Photo Credit : Darren Gardiner
Alan McClarty has been named ‘Best Comedienne’ for his role as Edna Turnblad in Ballywillan Drama Group’s HAIRSPRAY, at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards Ceremony in Killarney last Saturday evening.
These annual awards see 93 amateur musical theatre groups from all over the island of Ireland compete for prestigious awards in a wide range of categories. The ceremony sees well over 1000 amateur musical theatre aficionados travel to Killarney for this annual get-together which takes place at the Gleneagle Hotel and INEC.
Alan’s performance in HAIRSPRAY as the matriarch, ‘Edna’ saw him, somewhat controversially, nominated in the female category of ‘Best Comedienne.’
Ballywillan Drama Group’s artistic director, Brian Logan, commented, “The fact that Alan was nominated in this category is testament to his skill and ability. We made the creative decision to have Alan play the role as a real woman as opposed to a pantomime dame. I think he really pulled it off.” He added “Alan would want it known that his recognition is also recognition of our entire BDG family. We have a tremendously hard working team here and they all deserve to be part of this moment.”
Photo Credit: Life Photography, Coleraine
HAIRSPRAY was a massive hit with audiences playing in January of this year to 97% capacity audiences at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine
“HAIRSPRAY had something for everyone. It was funny with fantastic music and fantastic performances. Some of the audience members couldn’t help but dance at the end of the show.”
But Ballywillan aren’t stopping there. Brian promises more of the same, this January, when the group present LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL. This blockbuster musical has had a very limited release and Ballywillan are proud and excited that they were chosen as one of the few societies from around the UK and Ireland to stage the show.