Bolton’s stars of stage shine at awards

5:30pm Saturday 6th September 2008

THE best of Bolton amateur theatre was celebrated at a special awards ceremony hosted by comedian Dave Spikey last night.

The Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS) boasts more theatre groups than any other town or city in the country and puts on more than 50 shows a year.

This year’s celebration took place in the Pennine Suite at the Last Drop Village Hotel last night, with awards voted for by readers of The Bolton News.

Hundreds of readers sent in their choices and Trinity Methodists took the prize for best play with their performance of The Wayward Spirit.

Best Musical was South Pacific from Farnworth Performing Arts, Best Comedy was Holiday Snaps by St Vincents, with Best panto Trinity Methodists’ show Jack and The Beanstalk.

Guests enjoyed a dinner and dance, as well as a comedy slot from Dave, the star of Phoenix Nights and Dead Man Weds.

BATS chairman Paul Cohen said: “It was a great night and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“It was a celebration of the quality of amateur theatre that has been produced in Bolton over the past year and will be produced over the next year.

“This town has one of the best, if not the best, theatre scenes in the country and we hope that continues to be the case for many years to come.”

See The Bolton News on Tuesday for a picture special from the awards night and a full list of the winners.