They're behind you! Panto awards return to Surrey

Snow White at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne is nominated for four awards

The annual Pantomime Awards are taking place in Surrey for the second year running.

The UK Pantomime Association ceremony takes place at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking on Sunday evening.

Well-known celebrities include Rylan, Owain Wyn Evans and Maisie Smith (starring in Beauty and The Beast at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury) who are all nominated for the Best Newcomer award.

The production of Snow White at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne has four nominations including Best Pantomime (500-900 seats) and Best Director.

A total of 52 judges collectively visited 216 venues to see 496 performances across the UK.

Other South East venues nominated across the 22 categories include:

• Pavilion Theatre, Worthing (two nominations for Lighting and Sound)

• Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells and Central Theatre, Chatham (both for Magical Being)

• Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks (Ensemble)

The ceremony will be presented by Elaine C Smith, Dave Benson Phillips and La Voix with performances by Basil Brush and Anita Harris.

Maisie Smith is nominated for Best Newcomer for Beauty and the Beast at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury

The event was also held in Surrey in 2024 at G Live in Guildford.

Sam Munday-Webb, awards producer and vice-chairperson, said: "The Pantomime Awards get bigger and better every year, and the event has come to be known as one of the highlights of the annual panto calendar.

"As well as celebrating excellence and innovation in the art form, this year we are privileged to be showcasing a range of both newer and some of the most established acts.

"It will, as ever, be a very special evening."

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