While the county is preparing for the hot weather of summer, Christmas has come early for two of Suffolk's theatres. 

The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds have been nominated for two awards in The Pantomime Awards 2024 for their 2023/24 shows of Dick Whittington and his Cat, and Snow White. 

Both shows have been shortlisted for best pantomime in a theatre of under 500 seats. 

The New Wolsey Theatre was also nominated for best contribution to music while the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds was shortlisted for best costume design. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Dame Judi Dench made her pantomime debut in Snow White at the Theatre Royal Bury St EdmundsDame Judi Dench made her pantomime debut in Snow White at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (Image: PA)READ MORE: Here is which fairytale is getting the Rock N Roll treatment for 2024

The theatres took to social media to share the news of the nominations with the Ipswich theatre saying: "We are delighted to announce that we've been nominated for two awards in this year's UK Pantomime Association awards."

The UK Pantomime Association, which was founded in 2021, is a charity that explores, shares and celebrates pantomime by investigating the genre's rich past, engaging with contemporary practice and inspiring the future. 

The awards are run in association with Stagecoach and this year judges saw more than 728 performances across the UK.

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East Anglian Daily Times: The cast of Dick Whittington at the New Wolsey TheatreThe cast of Dick Whittington at the New Wolsey Theatre (Image: Mike Kwansniak)

Simon Sladen, chair of the UK Pantomime Association, said: "We can't wait to celebrate pantomime excellence at The Pantomime Awards in June at G Live. The pantomime industry has such a wealth of talent, which we're proud to recognise and champion."

Andy Knights and Lisa Stead, the CEO and COO of Stagecoach Performing Arts respectively, said in a joint statement: "We take pride in seeing the positive impact that the arts can have on the lives of children and young people.

"For many, pantos are the first introduction they will have to the theatre and this can spark a lifetime love of, and engagement with, the arts."

The winners of the Pantomime Awards 2024 will be announced on Tuesday, June 18.