THE production of Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast has helped Hereford Courtyard win the Best Director prize at the UK Pantomime Association's Pantomime Awards 2023.

Estelle van Warmelo took home the gong at a glitzy ceremony at Trafalgar Theatre in London's West End.

Lyndsay Maples was also nominated for the Best Script award.

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"What an honour it is to receive this award from the UK Pantomime Association!” said Ms van Warmelo.

“I'm enormously pleased for the whole Courtyard team who have worked tirelessly and devotedly on all the in-house productions since The Courtyard began.

"Panto is difficult to get right, and every year we strive to improve, develop and bring freshness and quality to the show, a challenge our writer Lyndsay Maples tackles with aplomb alongside the rest of the creative team.

"I'm particularly grateful for the support Ellis Kerkhoven and Madi MacMahon have given me personally over the past two years.

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Bringing them into the directing department has helped us through an enormously difficult time while raising the bar on the integrity of the show.

"I'm delighted to acknowledge that this award reflects the strength of our department, not just a single person.

"Huge thanks to the UK Pantomime Association, John Good Ltd for the award and to Ian Archer for letting me go wild every year. Having that artistic freedom is a rare gift from a producer so I'm grateful for his faith in me."

Following its’ best-selling year ever, The Courtyard’s pantomime for 2023/24 will be the classic tale of Dick Whittington. Spirited hero Dick and his feline friend pack up their handkerchief to embark on an epic adventure seeking fame and fortune. 

As part of The Courtyard’s commitment to inclusivity, there will be a range of accessible performances including relaxed, dementia friendly, BSL signed and audio described performances. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via the Box Office in person, by calling 01432 340555 or online at courtyard.org.uk.