3 weeks Ago
The Pantomime Awards 2025 took place with a star-studded ceremony at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking. Among the winners was Chris Jordan, who won Best Direction for his work on Snow White at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. The UK Pantomime Association announced the winners of the awards on Sunday, April 13.
The event was staged in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment. The ceremony was filled with song and laughter, with Elaine C Smith picking up the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Pantomime award. Ms Smith was recognised for her decades-long contribution to the pantomime industry as one of Scotland's most beloved pantomime legends.
She was also one of the evening's presenters, alongside Dave Benson Phillips and La Voix. The Special Recognition Awards were given to productions and individuals who embody the values that the Association seeks to promote. He’s Behind You! received the award for Achievement in Inclusive Practice for celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with their progressive queer pantomimes.
The Oxford Playhouse was awarded for Achievement in Innovation for their fresh takes on familiar fairy tales. The Nigel Ellacott Special Recognition Award for Pantomime History, Tradition, and Heritage was given to Brick Lane Music Hall for their dedication to the traditions of Music Hall and Victorian Pantomime. The awards ceremony also featured special guest performances from Anita Harris, Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise, and Jamie Leahey.
Simon Sladen, chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said: "Huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners at The Pantomime Awards 2025. "What a wonderful evening to celebrate excellence across the pantomime industry and salute the talent, skill, passion, craftsmanship and expertise that goes into each and every season." This year marked a new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment.
Chris McGuigan, group commercial director for Trafalgar Entertainment, said: "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at this year’s Panto Awards. "Trafalgar is proud to co-sponsor this gloriously glittery evening as part of our ongoing commitment to pantomime as a genre. "The 'joyful chaos' of panto season is a vital component of the regional theatre sector - and so it’s wonderful to celebrate it alongside many of the talented artists, acts, entertainers, writers, creatives, tech teams and producers who make it all happen.
"We're already looking forward to hosting the event in 2026." Claire Dixon, business director for ATG Entertainment, said: "ATG Entertainment is honoured to co-sponsor the Pantomime Awards 2025 and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and winners. "Pantomime is a cherished tradition that brings joy to audiences of all ages, and we are proud to support and celebrate the extraordinary creativity, talent and dedication that make this artform so beloved.
" The UK Pantomime Association, founded in 2021, is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future. During the 2024-25 pantomime season, the fourth year in which the awards have taken place, the Pantomime Awards’ 52 judges collectively visited 216 venues to see over 496 performances across the United Kingdom. For the full list of nominations, visit: pantomimeassociation.
co.uk/the-uk-pantomime-association-announces-the-nominations-for-the-pantomime-awards-2025-celebrating-a-wealth-of-talent-across-the-uks-theatre-industry..
