UPDATE:
ALAN McCLARTY
WINNER
BEST COMEDIENNE AWARD
AIMS AWARDS 2015

Photo Credit: Life Photography

Ballywillan Drama Group, Portrush are delighted to announce that they have been nominated at the upcoming AIMS Awards at the INEC, Killarney, next month.

Their hugely successful production of ‘Hairspray’ ran for 16 performances in the Riverside Theatre during January to 97% capacity audiences.

For his role as the matriarch, Edna Turnblad, Alan McClarty has been nominated in the Best Comedienne Category! You would be forgiven for thinking that was a typo, but he has indeed been nominated in a women’s category.

The Awards scheme runs the length and breadth of Ireland with over 80 societies performing musical theatre throughout the year. Well over 1000 members of the affiliated groups attend the annual awards.

‘For Alan to be nominated is a huge honour!’ says Brian Logan, Ballywillan’s creative director. ‘It is recognition, not only of him, but of the group as a whole. A huge team was involved in bringing ‘Hairspray’ to the stage.’

‘We often talk about our BDG family and I would like to think that any recognition that the group gets is for the whole family. I know Alan thinks so too.’

Ballywillan have had an 18 year involvement with AIMS. Their 2013 production of ‘Whistle Down the Wind,’ was nominated for several awards, including Best Overall Show.

A small representation from the group, including Alan’s wife, Louise, will be attending the Awards banquet, next month.

Meanwhile, Ballywillan Drama Group goes from strength to strength and have just announced their casts for their TWO upcoming productions. January will see the musical comedy ‘Legally Blonde’ premiere in the Riverside. This will be followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ next April. Information can be found at the groups website, www.ballywillan.com, or on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Ballywillan