By Isle of Wight Observer
The stage is set for the first IW Amateur Theatre awards evening, celebrating the extraordinary talent of the Isle of Wight’s thriving amateur theatre scene. Leading the pack is Curtain Call Creative’s production of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which has been shortlisted an impressive nine times across eight categories – Rebecca Finch and Alexis Mackness are both vying for the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical title.
Joining Curtain Call Creative in the spotlight are Shoreline Productions’ The Phantom of the Opera, and Amy White Theatre’s Robin Hood, each securing six nominations. Across the board, 17 standout performances from 2024 have received nominations in 14 categories.
The action will take place on March 14 at Northwood House. The event marks a significant milestone for the Island’s theatre community, which has evolved from an on-line awards presentation to a formal evening celebration.
“During our initial season, in 2022-3, we announced awards on-line and sent out certificates – this year there was clearly an appetite for an event to celebrate the great theatre here on the Island, hence the awards evening,” organisers explained.
Held in a cabaret-style setting, guests will be seated at tables with opportunities to socialise alongside the formal awards programme. The Northwood House bar will remain open throughout the event. Nominees have already been offered priority tickets and additional tickets will soon be made available to theatre groups. Organisers are hopeful that the event will expand next year to include live entertainment.
This year’s there is a larger range of categories, shining the spotlight on excellence across all aspects of theatre production.
As well as best shows and best actors, there are awards for best technical design, costumes, music and singing, choreography, and direction, as well as the John Hannam Award, a tribute to the originator of the Isle of Wight Theatre Awards.
Recognising the pool of young talent on the Island, organisers have also revealed plans for a separate event dedicated to junior performers, with more details to follow.
Nominations and more information can be found via iw.observer/theatre-awards, and updates will be posted over the coming weeks.
