So, here it is. I certainly don’t make it easy for myself, but here are my picks of the very best of amateur theatre this year. As always, the point of the Paulies is to celebrate the strength of community theatre, and if you took part in any way in making productions happen this year, then thank you. We punch above our theatrical weight in this region, so well done all of you, you are ALL winners! And step forward for one final bow.

BEST PLAY

The Crucible. (Paper Lantern) A production that threw new light on a classic play with a filmic approach to theatre. Don’t miss it at The Headgate in February.

BEST DIRECTOR (PLAY)

Sally Broatch for The Crucible and The Graduate. Forging a new, confident style of directing, both productions were outstanding in originality.

BEST MUSICAL

Sunday in the Park with George. A masterpiece of a masterpiece from the always excellent Platform Musicals and Plays.

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL

Andrew Hodgson for Sunday in the Park with George, a supreme understanding of the work and the score.

BEST ACTRESS

Rosie Beattie for The Graduate and The Crucible, which she also co-directed. One performance funny and heartbreaking, the other intense and moving!

BEST ACTOR

Liam Paul Gregory for The Crucible. In almost a clean sweep for one production, his excellent performance was gripping.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Thomas Haigh for Far From the Madding Crowd, (Gallery Players). An excellent portrayal of unrequited love.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Jenni Horn for Far From the Madding Crowd. In a production of fine performances, she stood out in a wonderfully humorous role.

BEST MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Adam Duarte Dias for Sunday in the Park with George. A mature, excellent and commanding performance.

So, there you have it. I also go outside of the region to see other community theatre, so my special award this year is for Harlow Theatre Company’s exemplary production of Pinter’s The Homecoming, superbly directed by Jane Bowen-Mills. Better than a professional production I saw.

As for 2018, I would like to see community theatre take risks with more contemporary work, but I am already looking forward to some great productions. Merry Christmas everyone, theatre makers and audience alike.