18.34°C BEST PLAY.
How To Disappear Completely and Never Be Found. (Headgate Young Company.)
There are so many reasons I chose this, but mainly the terrific ensemble and the technical achievement. This was true of other productions, but this play provided an emotional kick.
BEST DIRECTOR.
Richard Bland for How To Disappear….
His farewell production before starting his MA in Directing at Bristol Old Vic. He will be a name to watch out for!
BEST MUSICAL.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Colchester Operatic Society.)
A huge challenge met face on, with inventive casting that set the standard for the year.
BEST ACTRESS.
Sadie Orlando for Mosquitoes.
I could have shared this with all the nominees, the standard was so high. But Sadie made an astonishing debut for Headgate Theatre in a complex part that required a lot of nuances.
BEST ACTOR
Michael Cook for Titus Andronicus.
Powerful, vulnerable, extraordinary. A performance everyone who saw it will remember for a long time.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
George Deadman for Titus Andronicus.
I could have filled every place with the cast of this play, but George is a remarkable talent, and an actor to keep an eye on.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sharon Quinn for Titus Andronicus.
See my comments above- maybe I should create a Best Ensemble Award?
BEST MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE.
Jesten Bartlett and Sean Hayes for their shared role as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
An outstanding demonstration of how you can be really, and effectively, inclusive.
SPECIAL AWARD.
Every Paulies, I give a special mention to an aspect of local theatre who have impressed me most. This time, I’d like to give it to the technical crew and all who have crewed at the Headgate Theatre this year. Titus, Mosquitoes, How To Disappear and my own production of Frankenstein pushed the envelope of technical achievement. They were magnificent, thank you to all.
Make I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and theatrical New Year!
Paul T Davies
