Design A Dame Competition
Have you got a design idea for a fabulous costume for our beloved Dame Trott for her to wear in the opening scene of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk?
The winning design will be professionally made and worn on stage this Christmas!
What is a Dame?
The Dame is one of pantomime’s most iconic characters – usually played by a man in an exaggerated women’s costume, she’s bold, hilarious, warm-hearted and full of mischief. In Jack and the Beanstalk, Dame Trott is Jack’s mum. She’s hard-working, practical, full of character – and never underdressed.
Your Design Brief
The first scene is set in Romford on Market day, and her costume should reflect what you think of Romford Market – its colours, energy, and everyday magic.
🍑 We’re looking for designs that…
Celebrate Romford Market: Think fruit and veg stalls, market traders, fabrics, signage, and local character.
Showcase Creativity: Go big on colour, accessories and character – but make sure it could really be made and worn. Don’t forget a wig, hat, or headpiece to complete the look.
How to Enter
You can use our Design a Dame template or create your own design from scratch. Templates can be downloaded, or collected from Box Office.
📅 Deadline: Friday 18 July 2025
👥 Age Limit: Open to anyone aged up to 18 (please include your age when submitting)
Submit your design by:
Email: competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk (subject: Design a Dame Entry).
Or drop it off at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Box Office.
Please write in the email, or on the back of your design, your child’s name and age, parent/guardian name and contact (email/phone) details.
The Prize
✨ The winning design will be worn on stage this Christmas in Jack and the Beanstalk.
🌟 The winner will be invited to visit the theatre for a behind-the-scenes experience – this could include watching the costume being made or attending a fitting.
🎟️ 4 tickets to press night
🍬 A special panto goody bag filled with treats
And don’t forget to book your tickets now to see Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas – and help Jack reach for the sky!
Design a Dame Competition – Terms & Conditions
Organised by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (QTH)
Last updated: June 2025
1. Overview
The Design a Dame Competition invites young people to submit an original costume design for Dame Trott, a central character in QTH’s 2025 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. By entering, you agree to abide by the terms below.
2. Eligibility
– Open to UK residents aged up to 18 years as of Friday 18 July 2025.
– Only one entry per person is permitted.
– Parental or guardian consent is required for all entrants under 18.
– QTH staff and immediate family are not eligible to win.
3. How to Enter
– Use the official Design a Dame template (available online or at QTH Box Office) or create your own original design.
– Submit by Friday 18 July 2025, 5pm, via:
• Email: competitions@queens-theatre.co.uk (subject: Design a Dame Entry)
• In person: Drop off at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Box Office
– All entries must include:
• Child’s full name and age
• Parent/guardian’s name
• Parent/guardian’s contact details (email or phone)
• Optional: A short description of your design
4. Design Brief
The design is for Dame Trott to wear in the Romford Market scene of the panto.
We’re looking for designs that:
– Celebrate Romford Market – think fruit & veg, signage, fabrics, colours, and characters
– Are imaginative but practical – suitable to be built and worn on stage
– Consider materials and movement – avoid heavy or expensive elements like real gold thread
– Include a wig, hat, or headpiece to complete the look
5. Judging & Tie-Breaks
– Entries will be judged by the QTH production team, including the pantomime’s professional costume designer.
– Judged on:
• Creativity and originality
• Relevance to the Romford Market theme
• Practicality and stage suitability
– In the event of a tie, a shortlisting round or additional judging may take place.
– The judging panel’s decision is final.
6. The Prize
– The winning design will be professionally created and worn on stage by Dame Trott.
– The winner will be invited for a behind-the-scenes experience (e.g., costume build or fitting).
– The winner receives:
• 4 tickets to the press night performance
• A special panto goody bag
– No cash alternative. Prize is non-transferable.
7. Use of Entries & Publicity
– By submitting a design, you:
• Retain copyright of your design
• Grant QTH rights to display your design in:
◦ Theatre foyer gallery
◦ Digital screens in the building
◦ QTH social media
◦ Marketing/publicity materials
– Selected entries may be shared with first name and age unless opted out.
8. Media Consent
– Unless stated otherwise, QTH may share your child’s design, first name, and age.
– To opt out, write: “Do not publish my child’s name or image” in your email or on your entry.
9. Privacy & Data
– Contact details will be used only for competition communication.
– No direct contact with children will be made by QTH without parental consent.
– Entries will be stored securely and not shared with third parties.
10. General
– QTH reserves the right to amend or cancel the competition at any time.
– Entry confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
