The Headgate Theatre was proud to host the first live Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards on Sunday 18 January, celebrating the strength and diversity of Colchester’s amateur and community theatre scene.
The awards were co-organised by Dr Paul T. Davies, Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Editor, and Councillor Tim Young, with support from Ben Howard, founder of Keep Colchester Cool. Moving the awards to a live ceremony for the first time brought performers, creatives and supporters together to celebrate achievement, collaboration and creativity across local theatre.
Hosted at the Headgate Theatre, the event highlighted Colchester’s reputation for producing work of exceptional quality and ambition. Speakers and winners reflected on the impact theatre has had on their lives, thanking teachers, mentors, friends and family for their support.
Dr Paul T. Davies said:
“The awards were created to celebrate the fact that Colchester consistently punches above its weight in the performing arts. The live ceremony captured that spirit perfectly.”
Organisers hope the success of the event will see the Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards continue as an annual celebration of Colchester’s thriving theatre community.
Award Winners
- Best Musical Theatre Actress in a Supporting Role
Jackie Grant – Camelot (Platform) - Best Musical Theatre Actor in a Supporting Role
Richard Harrison – Camelot - Best Supporting Actor
Paul Reed – One Man, Two Guvnors (Headgate Theatre Productions) - Best Supporting Actress (Joint Winners)
Donna Potter – A Christmas Carol (Colchester Theatre Group)
Sarah Ellen Young – The Killing of Sister George (Headgate Theatre Productions) - Best Musical Theatre Actress
Cally Kline – Camelot - Best Musical Theatre Actor
Kourosh Nayeri – Tick, Tick… Boom! (St Helena School) - Best Musical
Tick, Tick… Boom! (St Helena School) - Best Actress
Sharon Carter, Olivia Rix and Lilly Skeggs – Our Walk Through The World (Joint Award) - Best Actor
Tom Hitchcock – One Man, Two Guvnors - Best Director
Forest Morgan – Our Walk Through The World (Headgate Theatre Productions) - Best Production
One Man, Two Guvnors – Headgate Theatre Productions - Special Award – Outstanding Contribution to Local Theatre
Mike Sullivan, for his long-standing work as Head Technician at the Headgate Theatre and his commitment to mentoring
Isobel Sullivan, for her exceptional leadership of costume teams across numerous productions
