WORCESTER REP’s artistic director Ben Humphrey has been nominated for best director in the upcoming Great British Pantomime Awards…. oh yes he has!.
The awards, whose previous winners include Christopher Biggins, Robert Lindsay, Elaine Paige and Julian Clary, recognise the UK-wide pantomime industry and honours the very best in family entertainment from across the country.
Humphrey has been nominated for his work on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which marks the Worcester Repertory Company and Swan Theatre’s first national award nomination.
“It’s an incredible honour to be nominated, especially considering the fact we are up there with the likes of the Hackney Empire, Bristol Hippodrome and other major theatres across the UK. It is a testament to the incredible team of creative talent that we have at the Worcester Rep,” he said.
“Directing is more about the team than a single person. I had one of the best teams to work with, and the show was a dream to direct. We had the most incredible time on and off the stage, and I think that showed. Without the brilliant cast, creatives and crew, I definitely wouldn’t have got the nomination.”
The awards ceremony will be held on April 26 on a star-studded, red-carpet evening in London, with Ben and other members of the cast and crew attending and flying the flag high for Worcester.
The awards season seems to be heating up as Mr Humphrey is also up for the What’s On Reader’s Award for Best Pantomime Dame in the West Midlands and the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall are both up for Best Venue, Best Theatre and Best Music Venues in Worcestershire.
He is set to return to direct this year’s pantomime at the Swan Theatre, Beauty and the Beast, where he will tread the boards once more as everyone’s favourite pantomime dame, Dame Ginny.
“For me, Christmas just isn’t the same without her. She will have to retire at some point; I know that, but she’s got a few more years left in her,” he said.
