Members of Burnham-On-Sea Pantomime Society gathered together on Saturday (September 2nd) to celebrate the most successful year in the club’s 47-year history.
The club recently won the top award for the best panto in Somerset at the prestigious Somerset Fellowship of Drama Cinderella Trophy Awards where they were competing against over 30 different drama groups.
The award and others were presented to the club’s members at their annual presentation evening at Burnham-On-Sea’s Ritz Social Club on Saturday.
Mo Cooper, chairwoman of the Burnham group, told Burnham-On-Sea.com they were still “flying high” after winning the top award for the best panto in Somerset following its production of Aladdin in Burnham in January this year.
“It is the first time we have won this trophy, everything just came together for us,” she says. “I am very proud of out superb team – they are stupendous!”
“We also gained a trophy for Best Musical director and Xav Underwood also won best theatre musician, while best male singer went to Chris Bissell who also won the best supernatural character. We also won a shield for best theatre design.”
“We also picked up the award for best costumes for Denise McKenna and her team. Emma Twigg also recieved a highly commended for her role as ‘Wishy Washy’. Louisa Arthur also won a nomination for best performance in the under 16 years class.”
“Other nominations were Shannon Manlow for best principal boy, Mo Cooper in best supernatural role, Nettie Manlow, and, last but not least, we had a nomination for Best Director class for Lorna Blair.”
She said: “It takes real teamwork to win the highest accolade that the Somerset Fellowship of Drama awards to pantomimes.”
Mo Cooper, chairwoman of the Burnham group, is due to stand down at the club’s AGM when Gavin Holman will be taking on the role.
Next year, the 2018 Burnham-On-Sea pantomime will be Robinson Crusoe.
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea and District Pantomime Society’s presentation night on Saturday evening (photos – Mike Lang)
