The winners of The Pantomime Awards 2026 were revealed on Sunday 19 April at a glittering ceremony hosted at Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe. Presented by Vernon Kay and staged in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE), the evening honoured the very best of British pantomime, from legendary performers to innovative designers and groundbreaking creatives.
Organised by the UK Pantomime Association, the awards recognised excellence across a wide range of categories, with Special Recognition Awards honouring some of the most iconic figures in the history of the art form. This year's ceremony also marked the introduction of the inaugural Panto Icon Awards, a brand new category celebrating sustained commitment and mastery of pantomime's unique craft.
First Ever Panto Icon Awards for Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph
The undoubted highlights of the evening were the presentation of the first ever Panto Icon Awards. The new category was created to recognise performers who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to British pantomime, achieved mastery of its unique craft, earned the recognition and affection of audiences across the country, and maintained a consistently high standard of performance over many years.
Brian Conley was the first recipient, honoured for his tireless energy, definitive portrayals of Buttons and his unrivalled ability to connect with audiences. Over decades of panto performances, Conley has become one of the most recognisable and beloved figures in the form, bringing warmth, comedy and showmanship to stages across the UK.
Lesley Joseph received the second Panto Icon Award, celebrated for her star presence and her ability to consistently delight audiences in leading roles as both Fairy and Villain on the UK's major pantomime stages. Joseph, perhaps best known to television audiences for her role in Birds of a Feather, has carved out an equally distinguished career in panto, where her theatrical flair and comic timing have made her a firm favourite with family audiences.
Terry Parsons Honoured for Outstanding Achievement
Designer Terry Parsons received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pantomime, recognising more than fifty years of imaginative and iconic work that has fundamentally shaped the look, spirit and craft of British pantomime. Parsons' extraordinary career has seen him design productions for some of the biggest names in the business, including Cinderella with Stanley Baxter, Mother Goose with Danny La Rue and Dick Whittington with Barbara Windsor. His contributions have helped define the visual language of modern panto, and this award acknowledged his lasting influence on the art form.
Johnny McKnight and Keith Simmons Receive Special Recognition
The Special Recognition Awards also celebrated two further individuals whose work has enriched pantomime in distinct and vital ways.
Johnny McKnight was presented with the Award for Achievement in Innovation. Over more than twenty years, McKnight's brilliance as a writer, director and performer has joyfully transformed pantomime through groundbreaking productions, bold inclusivity and creative courage. His work has helped push the boundaries of what pantomime can be while remaining true to the spirit of the form.
Keith Simmons received the Nigel Ellacott Special Recognition Award for Pantomime History, Tradition and Heritage. A leading performer, writer and director in his own right, Simmons has spent more than fifty years helping to shape, preserve and pass on the rich traditions of British pantomime to new generations of practitioners and audiences alike.
Nigel Harman Wins Best Villain
Among the competitive categories, Nigel Harman took home the award for Best Villain, sponsored by Breckman and Company, for his performance in Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, produced by UK Productions. Harman, who has built a formidable reputation as both an actor and director, brought his characteristic intensity and comic menace to the role, proving once again that a great villain is often the beating heart of a truly memorable pantomime.
The Full List of Pantomime Awards 2026 Winners
The evening celebrated excellence across a broad range of categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent across the UK pantomime industry. Here are the winners announced at the ceremony:
Best Lighting (sponsored by Production Light and Sound): Nic Farman for Sleeping Beauty at Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (Little Wolf Entertainment).
Carmen Silvera Award for Best Magical Being (sponsored by Barry Burnett): Joe McElderry for Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Crossroads Pantomimes). McElderry, who shot to fame winning The X Factor in 2009, has become a firm fixture on the pantomime circuit, and this award recognised his enchanting stage presence.
Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead (sponsored by Scott Mitchell): Sario Solomon for Aladdin at Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield (Evolution Productions and Sheffield Theatres).
Best Dame: Andrew Pollard for Beauty and the Beast at Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield (In-House). The pantomime dame remains one of the most treasured and technically demanding roles in British theatre, and Pollard's performance was singled out as exceptional.
Best Supporting Performer: Ruth Betteridge for Jack and the Beanstalk at Festival Theatre, Malvern (UK Productions).
Best Villain (sponsored by The Twins FX): Nigel Harman for Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (UK Productions).
Best Comic (sponsored by The Twins FX): Jez Edwards for Sleeping Beauty at Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds (Paul Holman Associates).
Best Choreography or Musical Staging: James MacIver for Sleeping Beauty at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Belgrade Theatre and Imagine Theatre).
Best Costume Design: Claire Cassidy for Sleeping Beauty at Harlow Playhouse (KD Theatre Productions).
Why the Pantomime Awards Matter for British Theatre
Pantomime occupies a unique and vital place in British culture. For many families, a trip to the panto is their first or only experience of live theatre each year. The art form generates significant revenue for venues across the country, from major commercial theatres to smaller regional playhouses, and it provides essential employment for thousands of performers, creatives and technical staff during the festive season.
Despite its cultural and economic significance, pantomime has often been overlooked by the broader theatre industry. The Pantomime Awards, now in their established place on the annual theatre calendar, have done much to change that perception, shining a spotlight on the skill, creativity and dedication that goes into producing great panto.
The introduction of the Panto Icon Awards this year is a particularly welcome development. By recognising performers who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to pantomime, the UK Pantomime Association is making a clear statement about the value and prestige of the form. Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph are both performers whose panto work deserves to be celebrated alongside their achievements in television and other areas of entertainment.
What This Means for Panto Fans
If you are already a pantomime enthusiast, the 2026 winners list offers a useful guide to some of the finest performers and productions currently working in the field. Keep an eye out for names like Nigel Harman, Joe McElderry, Andrew Pollard and Sario Solomon when planning your festive theatre trips later this year, as award recognition often translates to even more exciting and ambitious productions in the seasons ahead.
For those who may not have attended a pantomime in recent years, these awards are a reminder that panto continues to evolve and thrive. With innovative writers like Johnny McKnight pushing creative boundaries and legendary designers like Terry Parsons setting the visual standard, British pantomime in 2026 is as vibrant, inclusive and entertaining as it has ever been.
Discover more about the latest theatre news and upcoming productions across the UK by browsing our full list of shows currently on stage. Whether you are looking for musicals, plays or family shows, you can find everything you need to plan your next theatre visit on BritishTheatre.com.
Susan Novak has a lifelong passion for theatre. With a degree in English, she brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and drama to her writing. She also loves reading and poetry. When not attending shows, Susan enjoys exploring new work and sharing her enthusiasm for the performing arts, aiming to inspire others to experience the magic of theatre.
Stay in the spotlight
Get the latest theatre news, reviews and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
