Excitement is in the air as Lighthouse prepares for the UK Pantomime Association’s annual Pantomime Awards on Sunday (19 April).
The panto ‘Oscars’ will be awarded in a glittering ceremony at Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe and the Lighthouse production of Dick Whittington that wowed record audiences last Christmas is nominated in two categories – Best Panto (500-900 seats) and Best Sound for sound designer Nico Menghini.
“Of course, we hope to win – but being nominated is recognition enough,” says Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain, the show’s producer.
“Pantomime is such a wonderful tradition and a real joy to create for our Lighthouse stage and our local audiences. It’s a complex production to put on and we are always mindful of the impact it has, from very young children who may be coming into a theatre for the first time, to the older generation, and everyone in between.”
But this isn’t the first time Lighthouse has been close to panto ‘Oscar’ glory. Two years ago, Benjamin Armstrong won Best Newcomer in the title role of Aladdin, a year after Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji won Best Sisters for their memorably winning turn in Cinderella. In 2019, Chris Jarvis, who has written and directed panto at Lighthouse ever since, won Best Principal Boy in Dick Whittington.
There have been other nominations as well, a mark of how well received the Poole pantomime has been.
“When you make something that is so much about and for our local community, it is a real honour for it to make such an impact on a national level,” adds Elspeth.
“We know how much our audiences enjoyed Dick Whittington, and the cast and company all had a wonderful time in Poole, so to be recognised in this way is just brilliant. Oh yes, it is…!”
The actress, singer and entertainer Anita Harris, who grew up in Bournemouth, is President of the UK Pantomime Association and said: “Our 64 judges travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting 234 venues and seeing over 603 performances. It is a glorious privilege to witness the passion, hard work and extraordinary talent behind pantomime and the joy it brings to audiences.”
Tickets are on sale now for this year’s Lighthouse pantomime, Jack ad the Beanstalk, at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk-panto-2026-27/ and on 01202 280000.
Lighthouse in Pantomime Awards nominations:
Best Principal Boy – Chris Jarvis, Dick Whittington 2019*
Best Mythical Being – Lauren Azania, Cinderella 2023
Best Sisters – Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji, Cinderella 2023*
Best Panto (500-900 seats) – Cinderella 2023
Best Newcomer – Benjamin Armstong, Aladdin 2024*
Best Panto (500-900 seats) – Dick Whittington 2026
Best Sound – Nico Menghini, Dick Whittington 2026
*won
(NC)