Wolverhampton Panto receives three nominations at UK Pantomime Awards

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s 2025 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has received a brilliant three nominations at the UK Pantomime Awards. The theatre has been celebrating the huge success of last year’s pantomime, ahead of the UK Pantomime Awards, which will be held on Sunday 19th April. Sleeping Beauty was produced entirely by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and championed local talent including Zak Douglas as The Herald and Solomon Davy as Prince.

In a press release, a spokesperson for the theatre said: “To receive a total of three nominations is particularly outstanding. Such national recognition for a pantomime that was produced in Wolverhampton using the talents of many Grand Theatre staff, and culminated top-class talent in Wolverhampton, is an exciting indication of the Grand’s new vision for pantomime and its major contribution to the UK pantomime industry.”

Sleeping Beauty has been nominated for: Best Villain with Drag Race UK winner, Danny Beard, starring as Carabosse; Best Script written by Tam Ryan and Ian Adams; and Best Pantomime – Over 950 Seats.

Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Karen Smallwood said, “Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has a very strong vision for pantomime, one that harnesses community, creativity and collaboration. Pantomime is the one show for all the family, and the production must balance the needs of every single audience member. We work incredibly hard across all departments to ensure the panto recipe is right and three award nominations on top of the critical acclaim received in December are a strong indication that our pantomime is achieving everything we set out to. We are delighted with the nominations and remain committed to ensuring our pantomime honours tradition yet pushes the boundaries of top-quality, inclusive, family-friendly theatre.”

Best Villain nominee Danny Beard added, “I chose this panto and this theatre over a couple of other offers because there is so much love here and so much thought goes into everything here, from the casting to the writing to the tech… people care on every level with this show and that’s what I’m like when it comes to my work which is why I slot right in with this show and this theatre.”

Sleeping Beauty will be succeeded in 2026, with this year’s upcoming pantomime, Treasure Island; also written by Tam Ryan and Ian Adams. Tickets for Treasure Island are already on sale!