Awards for theatre
West Gippsland theatre was applauded as two local companies tied for the most outstanding drama/comedy production at the recent Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards.
Off the Leash Theatre’s “Female of the Species” and Warragul Theatre Company’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” couldn’t be separated and were announced co-winners of the award.
It followed the Drouin and Warragul-based companies attracted a combined 32 nominations in the GAT Awards.
Off the Leash Theatre treasurer Leane Gooding said it reflected the high level of theatre on offer in West Gippsland, “so people can’t go wrong in going to see them”.
Local playwright Jeannie Haughton accepted the Alby Fisher Award given for a creative aspect of a production. The writer of Off the Leash Theatre original work “Nightshades”, Jeannie was congratulated for telling the historical story and struggle of women.
Maria James, who played Blanche in “A Streetcar Named Desire”, was awarded the most outstanding lead female actor award for a drama/comedy. The show’s co-directors Rob Robson and Amy Robson won most outstanding director (drama/comedy).
In addition, Warragul Theatre Company’s “Beauty and the Beast” took out two awards. Liz Campbell, Liam Charlston and Leane Gooding won for costume design and Greg Ginger won for sound design.
For Nightshades, Brad Akers was awarded for lighting design and musicians Heather McColl and Hannah Comrie-Weston a judges award. “Female of the Species” also gained a judges award for bringing the cow to life.
Warragul resident Adrian Darakai took out two acting awards.
Off the Leash Theatre’s “Nightshades” also attracted Victorian Drama League awards and nominations. Judges awards went to “Nightshades” for vivid introduction to local history and Heather McColl for original music.