Pleasure Beach shortlisted in UK Pantomime Awards
7 May 2024
by Visit Blackpool
The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) has announced that Pleasure Beach Resort has been nominated for the Best Ensemble category at the 2024 awards, for their performance of Beauty and the Beast at the park’s very own theatre – The Globe.
As the only nomination from the North West of England for their category, Jasmine Robinson, Lyla Gilchrist, Abigail Stewart, Isabel Clacher, Kate Connolly, Danielle Lamie, Francesca Fleming, Xanthe Whelan, Caolán James, Connor Riding and Joe Barlow took to The Globe’s stage last Christmas. They performed alongside reality TV Star Charlotte Dawson and ITV’s Weather Presenter Emma Jesson in a show-stopping performance of the stage-show classic.
During the 2023-24 pantomime season, the third year in which the awards have taken place, UKPA’s 70 judges had their biggest year ever, collectively visiting 259 venues to see over 728 performances, far and wide across the UK.
The 11-strong team is hoping to scoop the award at this year’s ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at 7pm at G Live in Guildford.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE said: “We are so proud of our ensemble. This nomination is a true testament to all of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a spectacular show.
“Winning this award would be a huge success for all of our talented cast, and a well-deserved morale boost ahead of our 2024 pantomime, Aladdin.”
This year’s production of Aladdin will see the talented ensemble return to the stage to wow audiences between November 23 and December 24, 2024. In the classic tale of a directionless street urchin who finds his luck with a magic lamp and beautiful princess, Aladdin features a local line up of talented cast who will be joined by a celebrity star, who is set to be announced later in the year.
“Pantomime is a Christmas staple for friends, families and theatre-lovers alike and we’re so pleased that we have been recognised for playing a very important part in making Christmas that little bit more special.
“UK theatre and pantomime is so important to our society and culture, and awards and nominations like this help keep the profession and magic alive. Alongside the UK Pantomime Association, we are huge supporters and firm believers in our beloved pantomime scene. Good luck everyone!” Amanda added.
Founded in 2021, the UK Pantomime Association is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future.
Tickets for Aladdin can be purchased here.
A full list of the shortlist can be seen here.