The nominations for The Great British Pantomime Awards 2019 have been announced tonight and, once again, there are local productions and performers that feature in the shortlists for these prestigious National Awards.
Worthing’s superb pantomime, Aladdin, which starred Lee Latchford-Evans from the pop group Steps, has been shortlisted for the the biggest title of them all – Pantomime of the Year (750 – 1500 seats). In a tough category, up against Hackney Empire, The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Edinburgh Kings Theatre and the Demontfort Hall Leicester, it would be a huge feather in the cap for the collaboration of Worthing Theatres and Paul Holman Associates to take this prize.
Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “Following the phenomenal popularity of Aladdin, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with Worthing Theatres in 2019 and look forward to bringing a spectacular production of Cinderella to the Pavilion Theatre this Christmas. Audiences can expect ever more magical special effects, the highest quality production values and an exciting star line-up to be announced soon along with plenty of the audience participation for all ages that Worthing’s traditional family pantomime is renowned for.”
The Hawth. Crawley’s favourite dame, Michael J Batchelor, has been nominated, for the second year in a row, for his amazingly elaborate costumes, used by Evolution Pantomimes dames all over the country. Michael said “I have designed and made my own panto dame costumes for many years and in the last few years I have had my costumes worn by some of the best dames in the country. It is this that has lead to my Best Costume Design nomination for The Great British Pantomime Awards”
“The awards are in their third year now and it’s brilliant that all aspects of pantomime are being celebrated in this way. Some people in the theatre world look down on pantomime but it is during the festive season, that a lot of venues make the most money, allowing other types of productions to take place throughout the year! I’m very passionate about the art of playing a fat bloke in a dress and seem to have made my Christmas home at the Hawth Theatre in recent years! I am as excited as ever for Dick Whittington this year and sewing has already begun!”
The Hawth Crawley’s production of Aladdin also features in the Best Mythical Creature (Fairy) category with a nomination for comedy actress, singer and impressionist Jess Robinson who gave a full throttle laugh-a-minute performance in the role of the Genie of the Ring, showcasing her incredibly powerful impressions of famous singers and well known celebrities.
Established in 2016 the awards were introduced as a way to celebrate pantomime, where judges travel across the UK to see over 200 shows and nominate awards for best production values and performers. Following a fantastically busy season, The Great British Pantomime Awards are pleased to once again recognise and reward the great effort which goes into the Pantomime season right across the country. There are over 25 awards up for grabs, including: Best Comic, Best Male and Female Villain, Best Ensemble, Best Ugly Sisters and Best Dame as well as awards for Lighting, Design and Direction.
Co-founder Daniel Dawson said “Judges saw well in excess of 200 shows with up to 6 judges seeing each show. The variety of talent that we have seen has made it clear that pantomime is as alive as ever. With so many talented actors, so well supported by back of house teams, it has made decisions very difficult, but that can only be good for the future of Pantomime.
The winners will be announced, and awards will be presented, at a ceremony held at New Wimbledon Theatre on Sunday 28th April which will be hosted, again, by the incredible Christopher Biggins, who will be joined by other guests from Pantomime and beyond to celebrate another tremendously successful season.
Tickets for the awards ceremony are available online at www.pantomimeawards.co.uk/tickets