WAMDS Oklahoma! scoops an unprecedented number of acting nominations at regional award ceremony

Photo: Martin Ogden

The cast of WAMDS Oklahoma!

Whitworth Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society has been nominated for a “full house” of acting awards by ACT NOW! - the Association of Community Theatres North West.

All seven lead actors in their summer production of Oklahoma! have received an nomination for the prestigious event in Altrincham in November.

The nominees are:

• Terry Banham as Curly McLain (most accomplished actor)
• Leonie Picariello as Laurie Williams (most accomplished actress)
• Ben Vaughn as Will Parker (most accomplished character actor)
• Paul Ryan as Judd Fry (most accomplished character actor)
• Annabelle Taylor as Ado Annie (most accomplished character actress)
• Joe Marsden as Ali Hakim (most accomplished supporting actor)
• Angela Mayall as Aunt Eller (most accomplished supporting actress)

The production which took place in July, reimagined the show in a much darker light and staged the performance in the round, with a country band, and featured the audience sitting up close to the action. People were even greeted by horses at the entrance to give it an authentic Americana feel.

Joe Marsden, who lives off Rooley Moor Road and played Ali Hakim, said: “I had a ball during Oklahoma. There was a real feeling of positivity from the whole cast. We really worked as a team for the production. That all seven principals have been given the nod is testimony to that. The show had a real “post lockdown” buzz from the audience who got involved in the proceedings and committed to the story.”

Whitworth AMDS are currently in rehearsal for “A Night at the Movies”- Songs from the Silver Screen. An evening of songs and performances from movies and movie musicals at the Curtain Theatre.

The show is being performed from 5-8 October at 7.30pm each night and tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/wamds