Drama groups nominated for top theatre awards

Three Warminster drama groups have been nominated for respected amateur theatre awards for their productions and performances.

The Athenaeum Limelight Players, Athenaeum Masqueraders and Oddity Theatre have all been nominated for this year’s Rose Bowl Awards, which recognise amateur theatre productions and performances across the South West.

The three groups all rehearse and perform at the Athenaeum in Warminster, with nominations covering acting, production, publicity, creativity and design.

Charlotte Case, who is a member of all three groups, said the nominations were a great recognition of the work that goes into putting on productions.

“It is really nice for us all to get the recognition,” she said. “We are always quite humbled to see our local community pay for it; they spend their hard earned money to come and watch our show. It takes a lot of time and effort and it is all voluntary to put on the shows. Having the nominations is great recognition.”

The Athenaeum Limelight Players, which dates back to 1969, has received three nominations for The Girl on the Train, including Best Publicity, Best Actress (Dramatic Production) and Best Supporting Actor (Dramatic Production).

Bex Mould has been nominated for Best Actress for her performance as Rachel Watson.

She said, “It was both a challenging and rewarding character to play and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. To receive this recognition is very special.”

Robert Billen has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Scott Hipwell.

The Athenaeum Masqueraders, which was formed in 2000 and specialises in musical theatre and drama, has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Musical Production) for its production of Rock of Ages.

Tim Hobbs, who has been nominated for his performance as Dennis Dupree, said, “I’m delighted and not a little shocked to have been nominated for the award. It’s a testament to the amazing camaraderie that is found at The Athenaeum and the joy that came across on stage as a result.”

Oddity Theatre has also received three nominations for Little Shop of Horrors, including Best Musical Production, Creativity and Design and Best Supporting Actress (Musical Production).

Astrid Bishop-Coles has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Audrey.

Jamie Wright from Oddity Theatre said, “We are absolutely thrilled that our production of Little Shop of Horrors has been nominated for a Rose Bowl Award. It’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work, talent and dedication of everyone involved, both on and off stage.”

The groups will attend the Rose Bowl Awards ceremony in November, when the winners will be announced.