Poole pantomime scoops top national award
The production at Lighthouse boasted the 'Best Sisters' last Christmas
The 'sisters' in Poole Lighthouse's pantomime Cinderella last Christmas have been crowned the country's best.
Nadine and Doris, played by Andrew Pollard and Alim Jadavji, scooped 'Best Sisters' at the UK Pantomime Awards 2023, hosted by theatre legend Christopher Biggins.
The Lighthouse production, written and directed by Dorset children's TV presenter, was also nominated for 'Best Panto' but lost out to a London run of Mother Goose, which starred Sir Ian McKellen and John Bishop.
Fairy Godmother Lauren Azania was in the running for 'Best Magical Being' but didn't pick up the top prize.
Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain said:
"What a night - the awards were every bit as fab as we hoped and our Ugly Sisters were crowned the best all the land.
"We're so proud, not only of Andrew and Alim who were absolutely brilliant, but also of Lauren whose Fairy was out of this world. And if our Cinderella is going to miss out on Best Panto, we're only too happy to lose to Sir Ian McKellen.
"As an independent regional producer, to be honoured by our peers is a real privilege and such a thrill. Huge congratulations and thanks everyone who was involved in making Cinderella the most creatively successful pantomime that Lighthouse has enjoyed."
This year's panto in Poole has already been chosen, with work underway to get it ready for audiences.
Aladdin will be staged from Thursday 7th to Sunday 31st December.