Cate Blanchett and the Missing Glug Trophy

Stage Whispers Exclusive!

The mantlepiece of Cate Blanchett must be heaving under the weight of all those Helpmann Awards, Sydney Theatre Awards, AFI’s and, yes, that Oscar. But the silverware for her latest gong went missing this week.

A theatre appreciation society in Sydney called The Glugs – awarded ‘our Cate’ best female actor for her role in Gross and Klein.

The trophy was accepted on her behalf by actress Amanda Bishop – well known across Australia as the woman who played Julia in the ABC TV series At Home with Julia.

Alas, after placing the trophy on her table and going for a sandwich Amanda Bishop returned to note that Cate’s Glug trophy was missing.

Fearing a swift end to her career at the STC – an announcement was made … “Has anyone got Cate’s Glug?”

A search under the tables of the Masonic Club reception room turned up nothing.

The mystery was resolved a short time later.

 After a frantic telephone call it was discovered that a friend of Amandas though he  (or she  was being  “helpful” by taking the trophy home for her.

(Phew)

Other recipients of the Glugs kept better track of their trophies.

Stage legend Nancye Hayes received the Chief Glug Award.

The Hayes Gordon Memorial Award for important contribution to theatre went to producer Christine Dunstan.

The Seaborn, Broughton and Walford Life Achievement Award went to Ron Haddrick.

Most Popular Production for 2011 went to Dr Zhivago. It also earned Martin Crewes Best Male Actor in Music Theatre.

Other awards went to Bernadette Robinson for best female in music theatre, Best Children’s Theatre went to the Marian Street Theatre for Babe the Sheep Pig and a special award was given to composer Matthew Robinson.

The Glugs were formed in 1966 and meet for lunch every now and then.

Fabruary 8, 2012

Images (from top): Amanda Bishop accepting on Cate Blanchett's behalf; Ron Haddrick; Nancye Hayes receives the Chief Glug Award; Sandra Bates presents Christine Dunstan with her award; Martin Crewes acceps his Glug; Marian Street Children's Theatre & Producer / Director Neil Gooding accepts Glug for Matthew Robinson.

http://www.wix.com/glugs1966/theglugs