Wyvern Theatre in Swindon has received recognition at the UK Pantomime Association Awards, with lighting designer Matt Ladkin nominated for Best Lighting.
The nomination celebrates his work on the theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Sleeping Beauty.
Matt said he was thrilled to receive the recognition.
“I’m really thrilled to have been nominated for Best Lighting at the 2026 Pantomime Awards,” he said.
“Thanks to the judging panel for recognising my work and to the amazing teams at the Wyvern and Imagine Theatre for all of their support on this production.”
Recognition for Magical Production
Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern, praised Matt’s contribution to the show.
“We are absolutely delighted that Matt has been nominated for the Best Lighting award,” she said.
“His lighting design for Sleeping Beauty was truly beautiful and played a huge part in creating the magic that our audiences experienced.”
She added that the entire Swindon theatre team is proud to see his work recognised.
Production Company Receives Multiple Nominations
The pantomime was produced by Imagine Theatre, which has received eight nominations at this year’s awards across its pantomime productions.
The company, led by husband-and-wife team Steve Boden and Sarah Boden, has been producing family entertainment for more than 25 years and has staged over 260 professional pantomimes across the UK.
Steve Boden said the nominations highlight the importance of pantomime within regional theatre.
“Pantomime is the backbone of regional theatre in the UK, so we at Imagine are so glad to see it recognised in this way,” he said.
“There is an army of people involved in creating the magic every year, and we’re incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
Next Pantomime Announced
The upcoming pantomime season at the Wyvern will feature Jack and the Beanstalk, described as a spectacular, laugh-out-loud family adventure.
The UK Pantomime Association, founded in 2021 to celebrate the creativity and community impact of pantomime, will host this year’s awards ceremony on 19 April at Wycombe Swan Theatre.
