Aladdin, Sheffield Theatres’ 2025 festive comedy, has been nominated for Best Pantomime, Best Principal Lead and Best Contribution to Music at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026.
The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) announced the nominations for their fifth annual awards show on Thursday and Aladdin, which was co-produced by Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions, has been nominated three times.
James Harrison, the show’s musical director, is nominated for the his Contribution to Music. He said: “I pour every ounce of energy into the show and into the music creation process – to have that recognised by UKPA is an amazing feeling and it makes it all feel so worth it.
“It’s important to highlight how integral the rest of the band and the sound design is – their work is what brings my work to life. If I look at them the right way, they know exactly what I’m going to do.”
At last year’s ceremony, Sheffield won the award for Best Pantomime and is nominated in the same category again this year. James said: “To be recognised again, amongst all these other amazing shows, shows that we’re clearly doing something right.
“It’s nice to feel that we’re doing something that really matters to people.”
James’ music will feature at the UKPA awards show, as it has for several years. “One of my proudest moments was a couple of years ago when Sir Ian McKellen walked up to the stage to collect an award and I had goosebumps watching him walk up to my music”, James said.
“I’ve always been a massive fan of his.”
Anita Harris, star of stage and screen, was announced as the new President of the UK Pantomime Association in December 2025. She said: “In the 2025-26 pantomime season, our 64 judges travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting 234 venues and seeing over 603 performances.
“It is a glorious privilege to witness the passion, hard work and extraordinary talent behind pantomime and the joy it brings to audiences.”
The winners will be announced on Sunday 19 April at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe.
