HARLOW Playhouse’s much-loved annual professional pantomime, which last Christmas was ‘Sleeping Beauty’, has been nominated for two major honours at the prestigious UK Pantomime Awards — Best Pantomime and Best Choreographer.

The UK Pantomime Awards celebrate excellence across the pantomime industry, with judges reviewing more than 250 professional productions across the UK each year. The nominations are a testament to the dedication and creativity of Harlow Playhouse and its co-producers KD Theatre Productions, who continue to deliver a spectacular festive pantomime for the people of Harlow every Christmas season.

The Best Choreographer nomination recognises Claire Cassidy, who recently celebrated her 13th year working on the Harlow pantomime. Claire works across numerous West End productions and also as a casting director, making her return to Harlow each year particularly special.

Her choreography has become a key part of the energy and spectacle that audiences have come to expect from the Playhouse’s festive productions.

The nomination for Best Pantomime marks a major achievement for the entire company, creative and production team. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19 April, but simply being shortlisted among the country’s best pantomimes is a huge honour.

Daniel Bell, producer for KD Theatre and director of the pantomime, said: “To be recognised in these prestigious awards is incredible. We work so hard throughout the year, alongside the amazing Harlow Playhouse team, to deliver a brand new Christmas pantomime every year.

We are especially thrilled for Claire, who truly deserves this nomination for Best Choreographer. She is a delight to work with and plays a huge part in the success of the pantomime today.”

Rory Davies, Executive Producer for Sleeping Beauty at Harlow Playhouse, said: “We are delighted to have received these nominations. Our teams work tirelessly to create a Pantomime each year that is made with Harlow in mind, we create a platform for our performers to showcase their amazing talent and dedication to the artform, alongside providing a space for audiences to enjoy the true magical sensation of Pantomime.

Cllr Danielle Brown, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community, said: “Harlow Playhouse continues to raise the bar and set new standards for arts and culture in our town. These national nominations are a fantastic recognition of the incredible talent, passion and hard work that goes into creating a truly world class pantomime for Harlow every Christmas.

Harlow Playhouse is a cornerstone of Building Harlow’s Future — not just through the award winning productions on its stage, but through the opportunities it creates for performers, creatives and young people across our community.

To see ‘Sleeping Beauty’ shortlisted for Best Pantomime, and Claire Cassidy recognised for her outstanding choreography, is a proud moment for everyone who believes in Harlow’s cultural future.

My congratulations go to the entire Harlow Playhouse team and to KD Theatre Productions. These nominations show once again that Harlow is leading the way in delivering exceptional cultural experiences, and we are immensely proud of all they have achieved.”

The team are already hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas pantomime, Snow White, which will once again bring festive magic to Harlow audiences.

Before then, however, rehearsals are underway for their Easter pantomime adventure, Robin Hood, which runs for a limited week from 27 March to 2 April at Harlow Playhouse.

Tickets are selling fast and can be booked online at
www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk