Est: 2016
WHO HAVE
HUNG UP
THE
DAMES
FROCK!
"... The very best panto has the very best Dame. And the very best Dame has panto in them.. "
Some people would argue that the star of any pantomime is the dame. Who are we to disagree but what we do know is over the years we've had some amazing performers who have taken to the stage and put on the frock and entertained hundreds if not thousands of people. This page celebrates some of the DAMES from over the years who have hung up the frock. Some are sadly no longer with us and others have retired or moved onto to pastures new.
​
Please don't forget to have a look at our current DAME page (the link can be found at the bottom on the page).
Please note we've included performers who have passed away or who has not played Dame for the past five seasons.
​
Anyway for now enjoy a trip down memory lane and here's to the dames who have hung up there frocks.
MEET THE
WHO HAVE
HUNG UP
THE
DAMES
FROCK!
PAUL LAIDLAW
MARTIN BALLARD
BARRY HOWARD
COLIN BAKER
BILLY DAINTY
BILLY RIDDOCH
CHRIS HARRIS
CHUBBY OATES
COLIN DEVEREAUX
CYRIL FLETCHER
DANNY LA RUE
DAVE LYNN
DON CRANN
DON MACLEAN
FRANK WILLIAMS
GARY WILMOT
JACK TRIPP
Jeffery Holland
JOHN INMAN
LES DAWSON
MATTHEW RIXON
MICHAEL
SHARVELL-MARTIN
PETER ROBBINS
ROB FORKNALL
RODNEY WARD
ROY ALVIS
ROY BARRACLOUGH
ROY HUDD
RUSSEL GRANT
SEB CRAIG
STANLEY BAXTER
TONY MAUDSLEY
WYN CALVIN
ERIC POTTS
NIGEL ELLACOTT
TREVOR BANNISTER
1969/70: Cinderella - New Theatre, Oxford
1976/77: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1979/80: Robinson Crusoe - Gran Theatre, Swansea
1980/81: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1981/82: Babes in the Wood - Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
1982/83: Dick Whittington - Bristol Hippodrome
1985/85: Babes in the Wood - Lewisham Theatre, Birmingham
1988/89: Babes in the Wood - Palace Theatre, Manchester
1989/90: Dick Whittington - Kings Theatre, Southsea
1991/92: Jack and the Beanstalk - Churchill Theatre, Bromley
1992/93: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Hanley
1993/94: Jack and the Beanstalk - Orchard Theatre, Dartford
1995/96: Sleeping Beauty - Poole Arts Centre
1996/97: Aladdin - Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
1997/98: Aladdin - Hackney Empire London
1998/99: Aladdin - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
1999/00: Aladdin - Grand Theatre, Swansea
2000/01: Aladdin - Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
BARRY HOWARD
Barry Frederick Howard (9 July 1937 – 28 April 2016) was an English actor. He was best known for his role as Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in the first seven series of the long-running BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, in which his deadpan comedy style and classic facial expressions made him a popular character.
Video: Barry Howard in Aladdin 1999
1963/64: The Frog Prince - Birmingham Theatre
1965/66: Aladdin - Manchester Palace
1966/67: Aladdin - Grand Theatre, Leeds
1969/70: Aladdin - London Palladium
1970/71: Dick Whittington - Birmingham Theatre
1971/72: Aladdin - Manchester Palace
1973/74: Aladdin - Davenport Theatre
1975/76: Emu in Pantoland - Liverpool Empire
1976/77: Cinderella - Manchester Palace
1978/79: Emu in Pantoland - Wimbledon Theatre
1980/81: Sleeping Beauty - Bournemouth Pavilion
1981/82: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1982/83: Dick Whittington - Birmingham Hippodrome
1983/84: Babes in the Wood - Bradford Alhambra
1984/85: Dick Whittington - Oxford Apollo
1985/86: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1989/90: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
​
BILLY DAINTY
Video: Billy Dainty - The Art of the Pantomime Dame
1999/00: Beauty and the Beast - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2000/01: Jack and the Beanstalk - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2001/02: Cinderella (Not as Dame - As Baron Hard-up)
- His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2002/03: Aladdin - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2004/05: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Gaiety Theatre, Ayre
2008/09: Aladdin - Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
2010/11: Beauty and the Beast - Chipping Norton Theatre
2017/18: Aladdin (Not as Dame) - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
BILLY RIDDOCH
Billy Riddoch is known for Jute City (1991), Shallow Grave (1994) and Trainspotting (1996).
1984/85: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Bath
1986/87: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
1987/88: Robinson Crusoe - Theatre Royal, Bath
1989/90: Mother Goose - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1990/91: Dick Whittington - Princess Theatre, Torquay
2001/02: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Bath
2002/03: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Bath
2003/04: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal, Bath
2004/05: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Bath
2005/06: Mother Goose - Theatre Royal, Bath
2006/07: Cinderella (As Buttons rather than Dame) - Theatre Royal, Bath
2007/08: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Bath
2008/09: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal, Bath
2009/10: Sleeping Beauty - Theatre Royal, Bath
2010/11: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Bath
2011/12: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Bath
2012/13: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Royal, Bath
2013/14: Peter Pan - Theatre Royal, Bath
CHRIS HARRIS
He appeared in several UK TV series including Into the Labyrinth and Hey Look That's Me. He also built a successful career in pantomime, acting as a pantomime dame, as well as being a director and writer at the Bristol Old Vic and the Theatre Royal, Bath.
Chris Harris passed away 30th April 2014 aged 71
Video: Chris Harris promotes Peter Pan (2013)
1992/93: Aladdin - Horsham Arts Centre
1993/94: Cinderella - Yeovil Octagon
1994/95: Cinderella - Charter Theatre, Preston
1995/96: Jack and the Beanstalk - New Theatre, Hull
1996/97: Aladdin - King's Theatre, Southsea
1997/98: Jack and the Beanstalk - Princess Theatre, Torquay
CHUBBY OATES
Chubby Oates was born on December 23, 1942 in Bermondsey, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Doctor Who (1963), Killer's Moon (1978) and Cribb (1980). Arthur 'Chubby' Oates passed away 10th November 2006 aged 63.
1981/82: Sleeping Beauty - Rotherham Civic
1987/88: Aladdin - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
1988/89: Jack and the Beanstalk - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
1990/91: Aladdin - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1991/92: Dick Whittington - Hackney Empire
1993/94: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Brighton
1994/95: Dick Whittington - Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
1995/96: Dick Whittington - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1996/97: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Royal, Brighton
1997/98: Jack and the Beanstalk - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1998/99: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wycombe Swan
1999/00: Aladdin - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2000/01: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs -
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
​
COLIN DEVEREAUX
​1954/55: The Queen of Hearts - Cambridge Arts Theatre
1963/64: Mother Goose - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1965/66: Aladdin - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1967/68: Cinderella - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1973/74: Aladdin - Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
CYRIL FLETCHER
Pantomime Dame, and producer of Pantomimes in association with his wife, the Principal girl, Betty Astell.
1956: Cinderella, New Regal Cinema Gloucester
1957: Cinderella, Finsbury Park Empire
1958: Cinderella, Manchester Palace
1959: Cinderella, Newcastle Empire
1960: Cinderella, Theatre Royal Nottingham
1961: Cinderella, Birmingham Hippodrome
1962: Cinderella, Leeds Grant
1963: Cinderella, Bournemouth Pavilion
1964: Cinderella, New Theatre Oxford
1965: Cinderella, Golders Green Hippodrome
1967: Sleeping Beauty, Golders Green Hippodrome
1968: Sleeping Beauty, Saville Theatre London
1978: Aladdin, London Palladium
1980: Aladdin, Bristol Hippodrome
1981: Aladdin, Birmingham Hippodrome
1984: Mother Goose, Theatre Royal Plymouth
1985: Mother Goose, Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
1986: Mother Goose, Theatre Royal Bath
1987: Mother Goose, Churchill Theatre Bromley
1988: Aladdin, Grand Theatre Blackpool
1989: Aladdin, Halifax Civic
1990: Aladdin, Davenport Theatre Stockport
1991: Aladdin, Mayflower Theatre Southampton
1992: Aladdin, Birmingham Hippodrome
1993: Aladdin, New Victoria Woking
1994: Aladdin, Theatre Royal Plymouth
1995: Aladdin, New Wimbledon Theatre
1996: Aladdin, Lyceum Sheffield
1997: Cinderella, Mayflower Southampton
1998: Cinderella, Birmingham Hippodrome
1999: Cinderella, Theatre Royal Plymouth
2000: Cinderella, New Victoria Woking
2001: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Theatre Royal Plymouth
2002: Cinderella, Wycombe Swan High Wycombe
2003: Cinderella, Theatre Royal Nottingham
2004: Cinderella, New Theatre Cardiff
2005: Cinderella, Ashcroft Theatre Croydon
DANNY LA RUE
Danny La Rue OBE was an entertainer best known for on-stage theatrical productions, television shows and films where he customarily performed in drag.
In 1968 his version of
"On Mother Kelly's Doorstep" reached number 33
in the UK singles chart;
La Rue later adopted the
song as his theme tune.
DID YOU KNOW?
1989/90: Mother Goose - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
1991/92: Cinderella - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1993/94: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1994/95: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
1998/99: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
2000/01: Cinderella - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
2005/06: Cinderella - New Wimbledon Theatre
2007/08: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Brighton
2018/19: Aladdin - Worthing Pavilion
2019: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
DAVE LYNN
Dave Lynn. a drag queen with extras!
1979/80: Jack and the Beanstalk - Middleton Civic
1983/84: Babes in the Wood (Not as Dame) - Tameside Theatre
1995/96: Aladdin - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1996/97: Cinderella (As Baron)- Grimsby Auditorium
1997/98: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Hall for Cornwall
2002/03: Jack and the Beanstalk - Bradford Alhambra
2007/08: Cinderella (As Baron) - Mansfield Palace
2008/09: Cinderella (As Baron) - Blackpool Grand
2009/10: Cinderella (As Baron) - Rhyl Pavilion
2012/13: Cinderella (As Baron) - Malvern Theatre
DON CRANN
1960/61: Mother Goose - Gaumont Theatre, Southampton
1971/72: Jack and the Beanstalk - Birmingham Theatre
1976/77: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Wolverhampton Grand
1979/80: Aladdin - Wimbledon Theatre
1980/81: Babes in the Wood - Liverpool Empire
1982/83: Jack and the Beanstalk - Swansea Grand
1990/91: Aladdin - The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
1994/95: Jack and the Beanstalk - Birmingham Hippodrome
1996/97: Jack and the Beanstalk - New Theatre, Cardiff
1997/98: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - New Victoria Theatre, Woking
1998/99: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
2000/01: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal Nottingham
2001/02: Dick Whittington - Birmingham Hippodrome
2002/03: Aladdin - Birmingham Hippodrome
2003/04: Aladdin - Milton Keynes Theatre
2004/05: Jack and the Beanstalk - Birmingham Hippodrome
2006/07: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Wolverhampton Grand
2007/08: Aladdin - Birmingham Hippodrome
2008/09: Robin Hood - Birmingham Hippodrome
2009/10: Robin Hood - New Theatre, Cardiff
2010/11: Mother Goose - Palace Theatre, Redditch
2012/13: Aladdin - Lighthouse Theatre, Poole
2013/14: Jack and the Beanstalk - Assembly Room, Derby
DON MACLEAN
Don spent five years on Crackerjack, three years on The Black and White Minstrel Show and devised and appeared in The Cheapest Show on the Telly, which launched local Midlands boy Lenny Henry.
Don has also hosted Mouthtrap, First Letter First and Songs of Praise.
2001/02: Aladdin - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
2002/03: Dick Whittington - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
2003/04: Babes in the Wood - Oldham Coliseum
2004/05: Sleeping Beauty - Oldham Coliseum
2005/06: Mother Goose - Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent
2006/07: Aladdin - King's Theatre, Glasgow
2007/08: Aladdin - Milton Keynes Theatre
2008/09: Aladdin - New Victoria, Woking
2009/10: Aladdin - Manchester Opera House
2010/11: Dick Whittington - The Bristol Hippodrome
2011/12: Dick Whittington - New Wimbledon Theatre, London
2012/13: Dick Whittingotn - New Victoria Theatre, Woking
2013/14: Dick Whittington - Manchester Opera House
2014/15: Dick Whittington - The Bristol Hippodrome
2015/16: Dick Whittington - The Liverpool Empire
2016/17: Aladdin - Manchester Opera House
2017/18: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Darlington Hippodrome
2018/19: Aladdin - Darlington Hippodrome
2019/20: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Manchester Opera House
2021/22: Aladdin - Venue Cymru
ERIC POTTS
Eric Potts is a Scottish actor, writer and director, who appeared in Coronation Street as the eccentric baker Diggory Compton after playing four smaller parts, the father of Molly Compton, and Brookside as Wrexham Football Club Supporter, Mr Moore.
Eric Potts is now the
the Artistic Director
at Imagine Theatre!
DID YOU KNOW?
1973/74: Babes in the Wood - Richmond Theatre
1979/80: Dick Whittington - New Theatre, Cardiff
1984/85: Cinderella - Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield
1991/92: Aladdin – Theatre Royal Hanley
1992/93: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Theatre Royal Hanley
1993/94: Cinderella – Brighton Dome
1994/95: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Kings Theatre Southsea
1995/96: Dick Whittington – Brighton Dome
1997/98: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Queens Hall Widnes
1999/00: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Grand Opera House York
2000/01: Aladdin – Tameside Hippodrome
2001/02: Aladdin - Princess Theatre, Torquay
2002/03: Aladdin - Grand Opera House York
2003/04: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Southport Theatre
2004/05: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - White Rock Theatre, Hastings
2005/06: Aladdin – Princess Theatre Torquay
2006/07: Cinderella – White Rock Hastings
Frank John Williams was an English actor, best known for playing Reverend Timothy Farthing in the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. Frank passed away 26th June 2022 aged 90
FRANK WILLIAMS
JACK TRIPP
Jack Tripp MBE was an English comic actor, singer and dancer who appeared in seaside variety shows and revues and became best known for his many performances as a pantomime dame. Jack passed away 10th July 2005
1952/53: Goody Two Shoes - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
1953/54: Mother Goose - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
1962/63: Mother Goose - Birmingham Alexandra
1963/64: Mother Goose - Wolverhampton Grand
1966/67: Robinson Crusoe - Wolverhampton Grand
1968/69: Goody Two Shoes - Wolverhampton Grand
1969/70: Jack and the Beanstalk - Manchester Palace
1971/72: Robinson Crusoe - Birmingham Alexandra
1975/76: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1977/78: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Bath
1978/79: Robinson Crusoe - Richmond Theatre
1979/80: Robinson Crusoe - Birmingham Alexandra
1980/81: Jack and the Beanstalk - Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
1982/83: Aladdin - New Theatre Oxford
1983/84: Dick Whittington - Richmond Theatre
1984/85: Aladdin - Bristol Hippodrome
1985/86: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
1986/87: Robinson Crusoe - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1987/88: Babes in the Wood - Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
1988/89: Babes in the Wood - Wolverhampton Grand
1989/90: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Bath
1990/91: Babes in the Wood - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1991/92: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
1992/93: Babes in the Wood - New Theatre, Cardiff
1993/94: Babes in the Wood - Bournemouth Pavilion
1994/95: Babes in the Wood - Sadlers Wells Theatre
1995/96: Mother Goose - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
1996/97: Mother Goose - Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
Jack was featured in the Arts Council Film 'Pantomime Dame'.
This was shown in
cinemas around the
country and the Royal Variety
performances.
DID YOU KNOW?
1966/67: Cinderella - Gaumont Theatre Doncaster
1969/70: Cinderella - The New Theatre Oxford
1970/71: Cinderella - The Wimbledon Theatre
1972/73: Cinderella - The Bristol Hippodrome
1973/74: Cinderella - The Palace Theatre Manchester
1976/77: Mother Goose - The Wimbledon Theatre
1977/78: Mother Goose - The Bristol Hippodrome
1978/79: Mother Goose -Theatre Royal Nottingham
1979/80: Mother Goose -The New Theatre Oxford
1980/81: Mother Goose - Davenport Theatre
1981/82: Mother Goose - Victoria Palace London
1982/83: Mother Goose - Liverpool Empire
1983/84: Mother Goose -Alexandra Birmingham
1984/85: Mother Goose - Churchill Theatre Bromley
1985/86: Aladdin - Davenport Theatre
1986/87: Aladdin - Grand Theatre Wolverhampton
1987/88: Babes in the Wood - London Palladium
1988/89: Goldilocks - Grand Theatre Swansea
1990/91: Aladdin -Churchill Theatre Bromley
1991/92: Mother Goose - Theatre Royal Brighton
1992/93: Jack & the Beanstalk - Bristol Hippodrome
1994/95: Mother Goose - Davenport Theatre
1996/97: Snow White - Southampton Mayflower
1997/98: Snow White - New Victoria Theatre Woking
1998/99: Robin Hood - Grand Theatre Wolverhampton
1999/00: Jack & The Beanstalk - Cliffs Pavilion
2000/01: Aladdin - Theatre Royal Plymouth
2001/02: Aladdin -New Victoria Woking
2002/03: Aladdin - Theatre Royal Newcastle
2003/04: Aladdin - New Theatre Cardiff
2004/05: Dick Whittington - Richmond Theatre
JOHN INMAN
Frederick John Inman (28 June 1935 – 8 March 2007) was an English actor and singer best known for his role as Mr. Humphries in Are You Being Served?, a British sitcom between 1972 and 1985.
Some of John Inman's
pantomime costumes are
still being used in shows today
by fellow pantomime dame
RAMIE RIDING.
​
To read more about Jamie
​
DID YOU KNOW?
Video: John Inman in Mother Goose 1993
1970/71: Babes in the Wood - Grand Theatre Leeds
1971/72: Robinson Crusoe - Bradford Alhambra
1972/73: Goody Two Shoes - Grand Theatre, Leeds
1978/79: Babes in the Wood - Bradford Alhambra
1979/80: Babes in the Wood - Birmingham Hippodrome
1980/81: Babes in the Wood - Liverpool Empire
1981/82: Aladdin - Richmond Theatre
1982/83: Jack and the Beanstalk - Davenport Theatre
1983/84: Cinderella - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
1985/86: Babes in the Wood - Palace Theatre, Manchester
1987/88: Babes in the Wood - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
1989/90: Jack and the Beanstalk - Sunderland Empire
1990/91: Dick Whittington - Palace Theatre, Manchester
1991/92: Dick Whittington - Wimbledon Theatre
LES DAWSON
Leslie Dawson Jr. (2 February 1931 – 10 June 1993) was an English comedian, actor, writer, and presenter, who is best remembered for his deadpan style, curmudgeonly persona and jokes about his mother-in-law and wife.
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1992/93: Peter Pan - De Montfort Hall Leicester
1993/94: Aladdin - De Montfort Hall Leicester
1994/95: Cinderella - De Montfort Hall Leicester
1995/96: Jack and The Beanstalk - Stardust Theatre
1998/99: Aladdin - Loughborough Town Hall Theatre
1999/00: Cinderella - Loughborough Town Hall
2000/01: Hansel & Gretal - Loughborough Town Hall
2001/02: Jack and The Beanstalk - Loughborough Town Hall
2002/03: Beauty & The Beast - Loughborough Town Hall
2003/04: Aladdin - Loughborough Town Hall
2004/05: Cinderella - Loughborough Town Hall
2005/06: Dick Whittington - Loughborough Town Hall
2006/07: Jack & The Beanstalk - Loughborough Town Hall
2007/08: Sleeping Beauty - Loughborough Town Hall
2008/09: Aladdin - Loughborough Town Hall
2009/10: Beauty & The Beast - Loughborough Town Hall
2010: BBC Children In Need Panto - East Midlands Airport
2010 /11: Cinderella - Loughborough Town Hall
2011/12: Mother Goose - Loughborough Town Hall
2012/13: Dick Whittington - Loughborough Town Hall
2013/14: Aladdin - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2014/15: Cinderella - Royal Spa Centre Leamington
2015/16: Snow White - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2016/17: Jack & The Beanstalk - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2017/18: Beauty & The Beast - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2018/19: Peter Pan - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2019/20: Aladdin - De Montfort Hall, Leicester
2021/22: Sleeping Beauty -De Montfort Hall, Leicester
Pulled out with leg injury
2022/23: Cinderella - De Montfort Hall
Casted but did not appear through illness
MARTIN BALLARD
Martin was a presenter at BBC Radio Leicester for 37 years and is an actor with thirty years experience of pantomime so far. He is also a stadium announcer at Leicester Tigers and works as a voice-over artist, compere and event host.
2001/02: Cinderella - Towngate Theatre, Poole
2004/05: Beauty and the Beast - Lighthouse Theatre, Poole
2007/08: Aladdin - Lighthouse Theatre, Poole
2008/09: Cinderella - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
2011/12: Aladdin - Beck Theatre, Hayes
2012/13: Aladdin - The 02, London
2013/14: Aladdin - New Wimbledon Theatre
2014/15: Cinderella - New Wimbledon
2015/16: Cinderella - Richmond Theatre
2019/20: Sleeping Beauty - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
2021/22: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
Matt Rixon is an English actor whose theatre credits include Edna Turnblad (UK tour), Cinderella (Richmond Theatre); Casa Valentina (Southwark Playhouse); Major Courtney in The Ladykillers (New Vic Theatre & UK Tour); Colonel Proctor in Around The World in 80 Days
MATTHEW RIXON
1983/94: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Lincoln
1984/85: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Bournemouth Pavilion
1985/86: Aladdin - Beck Theatre, Hayes
1987/88: Aladdin - Oxford Apollo
1988/89: The Wizard of Oz (Not as Dame) - Tyne Theatre & Opera House
1989/90: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal Norwich
1992/93: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Wimbledon Theatre
1993/94: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Theatre Royal Newcastle
1995/96: Dick Whittington - Grand Opera House, York
1996/97: Dick Whittington - Bournemouth Pavilion
1997/98: Mother Goose - Chichester
1999/00: Cinderella - Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent
2000/01: Aladdin - Bradford Alhambra
2001/02: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
2002/03: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2003/04: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2004/05: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2005/06: Beauty and the Beast - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2006/07: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2007/08: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Windsor
2008/09: Peter Pan - Theatre Royal, Windsor
​
Michael Sharvell-Martin (2 February 1944 – 28 October 2010) was born Michael Ernest Martin but changed his name to avoid confusion with another actor called Michael Martin. Michael was a popular British television and stage actor whose career spanned more than three decades. He was a familiar character actor on British television screens, guest starring in several prime time dramas and comedies during the 1970s and 1980s.
MICHAEL SHARVELL-MARTIN
1983/84: Cinderella - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1989/90: Cinderella - New Theatre, Hull
1990/91: Cinderella - New Theatre, Cardiff
1991/92: Cinderella - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1992/93: Cinderella - Bournemouth Pavilion
1993/94: Cinderella - Sheffield Lyceum
1994/95: Cinderella - Wimbledon Theatre
1996/97: Cinderella - New Victoria, Woking
1997/98: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1998/99: Cinderella - New Wimbledon Theatre
1999/00: Cinderella - Kings Theatre, Edinburgh
2000/01: Cinderella - Darlington Civic
2001/02: Cinderella - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2002/03: Cinderella - Southampton Mayflower
2003/04: Cinderella - Opera House, Manchester
2004/05: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
2005/06: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Newcastle
2006/07: Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome
2007/08: Cinderella - Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
2008/09: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
2009/10: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs -
Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford
2010/11: Jack and the Beanstalk - Orchard Theatre, Dartford
2011/12: Aladdin - Venue Cymru
2012/13: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand
2013/14: Sleeping Beauty - Venue Cymru
2014/15: Aladdin - New Theatre, Hull
2015/16: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Venue Cymru
2016/17: Jack and the Beanstalk - Royal & Derngate, Northampton
2017/18: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
2018/19: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
2019/20: Sleeping Beauty - Venue Cymru
2020/21: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford
2021/22: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - New Theatre, Hull
2022/23: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Richmond Theatre, London
2023/24: Peter Pan - New Victoria Theatre, Woking
NIGEL ELLACOTT
In 2021, he was the recipient
of the
UK Pantomime Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award, although he nearly missed his entrance that night for the
Award at the Trafalgar Theatre
as he was on a toilet break!
DID YOU KNOW?
Nigel is thought as one of the greatest Pantomime dames of all time. For those who love pantomime, his website, ITS BEHIND YOU DOT COM - The Magic of Pantomime, dedicated to those who strive to keep the magic of pantomime alive, is a wonderful archive record and diary of upcoming shows as well as a record of his career.
1978/79: Sleeping Beauty - New Theatre, Hull
1982/83: Cinderella - King's Theatre, Southsea
1988/89: Babes in the Wood - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1989/90: Cinderella - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1990/91: Mother Goose - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1991/92: Jack and the Beanstalk - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1992/93: Puss in Boots - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1993/94: Aladdin - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1998/99: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Beck Theatre, Hayes
1999/00: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
2003/04: Jack and the Beanstalk - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2004/05: Aladdin - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2005/06: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2006/07: Dick Whittington - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2007/08: Cinderella - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2008/09: Jack and the Beanstalk - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2009/10: Aladdin - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2010/11: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2013/14: Cinderella - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2014/15: Aladdin - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2015/16: Sleeping Beauty - Gorodn Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2016/17: Peter Pan - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2017/18: Jack and the Beanstalk - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2018/19: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
2019/20: Beauty and the Beast - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
PAUL LAIDLAW
Having appeared in pantomime for 50 years, 35 of them playing Dame at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Paul decided that it was time to 'hang up the frocks' in 2021."This was not an easy decision to make, nor did I take it lightly, but after an enforced year’s break this seems the right time to pass on the torch to someone new."
1983/84: Cinderella - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1989/90: Cinderella - New Theatre, Hull
1990/91: Cinderella - New Theatre, Cardiff
1991/92: Cinderella - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
1992/93: Cinderella - Bournemouth Pavilion
1993/94: Cinderella - Sheffield Lyceum
1994/95: Cinderella - Wimbledon Theatre
1996/97: Cinderella - New Victoria, Woking
1997/98: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1998/99: Cinderella - New Wimbledon Theatre
1999/00: Cinderella - Kings Theatre, Edinburgh
2000/01: Cinderella - Darlington Civic
2001/02: Cinderella - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
2002/03: Cinderella - Southampton Mayflower
2003/04: Cinderella - Opera House, Manchester
2004/05: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
2005/06: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Newcastle
2006/07: Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome
2007/08: Cinderella - Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
2008/09: Cinderella - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Peter became one of the best panto sisters around staring in Cinderella 20 times! Peter Robbins passed away 15th April 2009.
PETER ROBBINS
One of Peter's ball
costumes has been on
display at the
V&A Museum, London
in the Theatre
and Performance Galleries.
DID YOU KNOW?
2000/01 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Cresset Theatre, Peterborough
2002/03 Aladdin - New Victoria, Halifax
2003/04 Peter Pan - Worthing Pavilion
2007/08 Aladdin - Worthing Pavilion
2013/14 Dick Whittington - York Barbican
2014/15 Aladdin - Rickmansworth, Watersmeet
2015/16 Jack and the Beanstalk - Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering
2017/18 Sleeping Beauty - Woodville, Gravesend
2018/19 Jack and the Beanstalk - Kings Langley
ROB FORKNALL
"Robert Forknall steals the show; with each costume more ridiculous than the last, a sarcastic, drawling delivery alongside huge amounts of energy, he really does deserve his status as one of the best Dames in the country.”
THE STAGE
Video: Rob Forknall as Widow Twankey 2010
RODNEY WARD
“The dame is like the ringmaster,” he tells me in a break from rehearsals. The dame is like the ringmaster.
2008/09: Cinderella - Stockport Plaza
2010/11: Aladdin - Blackshot Civic Hall, Grays
2011/12: Jack and the Beanstalk - Shaw Theatre, London
2012/13: Beauty and the Beast - Shaw Theatre, London
2013/14: Aladdin - Palace Theatre, Redditch
1969/70: Cinderella - Darlington Civic
1970/71: Cinderella - Doncaster Civic
1971/72: Cinderella - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
1973/74: Cinderella - Gaumant Thetare, Doncaster
1974/75: Cinderella - Floral Hall, Scarborough
1975/76: Sleeping Beauty - Camberley Civic
1976/77: Mother Goose - Camberley Civic
1977/78: Cinderella - Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
1978/79: Mother Goose - Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
1979/80: Cinderella - St Albans City Hall
1980/81: Cinderella - Hornsey
1981/82: Cinderella - Nell Gywnne Theatre, Hereford
1984/85: Cinderella - Hanley Theatre Royal
1985/86: Puss in Boots - Camberley Civic
1986/87: Cinderella - Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Theatre
1987/88: Jack and the Beanstalk - Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Theatre
1988/89: Cinderella - Orchard Theatre, Dartford
1989/90: Aladdin - Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford
1990/91: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Royal, Hanley
1991/92: Dick Whittington - Horsham Arts Centre
1992/93: Jack and the Beanstalk - Kings Theatre, Southsea
1993/94: Jack and the Beanstalk - Charter Theatre, Preston
1994/95: Jack and the Beanstalk - Horsham Arts Centre
1995/96: Mother Goose - Pontrypridd Muni Arts Centre
1996/97: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Porthcawl Grand Pavilion
1997/98: Aladdin - Camberley Arts Link
1998/99: Aladdin - Weston Super Mare Playhouse
1999/00: Jack and the Beanstalk - Porthcawl Grand Pavilion
2004/05: Jack and the Beanstalk - Horsham Arts Centre
“In 1964, Roy Alvis teamed up with Danny O'Dell and started drag from there and at many other pubs and clubs.
ROY ALVIS
Video: Roy Alvis performs Toy Boy from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs 1990
1962: Cinderella - The Palace Theatre Blackburn
1963: Aladdin - The Palace Theatre Blackburn
1964: Babes in the Wood - Huddersfied
1966: Cinderella - Oldham Coliseum
1967: Aladdin - Oldham Coliseum
1968: Robinson Crusoe - Oldham Coliseum
1973: Jack and the Beanstalk - Oldham Coliseum
1974: Robinson Crusoe - Oldham Coliseum
1975: Cinderella - Oldham Coliseum
1978 Babes in the Wood - Bradford Alhambra
1979: Cinderella - Theatre Royal Norwich
1980: Emu in Pantoland - Kings Theatre Southsea
1981: Emu in Pantoland - Blackpool Grand
1982: Jack and the Beanstalk - Davenport Theatre
1983: Aladdin - Blackpool Grand
1984: Cinderella - Swansea Grand
1985: Aladdin - Davenport Theatre & Theatre Royal Nottingham
1986: Babes in the Wood - Dartford Orchard Theatre
1992: Mother Goose - Wolverhampton Grand
1994: Aladdin - Alhambra Bradford
1995: Aladdin - Palace Theatre Manchester
2005: Santa Cluas and Jack Frost - Mayflower Theatre Southampton
2006: Santa Claus - Liverpool Empire
2007: Santa Claus - Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
2009: Santa Claus - The Mayflower Theatre Southampton
Roy Barraclough will be remembered for his comedy work with the late Les Dawson, especially for their Cissy and Ada routines and of course as Alec Gilroy, the landlord of the Rovers Return, Weatherfield rogue and and husband to the outrageous Bet Lynch in Coronation Street
ROY BARRACLOUGH
1960/61: Dick Whittington - New Theatre, Oxford
1965/66: Sleeping Beauty - Sheffield Lyceum
1967/68: Puss in Boots - Leeds Grand
1968/69: Sleeping Beauty - Sheffield Lyceum
1969/70: Sleeping Beauty - Wimbledon Theatre
1971/72: Dick Whittington - Bristol Hippodrome
1972/73: Dick Whittington - Empire Theatre Liverpool
1973/74: Robinson Crusoe - Birmingham Hippodrome
1975/76: Cinderella - New Theatre Oxford
1979/80: Dick Whittington - New Theatre Cardiff
1980/81: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal Nottingham
1981/82: Cinderella - Bournemouth Pavilion
1983/84: Dick Whittington - Richmond Theatre
1984/85: Cinderella - Theatre Royal Nottingham
1985/86: Aladdin - Theatre Royal Plymouth
1986/87: Dick Whittington - Churchill Theatre Bromley
1987/88: Babes in the Wood - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
1988/89: Babes in the Wood - Grand Theatre Wolverhampton
1989/90: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal Bath
1990/91: Babes in the Wood - Ashcroft Theatre Croydon
1991/92: Babes in the Wood - Theatre Royal Plymouth
1992/93: Babes in the Wood - New Theatre Cardiff
1993/94: Babes in the Wood - Bournemouth Pavilion
1994/95: Babes in the Wood - Sadlers Wells
1995/96: Mother Goose - Theatre Royal Plymouth
1999/00: Mother Goose - Mercury Theatre Colchester
2000/01: Cinderella - Greenwich
2015: Dick Whittington - Wilton Music Hall
2016: Mother Goose - Wilton Music Hall
​
ROY HUDD
Roy Hudd, OBE was an English comedian, actor, presenter, radio host, author and authority on the history of music hall entertainment.
He played Dame for
the first time in at the
age of 79 at
Wilton’s Music Hall (in 2015).
​
"I decided I should really have a go at a dame before I snuff it"
Roy Hudd
DID YOU KNOW?
1989/90: Robinson Crusoe - New Theatre, Cardiff
1990/91: Robinson Crusoe - Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
1991/92: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Blackpool Grand
2006/07: Cinderella (as Baron) - Aylesbury Waterside
2019/20: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Princes Theatre, Clacton
- Pre recorded appearance as the Magic Mirror
2019/20: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Grange Theatre, Norwich
- Pre recorded appearance as the Magic Mirror
RUSSEL GRANT
Russel is a British astrologer and media personality. He has written several books on astrology, provides syndicated newspaper horoscopes and operates premium rate astrology phone lines. He also participated in the ninth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and appeared in Celebrity MasterChef in 2014.
1989/90: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood - Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
1991/92: Dick Whittington - Charter Theatre, Preston
1995/96: Dick Whittington - White Rock Theatre, Hastings
1996/97: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Hackney Empire
1997/98: Aladdin - Grimsby Auditorium
1998/99: Beauty and the Beast - Bournemouth Pavilion
1999/00: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - The Hawth Theatre, Crawley
2000/01: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Alban Arena, St Albans
2003/04: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood - Stockport Plaza
SEB CRAIG
1950: Red Riding Hood - Princess Theatre, Glasgow
1954: Aladdin - Theatre Royal Glasgow
1970: Mother Goose - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1971: Mother Goose - Kings Theatre Glasgow
1973: Mother Goose - Grand Theatre, Leeds
1975: Jack and the Beanstalk - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1976: Jack and the Beanstalk - Kings Theatre Glasgow
1977: Jack and the Beanstalk - Manchester Opera House
1979: Cinderella - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1980: Cinderella - Kings Theatre Glasgow
1982: Mother Goose - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1983: Mother Goose - Kings Theatre Glasgow
1985: Aladdin - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1986: Aladdin - Kings Theatre Glasgow
1990: Cinderella - Kings Theatre Edinburgh
1991: Cinderella - Kings Theatre Glasgow
Stanley Baxter was a beloved pantomime star. He passed away at the age of 99. Originally from Glasgow, he had an long career as an actor and entertainer both on stages across Scotland and on the small screen.
STANLEY BAXTER
In 2026 the UK Pantomime Association Awards re-named an award after Stanley. Allan Stewart won the Stanley Baxter Award for Best Dame in 2026.
​
To read more about the Panto Awards please click here
DID YOU KNOW?
1978/79: Robinson Crusoe - Mecca State Theatre, Grays
1979/80: Aladdin - Theatre Royal Windsor
1981/82: Dick Whittington - Beck Theare Hayes
1983/84: Aladdin - Chichester Festival Theatre
1984/85: Aladdin - Congress Theatre Eastbourne
1985/86: The Wizard of Oz - Kings Theatre Southsea
1986/87: Dick Whittington - Beck Theatre Hayes
1992/93: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wyvern Theatre in Swindon
1994/95: Sleeping Beauty - Crewe Lyceum
1995/96: Snow White - Harlequin Theatre Redhill
1996/97: Jack and the Beanstalk - Poole Arts Centre
1997/98: Jack and the Beanstalk - Harlequin Theatre Redhill
1998/99: Jack and the Beanstalk - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford
1999/00: Aladdin - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford
2000/01: Jack & The Beanstalk - Theatre Royal Windsor
2001/02: Dick Whittington - Theatre Royal Windsor
2002/03: Mother Goose - Middlesborough Theatre
2003/04;: Aladdin - Lyceum Theatre Sheffield
2004/05: Aladdin - Riverfront Newport
​
Trevor Gordon Bannister (14 August 1934 – 14 April 2011) was an English actor best known for having played the womanising junior salesman Mr Lucas in the sitcom Are You Being Served? from 1972 to 1979, and for his role as Toby Mulberry Smith in the long-running sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, from 2003 until it ended its run in 2010.
TREVOR BANNISTER
​2016/17: Jack and the Beanstalk - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
2017/18: Aladdin (Not as Dame) - Swansea Grand
2018/19: Peter Pan (Not as Dame) - Liverpool Empire
TONY MAUDSLEY
Tony Maudsley is best known for his portrayal of hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke in the hit ITV sitcom Benidorm, and George Shuttleworth in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. His other notable credits include Martin in the BBC One sitcom Eyes Down and Graham in the ITV2 sitcom The Job Lot.
1951/52: Cinderella - Swansea Grand
1956/57: Jack and the Beanstalk - Swansea Empire
1957/58: Humpty Dumpty - Theatre Royal Nottingham
1958/59: Babes in the Wood - King's Theatre, Southsea
1961/62: Humpty Dumpty - Liverpool Empire
1964/65: Humpty Dumpty Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
1965/66: Aladdin - Royal Court, Liverpool
1966/67: Humpty Dumpty - Bristol Hippodrome
1968/69: Puss in Boots - New Theatre, Cardiff
1969/70: Babes in the Wood - Birmingham Theatre
1970/71: Babes in the Wood - Grand Theatre Leeds
1971/72: Dick Whittington - Bristol Hippodrome
1974/75: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1976/77: Aladdin - Gloucester Leisure Centre
1979/80: Dick Whittington - New Theatre, Cardiff
1981/82: Sleeping Beauty - Cambridge Arts Theatre
1982/83: Aladdin - New Theatre, Cardiff
1983/84: Jack and the Beanstalk - Birmingham Hippodrome
1986/87: Babes in the Wood - Bradford Alhambra
1987/88: Jack and the Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand
1988/89: Jack and the Beanstalk - New Theatre, Cardiff
1989/90: Dick Whittington - Bristol Hippodrome
1990/91: Aladdin - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
1991/92: Aladdin - Liverpool Empire
1992/93: Aladdin - Oxford Apollo
1993/94: Dick Whittington - Palace Theatre, Manchester
1994/95: Dick Whittington - Princess Theatre, Torquay
1995/96: Dick Whittington - New Theatre, Cardiff
1997/98: Dick Whittington - Weston Super Mare Playhouse
1998/99: Aladdin - Derngate Theatre, Northampton
1999/00: Aladdin - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
2000/01: Peter Pan - New Theatre, Cardiff
Wyn Calvin MBE known affectionately as "The Clown Prince of Wales" and "The Welsh Prince of Laughter", was a Welsh comedian, pantomime dame, television and theatre actor, radio personality, television chat show host, after-dinner speaker, lecturer, philanthropist and newspaper columnist.
WYN CALVIN
