THE Hall For Cornwall’s 2025 pantomime, Aladdin, has been nominated for three awards in a national competition that sees local actors rubbing shoulders with West End stars.

Organised by The UK Pantomime Association, The Pantomime Awards 2026 will be announced on Sunday, April 19, at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe.

Edward Rowe, aka Kernow King, has been nominated for the Stanley Baxter Award for Best Dame for his turn as Widow Twerky. He’s up against stiff competition from fellow dames in Leeds, Cambridge, Carmarthen and Edinburgh.

In addition, Jevan Howard-Jones has been nominated in the Best Choreography category, while Richard Healey has been shortlisted for Best Contribution to Music.

West End stars nominated this year include talent show winners Will Young and Joe McElderry, Call the Midwife actress Helen George, Miranda sidekick Sarah Hadland and entertainer Gary Wilmot.

“In the 2025/26 pantomime season, our 64 judges visited 234 venues and saw 603 performances,” said association president Anita Harris. “It’s a glorious privilege to witness the passion, hard work and extraordinary talent behind pantomime and the joy it brings to audiences.”

The production arm of Hall for Cornwall since 2021, Cornwall Playhouse Productions has produced work including Fisherman’s Friends the Musical and is the biggest producer of homegrown pantomime in the South West, delivering Cinderella, Treasure Island, Peter Pan, Jack And The Beanstalk and Aladdin. The 2026 panto will be Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat.

Aladdin producer Helen Tiplady said: “We’re passionate about making great shows for Cornish audiences that celebrate the culture of our region. Aladdin was a delight to produce, bringing together a brilliant team - and now three of them have national awards nominations. Cross your fingers and toes for the win, and like in Aladdin … make a wish!”