The Anvil pantomime Aladdin nominated for national award

Anvil Arts’ production of Aladdin has received a nomination at The Pantomime Awards 2026, with lead actor Kian Zomorodian in the running for the Barbara Windsor Award for Principal Lead.

Martin Dodd, managing director and producer at UK Productions, said: "Everyone at UK Productions is incredibly proud to see Kian recognised with this nomination.

Lead actor Kian Zomorodian is in the running for the Barbara Windsor Award for Principal Lead. (Image: Sean Dillow)

"From the very first rehearsal, it was clear he would bring something truly special to Aladdin, and throughout the run in Basingstoke, he created a genuine emotional connection with audiences of all ages.

"Kian brings such warmth, sincerity, and a beautiful spirit of adventure to the role, and he has that rare quality of making every performance feel personal and joyful."

Mr Dodd also paid tribute to the wider team behind the show.

He said: "Pantomime is a real team effort, and the magic audiences experience on stage is only possible thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our creative and production teams and brilliant venue staff, alongside a wonderful company of performers, musicians and crew.

"We’re also hugely grateful to the incredible audiences in Basingstoke - generations of families who come back year after year and make the pantomime such a joyful and special part of the festive season.

"Their enthusiasm, laughter and support are what make these shows truly come alive."

Matthew Cleaver, chief executive of Anvil Arts, said: "It’s fantastic that our pantomime has been included in the nominations.

"UK Productions has been bringing traditional family pantomimes to The Anvil for over 20 years and each year they get better and better.

"We are thrilled that Kian has been deservedly recognised in this way."

The annual awards ceremony celebrates the excellence in pantomime productions across the UK, and UK Productions has received six nominations in the 2026 awards. 

This year’s ceremony will take place at Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe in April.

Tickets are now on sale for this year's pantomime at The Anvil, Beauty and the Beast.