Am-dram group sweeps the board

WINNERS . . . members of Mossley AODS with their latest selection of trophies (from left) Mike McCaw, John Fletcher, Lee Brennan, Brian Ganderton, Paul Firth, Nigel Marland, Richard Ryder, Martin Roche, Frank Webster, Gary Jones, Sarah Thewlis, Jacqui Dawber and John Buckley

TALENTED performers are celebrating after taking home a clutch of gongs at the Greater Manchester Drama Federation Awards.

Mossley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society performers and backstage staff picked up major trophies for two big musical productions of “West Side Story” and a specially-written new musical, “Witchfinder”.

And one member of the team, performer and choreographer Gary Jones, picked up the Best Choreographer prize for his work on both shows — within two years of suffering major injuries in a car crash.

Around 30 members of the society were at the federation’s awards night in Prestwich to hear the judges name “Witchfinder”, a full-scale musical about the Pendle witches, the best show of the year.

The show’s leading actor, Steve Maxfield, was named best male performer, while the show’s joint directors, Martin Roche and Nigel Marland, were named best directors.

“Witchfinder” writer Martin Roche and composer Ian Crabtree were awarded the adjudicator’s prize for their work in creating the show. Martin was also awarded the Muriel Goodwin trophy in recognition of his work with young people in the theatre.

Mike Bramhall was voted best musical director for “West Side Story”. The show also picked up the award for best technical presentation.

“It was an incredible night for the society,” said Nigel Marland, who has had a long relationship with the society as a director.

“We knew both shows were in with a strong chance of trophies because we had nominations in double figures across them both. But to win so many of the major trophies was wonderful affirmation of the energy and talent in the group.”

Several of the award-winners could be back on the podium next year too.

The society is about to start recruiting for its local amateur premiere of stage show “Footloose” at Mossley’s George Lawton Hall in December.

Details are available from secretary John Buckley on 01457 870875.