CARMARTHEN’S Lyric Theatre celebrated yesterday (March 12) after being named among the nominees for a top UK Pantomime Award.
The UK Pantomime Association has announced the shortlist for The Pantomime Awards 2026, and one of the stars of last year’s Lyric Theatre pantomime, Snow White, has made the list for one of the biggest honours of the night.
Carmarthen-born actor, director and choreographer Steve Elias—who delighted audiences as Dame Dolly Mixture in Snow White last Christmas and as Dame Sylvia Scrub-it in Beauty and the Beast in 2025 — has been nominated for the coveted Best Dame award. The Stanley Baxter Award for Best Dame, sponsored by John Good, is one of the most hotly contested categories in the ceremony, and Steve is the only Welsh dame to be nominated this year.
Following yesterday’s announcement, Steve said: “What an honour and privilege it is to come back home to the Lyric Theatre and then be nominated amongst some of the best dames in the country!
“In a relatively short space of time, the Lyric have created an annual Christmas pantomime tradition with great production values and performances which the audiences are clearly loving.
“I’m thrilled to say Carmarthen and Theatrau Sir Gâr can wave its flag and proudly stake its claim with delivering one of the best pantomime productions in Wales!”
Steve brings a wealth of experience to the Lyric’s stage. His career highlights include being part of the original company of Billy Elliot, where he created the role of Mr Braithwaite, and performing alongside Patrick Swayze in the award-winning production of Guys and Dolls at London’s Piccadilly Theatre. Last year he played Mr Watkins in the sell-out revival of Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques, and he also made his New York Off-Broadway debut as a director with his acclaimed production of Caitlin.
Looking ahead to the next pantomime season, Steve shared more exciting news.
He said: “I’m looking forward to donning my wigs and frocks this year in Dick Whittington, which I’m positive will be a thigh-slapping… ‘he’s behind you!’… ‘oh no he isn’t!’ spectacle for all the family.”
The Lyric Theatre pantomime has been produced in-house by Carmarthenshire Council’s Theatrau Sir Gâr team for the past three years, with support from leading UK pantomime producer Imagine Theatre. This year’s festive production, Dick Whittington (December 2026), will once again be produced by Theatrau Sir Gâr and supported by Imagine Theatre. Tickets are available now on the Theatrau Sir Gâr website.
Before the panto season begins, all eyes turn to The Pantomime Awards ceremony.
The Pantomime Awards 2026 celebrate the exceptional talent, craftsmanship, passion and dedication of the creative teams, production crews and performers who work tirelessly to bring unforgettable pantomime experiences to audiences across the UK. The star-studded event will take place on Sunday, April 19 at Wycombe Swan, staged in partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
