SHEILA CHISHOLM
On 5 March 2018, The Masque Theatre’s red carpet and a glass of wine welcomed guests and nominees to The Cape Amateur Theatre Awards (CATA). This, annual event, the most prestigious in amateur dramatic societies calendar, recognises Thespians whose talents have during 2017 risen to exceptional heights.
Chaired by Lynn Moss, the panel comprised Barrie Howard, Yvonne Copley, Wesley Figaji, Ann Coetzee, Motlatji Ditodi (Mo) and Byron Bure, who attended 22 productions presented at either The Masque Theatre, Milnerton Playhouse, Playhouse in Somerset West.
MC Mark Jennings
Acting as MC, Mark Jennings (FMR’s Station Manager) kicked off proceedings. After which Jarred Pitout introduced panelists and guest of honour Julie Summers handed out awards.
Hottentot Holland’s Dramatic Society took line honours with 24 awards For Shrek The Musical: Darryl Spijkers took home an award for his Artistic Contribution and Best Director of a Musical; Spijkers shared Technical Excellence with Ashley Pitout (Lighting, Sound and Effects). Best Costumes went to Heather Ferguson; Junior Performances went to Elena Mitchell, Lesley-Anne van der Linden, Jessica Matthews, Karla Naude and Carmen Harris; Lead Actress in a Musical was awarded to Elena Mitchell; Lead Actor in a Musical was James Bone; Certificates of Excellence went to Beatrice Glenister for the Choreography of Things are looking up in Duloc and the tap dancing feet; Elena Mitchell, Lesley-Anne van der Linden, Jessica Matthews, Karla Naude and Carmen Harris for I Know it’s Today. Shrek the Musical won Best Musical.
Yanou Pienaar (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society and Carnivals of the Heart) won the Most Promising Newcomer Non-Actor for Hello & Goodbye and Best Director of a Play; Annelie van Zyl was Best Lead Actress in a Play. Hello & Goodbye took Best Play award. Liz James won Best Cameo Performance for Calendar Girls; Nathan Muller of Pinelands Players took home Award for Most Promising Actor Newcomer and Best Actor in The Full Monty; Certificates of Excellence went to Regina Malan & Company for Life with Harold; Candice Burgess, Jaime Uranovsky, Regina Malan, Kimberley Pappas, Santie du Toit and Kerryn Warren in The Goods; Performed by Milnerton Players I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Certificates of Excellence were awarded to Fiona Tanner, Christine Thonissen, Neil Leachman and Christian Marais for their Ensemble work and Car Scene.
Barry Altwig’s set for Art won Best Set.
Claremont’s Dramatic Society’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, won Patrick Jordi Best Supporting Actor in a Play and Matthew Roy Leading Actor in a Play. The society’s Equus, won the Most Adventurous Production; Tian Landman took home a Junior Performance recognition as did Mokoena Ramollo, Dave Waugh, Michelle Witbooi, Katjenka Opperman and Matthew Roy for their Horses Ensemble work.
David Bolton, as loveable Lion in The Wizard of Oz, presented by G&S won a Certificate of Excellence for his solo If I were King of the Forest; Carey Wallace won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Alastair Cockburn won Best Musical Director for Trial By Jury Masque Theatre Players’ Tash Futeran won Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her performance in Abigail’s Party; Anna Grieve won a Junior Performance Certificate in Fame.
As did Blaine Coetzee in Constantia Berg Theatre Players The Bird Cage. The coveted CODS Cup for outstanding services to amateur theatre was presented to Gary Fargher for 30 years creating sound and lighting effects.
After an amusing display by The Full Monty team, Mark Jennings closed the evening by inviting the audience into the foyer to share anecdotes over wine and a finger supper.
What: The Cape Amateur Theatre Awards (CATA) 2018
Where: The Masque Theatre, Cape Town
WS
