Lee, 64, starred in more than 1, 000 pantomime performances over 16 years at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

BBC: Dave Lee

Bloom first performed before an audience on the stage of the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury at the age of four.

BBC: Orlando Bloom backs East Kent City of Culture bid

The Marlowe Theatre, the New Wolsey Theatre and children's play The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean were also among the winners.

BBC: Imelda Staunton wins theatre award for Sweeney Todd

Managers at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre said they did not want to book him because his material would upset supporters and patrons of the venue.

BBC: Jim Davidson

The comic has performed previously at the Marlowe Theatre, including an appearance at a tribute show for Kent comedian and pantomime star Dave Lee, who died in January 2012.

BBC: Jim Davidson