The pantomime villain said they loved performing in the cityZoe West as their role as the villain in Rapunzel at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre.Zoe West as their role as the villain in Rapunzel at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre.(Image: Marc Brenner)

A performer has shared their “hope” for Liverpool crowds after winning a prestigious award. Zoe West, originally from the Yorkshire Coast’s seaside town of Redcar, was among those who walked away with an accolade from this year’s Pantomime Awards.

The actor was crowned Best Villain for their role as baddie Danny Rough in Liverpool Everyman’s production of Rapunzel. They attended a ceremony “full of song and laughter” at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, to collect the trophy.

The evening featured special guest performances from singer Anita Harris, family favourite Basil Brush with cabaret performer Kevin Cruise – aka Martin Cabble-Reid – and ITV Britain’s Got Talent rising star ventriloquist Jamie Leahey.

Zoe West won an award for their role as the villain in Rapunzel at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre.Zoe West won an award for their role as the villain in Rapunzel at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre.(Image: The Pantomime Awards 2025)

The evening’s In Memoriam honoured and celebrated many of the special and talented friends that the pantomime industry has sadly lost this year, both on and off stage.

After walking away as a winner, Zoe shared their wish for future crowds in the city. They told the ECHO: “I’m thrilled to have won the award for Best Villain at this year’s Pantomime Awards.

“I absolutely love panto and think The Everyman is really bringing it into the 21st century; celebrating the power of laughter and shared joy whilst challenging the expectations of traditional pantomime – that’s something I’m extremely proud to be a part of.

“I love Liverpool audiences so much, and I can only hope to match their passion and energy when I don the moustache.”

Elsewhere in the evening, Elaine C Smith picked up the illustrious Outstanding Achievement in Pantomime award for her contribution to the Industry for many decades as one of Scotland’s legends.

The Rock 'n' Roll Panto Zoe starred in ran at the Everyman Theatre for several months in 2024The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Zoe starred in ran at the Everyman Theatre for several months in 2024(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Elaine was also one of the Awards show’s trio of presenters, sharing the stage for the evening with fellow performers, Dave Benson Phillips and La Voix.

The Special Recognition Awards, which celebrate productions and individuals representing the values the association seeks to promote, were given to:

  • He’s Behind You! who received the award for Achievement in Inclusive Practice for celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrating that the genre has endless potential in their progressive queer pantomimes.
  • Oxford Playhouse, which received the award for Achievement in Innovation for their fresh and exciting re-appraisals of familiar fairy tale narratives and innovative use of plot and character to create fresh and vibrant pantomimes fit for the 21st Century.
  • Brick Lane Music Hall which received the Nigel Ellacott Special Recognition Award for Pantomime History, for their commitment to the traditions and conventions of Music Hall and Victorian Pantomime.