Theatre companies receive accolades

Wick Theatre Company and the Southwick Players were both recognised in Brighton and Hove Arts Council's Brighton and Hove drama competition.

Wick celebrated a fitting finale to its diamond anniversary year, picking up four awards for its production of Richard III at the ceremony at the Barn Theatre, Southwick, last Monday.

Rosemary Bouchy, of Wick Theatre Company, said: "It felt wonderful. Everybody worked so hard, because it was a huge cast.

"It was wonderful for everybody to win, the cast, the crew and Bob the director."

Bea Waters

Richard III was awarded the Bea Waters Challenge Cup for best overall production, with Bob Ryder carrying off the award for best director and Mike Medway winning best lighting design.

Wick newcomer Steve Gallant was the recipient of a new award in memory of Mark Flower's parents for composing and producing the original music for Richard III.

Mrs Bouchy said the awards were the perfect end to the company's diamond anniversary year.

"It couldn't get much better, really," she said.

Players

Also doing Southwick proud were the Southwick Players, who gained awards for best poster and programme design and best stage setting for their production of Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.

Director Ron Common said: "The first award to be announced was the poster and programme award, so that got the evening off to a great start for us."

The winning poster and programme were designed by Martin Oakley. "It was a great achievement," said Mr Common.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me told the story of three men thrown together against their will when taken hostage and held in a Lebanese cell.

Cell

The set was designed by Len Shipton, working with Mr Common with a cell on the floor ight up close to the audience.

Upon entering, the theatre was visible only through prison bars.

Members of the audience were led to their seats through the cell and the Barn Theatre, in Southwick Street, Southwick, had even been sprayed with a scent to replicate the dankness of a prison.

"It all comes down to attention to detail," said Mr Common.

Each drama company which entered the competition had one of its performances judged by actor, producer and director Daniel Finlay.

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