RCT Theatres’ digital production of Aladdin, which was enjoyed by thousands of panto lovers last December, has been shortlisted at the first-ever UK Pantomime Association’s annual awards.
Aladdin, which starred Ceri Dupree as Widow Tawnkey, has been nominated in the Best Pantomime (Digital) category at the awards ceremony being held in London’s West End in April.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Communities, said: “I am delighted that RCT Theatres digital pantomime offering Aladdin has been nominated for a nationwide award. It is testament to all the hard work from so many people that went into the production of the family show in such difficult circumstances.
“Offering free cinema screenings of Aladdin, alongside the free online digital offer, ensured that our magical pantomime reached a wide audience, including any digitally-excluded residents.
“To be nominated at the UK Pantomime Association awards is national recognition and puts our pantomime well and truly on the map as one of just three Welsh pantomimes shortlisted.
“The festive season is such a special time for so many people and we look forward to welcoming all our patrons back to the Coliseum Theatre and Park & Dare Theatre this year.”
RCT Theatres’ digital production of the family favourite Aladdin was a FREE magical ‘cinema experience’ during the festive season due to restrictions that were in place at the time. It was also available online for home viewing. The pre-recorded pantomime contained all the magic and sparkle of the traditional family panto shown on the big screen.
Founded in 2021 to explore, share and celebrate the age-old family tradition of pantomime by investigating the genre’s rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future, there are over 20 categories listed at the awards ceremony.
These include Best Ugly Sisters, Best Dame, Best Pantomime, Best Principal Boy/Girl, Best Supporting Artist, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design and Best Villain.
The RCT Theatres’ production of Aladdin, written and directed by Richard Tunley, with original music by Nathan Jones, two Rhondda Cynon Taf residents, is nominated in the Best Pantomime (Digital) category, alongside Beauty and the Beast (Nottingham Playhouse), Cinderella (Corn Exchange, Newbury), Cinderella (Panto Online) and Jack and the Beanstalk (New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich).
During the 2021/2022 pantomime season, 46 judges saw 207 pantomime productions across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, travelling from Aberdeen to Aylesbury, Belfast to Bognor and Cardiff to Canterbury, as well as watching the online productions.
The UK Pantomime Association’s awards ceremony takes place at the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End on Tuesday, April 19, hosted by Christopher Biggins and marks the inaugural awards from the UK Pantomime Association, which gained charity status in February this year.
RCT Theatres is proud to announce that both the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare, and the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy, are now back open to the public, welcoming patrons of all ages with a varied programme of live shows, events and cinema screenings.
What’s On at RCT Theatres
Posted on 22/03/2022