A PANTOMIME which featured an Amman Valley teenager among its cast has been named as the best panto.

Beauty and the Beast, the pantomime at Swansea Grand Theatre, won two awards at the UK Pantomime Association Awards earlier this month.

The pantomime – which included 14-year-old Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupil Imogen Collom amongst the ensemble and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden in the cast – won Best Pantomime for venues with more than 900 seats and won Best Set Design for its dazzling digital set.

South Wales Guardian: Imogen Collom in the Beauty and the Beast pantoImogen Collom in the Beauty and the Beast panto (Image: Collom family)

Grant McFarlane, Swansea Grand Theatre manager, said: “We couldn’t be more delighted, what a great night for Swansea Grand and Imagine Pantomimes!

“Audience feedback last year was exceptional, and it’s great to see that reflected in this award.

“Panto is alive and well in Swansea and we look forward to seeing many more people return to visit us this year.”

Elliot King, cabinet member on Swansea Council, said: “It’s great that the Grand has won this national recognition. The theatre, its staff and partners continue to deliver top class entertainment for the people of Swansea and further afield.

“Tickets are already selling well for this year’s panto, and we can be sure that it’ll be a brilliant experience for those who attend.”

The 2023/24 panto at Swansea’s Grand Theatre will be Cinderella. The set will be digital again, like in the Beauty and the Beast one.