Talented thespians and backstage professionals whose work delighted local audiences were honoured at the Manchester Theatre Awards
Stars of stage and screen gathered for the prestigious Manchester Theatre Awards at the city’s newest arts venue.
Actors, musicians, directors, set designers and supporters from showbiz land gathered at HOME to reward the best theatre productions of 2015 in the Greater Manchester area.
Theatres across the metropolitan area were among the nominees in the annual MTA shortlist for 20 categories, chosen by a panel of 10 of the region’s leading theatre critics. For the second year there was also a Youth Panel Award, chosen by a team of young city theatre enthusiasts.
A capacity audience was welcomed to the event by MTA chairman Kevin Bourke. Comedian Justin Moorhouse was the compere and made sure the laughs kept coming. Other entertainment was served up by comedian and animator Howard Read; Jessica Parker and Josh Tevendale from the musical Avenue Q, which comes to the Palace Theatre in May; and Manchester folk singer Jennifer Reid.
One of the country’s most distinguished theatre directors, and the first-ever Professor of Theatre at Bolton University, David Thacker was honoured with a Special Achievement trophy at the Manchester Theatre Awards.
It topped off his final year as artistic director at Bolton’s Octagon since a further six awards went to productions or individual performers from plays that he had directed in 2015.
Sponsors of the occasion included Lancashire Life and Cheshire Life. Editor Louise Allen-Taylor presented an award to the winner of the opera category.
Full list of winners over the page. For further information go to www.manchestertheatreawards.com
MANCHESTER THEATRE AWARDS 2015 WINNERS
Actor in a Visiting Production Joe Armstrong in Constellations at The Lowry
Actress in a Visiting Production Louise Brealey in Constellations at The Lowry
Performance in a Studio Production Carla Langley in Cuddles at the Royal Exchange Studio
Performance in a Fringe Production Colin Connor in Mr. Smith at the Kings Arms, Salford
Ensemble Noises Off at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Production An Enemy of the People, directed by David Thacker at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Visiting Production Constellations from the Royal Court Theatre at The Lowry
Actor In A Leading Role Colin Connor in A View From The Bridge at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Actress In A Leading Role Barbara Drennan in A View From The Bridge and The Family Way at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Actor In A Supporting Role David Birrell in An Enemy Of The People at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Actress In A Supporting Role Natasha Davidson in A View From The Bridge at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Studio Production Lungs at The Roundabout at The Lowry
Fringe Production The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at the Kings Arms, Salford
Musical The Bodyguard - The Musical at the Palace Theatre
Dance Lest We Forget from English National Ballet at the Palace Theatre
Opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Royal Northern College Of Music
Design Tree Of Codes at the Opera House
Designer: Olafur Eliasson
Sound Designer Nick Sagar
Lighting Realisation Rob Halliday
New Play The Rolling Stone by Chris Urch at the Royal Exchange
Special Entertainment Bridging the Gap, The Gap Theatre Project at Halle St. Peters
Youth Panel Award The Shrine of Everyday Things, from Contact Young Company at Contact
Special Achievement Award Professor David Thacker, former artistic director at Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Stage Door Award For Excellence 24:7 Theatre Festival
