NEWS: Best Lighting Design Award for Dick Whittington

Sally, talking to Dean Jackson on BBC Radio Nottingham, said: “The whole team put a lot of work into the set and making it come alive. We had lightboxes everywhere and we had great fun playing with UV and flying chairs, so we had a lot of fun with it.

” I was lucky enough to do some work experience when I was 16 at the Royal Opera House. I was supposed to be doing make-up and wigs and I decided that was really boring, and that what the people were doing on stage with lights looked really, really fun.

“I think it’s human nature, that we like something that’s sparkly. But also the glow of candles or the sparkle of stars, it always makes you feel a little bit magical, and I still get that feeling when I play with lights at work.”

Sally was delighted to be nominated, as the UK Pantomime Awards are judged on all pantomimes across the UK, so are highly prestigious, but had no expectation of winning against the hugely high standard across the country, so was absolutely thrilled – and surprised – to win.

Dick Whittington, written and directed by Adam Penford, was also nominated for the Best Pantomime (500-900 seats) Award but narrowly missed out to Sir Ian McKellen’s Mother Goose at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London.

Christopher Biggins hosted and presented the Awards at a ceremony at the Trafalgar Theatre, London, and Sir Ian McKellen was presented with a Special Recognition Award on the night. Mark Walters, Set and Costume Designer for Dick Whittington was also a winner, for his set design for Beauty and the Beast at Swansea Grand Theatre.