, and Best Contribution to Music.

The ceremony will be a star-studded celebration of the UK’s vibrant pantomime scene, with winners announced live on the night.

Simon Sladen, Chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said in a statement: “Congratulations to all the nominees for The Pantomime Awards 2025. These shortlists demonstrate the pantomime industry’s exciting array of talent across the country. We can’t wait to celebrate pantomime excellence in April at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, and to honour all the hard work of everyone who made Panto Season 2024/2025 such a great success.”

Claire Dixon, Business Director for ATG Entertainment, said: “ATG Entertainment is proud to support The Pantomime Awards 2025 and celebrate the outstanding talent that brings the magic of pantomime to audiences across the UK. Pantomime is a cherished tradition, and the dedication, creativity, and passion of those both on and off stage make it a truly special experience every year. We look forward to honouring the incredible individuals and productions that make this beloved art form thrive.”

The Pantomime Awards 2025 will take place at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, on Sunday 13 April 2025.

Nominees for The Pantomime Awards 2025

Best Choreography

Arran Anzani-Jones (Beauty and the Beast, Grove Theatre, Dunstable)
Ebony Clarke (Cinderella, Royal & Derngate, Northampton)
Joanna Goodwin (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Theatre Royal Plymouth)
Lauren Stroud (Aladdin, Beck Theatre, Hayes)
Shay Barclay (Dick Whittington and his Cat, Hackney Empire, London)

Best Lighting

Andy Webb (Sleeping Beauty, Festival Theatre, Malvern)
Hallam Cleverley (Pinocchio, Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay)
Jamie Corbidge (Aladdin, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe)
John Rainsforth (Mother Goose, The Customs House, South Shields)
Oscar Wady (Robin Hood, Pavilion Theatre, Worthing)

Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being

Danielle Jam (Jack and the Beanstalk, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen)
Darren Brownlie (Peter Pan, King’s Theatre, Glasgow)
Julie Yammanee (Aladdin, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells)
Katy Ashworth (Jack and the Beanstalk, Central Theatre, Chatham)
Mina Anwar (Cinderella, Derby Arena)

Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead

Aoife Kenny (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield)
Kitty Harris (Cinderella, Blackpool Grand Theatre)
Luke Suri (Aladdin, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham)
Mia Overfield (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fairfield Halls, Croydon)
Roshani Abbey (Sleeping Beauty, Broadway Theatre, Catford)

Best Script

Anthony Spargo (Dick Whittington and his Cat, Greenwich Theatre, London)
David Phipps-Davis (The New Adventures of Peter Pan, Mercury Theatre, Colchester)
Eric Potts (Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Big Top at Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Kilmarnock)
Jo Mawhinney (Treasure Island, Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire)
Vikki Stone (Sleeping Beauty, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich)