Derby’s 2025 production of Dick Whittington has secured two nominations at the UK Pantomime Association’s Pantomime Awards.
The hit show, a collaboration between Derby City Council’s Derby LIVE team and Little Wolf Entertainment, was enjoyed by over 36,000 audience members at Derby Arena – including 16,000 children. Starring award-winning dame Morgan Brind as Mabel Arch alongside TV and stage star Wendi Peters as Queen Rat, the production earned glowing reviews.
Competing against hundreds of productions across twenty-two categories, Dick Whittington has been shortlisted for Best Costumes and Best Set. Both categories recognise the exceptional work of Morgan Brind, who designed both the costumes and the set, and reflect the months of meticulous craftsmanship required to bring such a dazzling stage spectacle to life.
Little Wolf Entertainment also picked up nominations for their pantos in Loughborough and Tunbridge Wells, including Best Sisters, Best Lighting, and Best Pantomime (Over 900 Seats).
Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles, from Derby-based Little Wolf Entertainment, said:
It was a joy bringing Dick Whittington to Derby and we’re thrilled to receive these nominations! Thank you to the amazing Team Little Wolf who work so hard to bring Morgan’s designs to life.
We’re so excited to stage Snow White at the Arena this year and we’re already hard at work to make it a truly magical experience. Tickets are already selling fast so don’t miss out!
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
The brilliant Derby LIVE team and Little Wolf Entertainment smashed it yet again with Dick Whittington. The set and costumes were truly spectacular - every year the Dame’s costumes, in particular, get more inventive and impressive - so it’s wonderful to see them recognised nationally with these nominations.
Our annual pantomime is the highlight of our festive season and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year!
The Pantomime Awards are staged in partnership with sponsors Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 19 April at Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe.
Anita Harris, President of the UK Pantomime Association 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.
Tickets for this year’s panto Snow White are on sale now, online or by calling 01332 255800. The show will be at Derby Arena from Friday 4 – Thursday 31 December 2026. Tickets are priced from £21 to £36 with concessions available.