CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Annual awards for Yeovil Amateur Panto Society for a job well done

YEOVIL Amateur Pantomime Society held a party to celebrate the end of another panto show at the Octagon Theatre.

The group put on the ever-popular Aladdin pantomime earlier this month at the Yeovil theatre and received great support and comments from audiences.

YAPS closed their week with a party where a number of awards were presented to members for their contribution to the show.

The Zoe Moulding Award was awarded to Matthew Rock and James Cullum in recognition of their duties behind the scenes and above and beyond what would normally be expected.

A spokesman said: “Matthew was our Musical Director for the panto, but went above and beyond this role by creating posters for the show, setting challenges for the cast and publicising the show everywhere you looked.

“James was our backstage manager and he works hard behind the scenes setting up and dismantling the scenery. He runs a team of crew and is responsible for ensuring the smooth and safe running of the stage during the show.”

PHOTO – RIGHT: Lauren Francis - aka Constable Wong Turn - received the Buttons Trophy for her efforts on and off the stage for the Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society.

The Progress Salver was donated by Brian and Jenny Hussey for a member of the cast who had worked hard and made the most improvement in their performance. This year it was awarded to Charlotte Marie Dimond who took on her first principal role as So Shi in the show.

The YAPS spokesman added: “Charlotte has blossomed in this role and her confidence has grown so much. As well as this, she has helped out chorus members with dances in her spare time.”

The Paul Newman Trophy is an award that is presented to a junior member of the cast for the best performance of the year. This year the award was presented to Lisha Allen who played the Slave of the Ring.

“Lisha has been amazing throughout the rehearsal period knowing her lines and everyone elses!” said the spokesman. “Not only that the week before the show she was taken very poorly, but fought back to be up there and on the stage!”

The Buttons Trophy was donated by Jon Newman for an adult member of the cast who performs on the stage, but also helps behind the scenes.

This year it was awarded to Lauren Francis who played Constable Wong Turn in the panto and also altered and decorated all of the dame’s costumes.

The Jennifer Holland award is awarded to a dancer who has show great improvement – this year it was awarded to Venna Holt who lacked confidence in her dancing ability, but overcame it and danced in all numbers.

The Wes and Trudie Read Trophy was donated for endeavour – and this year presented to Grace Fahy. Her friends, Holly and Sophie Mainstone, nominated her for the award.

The Castaways Cup was donated by YAPS’ friends at the Castaway Theatre Group and is nominated by cast members. This year it was awarded to Flic Keirle, who played the Genie in the show.

There were two brand new awards this year.

The Junior Chorus Member of the Year Award was donated by Amanda Thornton and was awarded to MollieUnderhill.

The Janice Cary Memorial Cup for the best comedy moment has been donated in memory of a much-loved member of YAPS and will be missed by everyone. This year’s comedy moment went to eight-year-old Madison Parks Keirle for providing the YAPS with plenty of laughs.

Photo galleries from the dress rehearsal of the show from Monday (January 19, 2014) can be found on these links.

Gallery Number 1: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-1-january-2015/.

Gallery Number 2: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-2-january-2015/.

Gallery Number 3: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-3-january-2015/.

Gallery Number 4: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-4-january-2015/.

Gallery Number 5: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-5-january-2015/.

Gallery Number 6: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2015/01/21/yaps-and-aladdin-part-6-january-2015/.

PHOTOS - ABOVE: Pictures taken during the dress rehearsal of Aladdin performed at the Octagon Theatre by Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society in January 2015.

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