2015 Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards

The Gold Coast celebrated their Night of Nights with a glitzy presentation of their Theatre Awards, The Palmies, at Arts Centre, Gold Coast, on Tuesday December 15.

Roger McKenzie reports.

The Top Accolade –The Platinum Palm for outstanding service to the Theatrical Community was presented to Jock and Beverly McIlwain. These two “angels” have been strong advocates and supporters of the Arts on the Gold Coast for many years. We are indeed fortunate to have Jock and Beverley in our Theatre Family. The Awards were hosted by TV personality Val Lehman.

The GOLD Palm Award went to Redlands College for The Secret Garden, the production with the most nominations, a magnificent feat considering there were 915 nominations from 58 productions, spread over 33 categories.

The other winners:

Outstanding Community Theatre Production – shared by Javeenbah Theatre ACCOMPLICE and Gold Coast Little Theatre SOCIAL CLIMBERS.

Lead Actress Musical: Louise Harris, Neptune Productions, JOSEPH AND HIS ...COAT

Lead Actor Musical: Brian Pamphilon, Ballina Players, BIG RIVER

Lead Actress Play: Amy McDonald, Gold Coast Little Theatre, SOCIAL CLIMBERS

Lead Actor Play: Dean Mayer, Javeenbah, RABBIT HOLE

Support Actress Musical: Carly Hibberd, Supa North Ballina, LOVE OFF THE SHELF

Support Actor Musical: Carl Moore, Ballina Players, BIG RIVER

Support Actress Play: Emily Scanlon, Javeenbah Theatre, RABBIT HOLE

Support Actor Play: David Fraser, Javeenbah Theatre, ACCOMPLICE

Director Musical/Revue: Alison Pattinson, Redlands College, THE SECRET GARDEN

Director Play: Nathan Schultz, Javeenbah Theatre, ACCOMPLICE

Musical Director: Sherree Drummond, Redcliffe Musical, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

Vocal Director: Steffanie Kriz, Nat. Academy Perf. Arts, SEUSSICAL

Choreographer: Kim Reynolds and Senior Class N.A.P.A., SEUSSICAL

School Musical: Redlands College, THE SECRET GARDEN

Actress School Musical: Chloe Makiol, Redlands College, THE SECRET GARDEN

Actor School Musical: Sheldon Hernandez, Palm Beach Currumbin High, 13 THE MUSICAL

Support Actress School Musical: Nardine Chia, N.A.P.A. 13 THE MUSICAL

Support Actor School Musical: Richard Proctor, Coomera Anglican College, ANNIE

Magic Moment in Theatre: Xion Jarvis, Ballina Players, OLIVER

Jock and Beverly McIlwain Special Encouragement Award: Fraser Crane, Tweed Theatre Co,   SONGS FROM BROADWAY

Technical Achievement: Clay English, Redcliffe Musical Theatre, SATURDAY NIGHT THEATRE

Best Sound: James Webb, Ballina Players, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Best Lighting: Andrew Haden and Bruce Noy, Redlands Musical Theatre, SATURDAY NIGHT THEATRE

Best Costumes: Kim Reynolds, N.A.P.A., SEUSSICAL

Best Set Design: Helen Maden, Gold Coast Little Theatre, SOCIAL CLIMBERS.