Into My Mind

⚠ TRIGGER WARNING - this post talks about mental health including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. ⚠

Those who know me well or have followed me for some time may have seen some of my previous posts about mental health but I wanted to throw out an update about the current battles and struggles and why I've found everything lately difficult.

Every day it feels hard. It's like having a constant heavy anchor pulling the mind down to the depths of lowness. It feels like it's always raining in my mind and there's very little sunlight that is getting through currently. Days feel long, days feel pointless and my whole existence comes into question.

One of the greatest escapes from my own mental issues has been going to the theatre. That was somewhere I always associated as my 'happy place'. A space I could go in and get lost in a story and be transformed to a different place for a couple of hours. Lately, I've found my anxiety so heightened at a theatre.

I have always had something I've called 'wee nerves' for as long as I can remember. The need to go to the toilet is mostly in the mind more than in the bladder. I had a really difficult mind night a few weeks back at a show and that's rumbled on to an almost complete mental breakdown. Lately, at the theatre, I've been going to the loo 2 or 3 times before a show and maybe then 2 more times at the interval. It's a hard sensation to describe but it just grips me into a horrible fear. 

That fear starts in the days before a show and then on the day I've even begun planning the structure of the day, I try to eat less and I certainly drink a lot less which I know isn't probably the healthy thing to do but it certainly becomes a help with those thoughts.

On the flip side of that constant heightened anxiety is depression. It rises up like a roaring monster. Screaming things like "you're a failure" or "you are not enough" constantly. It's like having a little devil on your shoulder constantly makes you feel worthless. Imagine it like that game at the funfair where you have to splat an alien that rises up. You may hit one thought down but then the devil pops up again with a different one. It can feel so heavy to lift out sometimes.

It is hard to go on when you're sat questioning what is the point. You reach that rock bottom place where everything feels bleak and hard. I want anyone reading this post to know that I do feel safe and I've not hit the point of suicidal thoughts. I recently celebrated being 5 years clean of self-harm and I also don't feel like I've reached a point where that is something I've considered again, but both things do loiter in the back of your mind. It's a constant vicious cycle of that same devil saying "you're not good enough so you should die" or similar. 

The mind is the own worst enemy for catastrophising everything. From making the smallest thing into about 50 thoughts of what could go wrong, or what could happen. That's a difficult thing to balance I find. Plus when your mind is feeling rubbish you become quite self-critical and then hard on yourself and then you're in a constant battle with your own mind about your own mind and it's a hard thing to fight out from. 

The problem of being feeling a burden or a problem to those around you is a constant worry for my mind. I'm sure it's a feeling that we can all relate to. It makes it hard to be social at times because you're constantly worried about someone else's reaction to you especially when you're already in a dark place. I've always been quite bad at small talk except with those I'm really comfortable with so again my mind races about things I can say. Sometimes if I'm seeing someone I'll try and think about 3 or 4 things I could talk about beforehand.

Another problem I struggle with is a lack of energy and feeling tired all the time. For me, my doctor prescribed me Propanolol a couple of weeks back and I've definitely noticed that I've felt a bit more tired since starting on them. I've had to nap some days just from the sheer exhaustion. Although that feeling of tiredness remains it still can feel difficult to get to sleep at night, but that is a problem I've had for years. I guess the darkness and nighttimes are harder for a lot of people.

With all this going on I've struggled to find any enjoyment or happiness in the past few weeks. Even if there's a few hours of escape and happiness then a few hours later everything can start again. There's been little pleasure in watching TV or listening to music and those things have previously helped. Even things like having a show come with panic attacks, maybe it's being stood there naked just with your thoughts, I don't know. 

I just want to feel 'normal' again, whatever 'normal' is. I have started CBT again and have had 3 sessions already and I'm hoping that leads to a positive change going forwards. I hope the tablets continue to help me feel a little calmer at my tenses and most anxious moments. I want to feel enjoyment. 

The world has for me been feeling dark and grey lately. I hope every day I'm a little stronger, but some days I also feel a bit weaker and I guess it's learning that it's okay too. It's okay to struggle, it's okay to take time, as long as I don't give up hopefully sunshine will break the heavy clouds and sunshine will shine on my life again.

I hope you're all doing well. As ever if you're struggling I would urge you to speak to your doctor or a health care professional. You can also contact Samaritans for free. Constant them through their website https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them on 116 123.

Amelie The Musical

I won't delve too deep but just in case I'm putting a trigger warning for this post as there is discussion about mental health, suicide and self harm.

Amélie wasn't something I knew prior to attending the press night at Leicester's Haymarket Theatre back in July 2019 - I had heard of the film but never seen it. That night my life changed. I was swept away in to a dream like land of Parisian bliss. I was so impacted there and then by it, so much so that I went again the night after and thus began my Amelie journey.

Across the tour I saw the production 7 times, those 2 in Leicester, once in Birmingham, once in Malvern, once in Woking, once in Eastbourne, and once in Reading. That meant a fair bit of travelling but every time it was worth it to feel that joy and escapism into a happier world. When the production transferred to The Other Palace it was amazing. That intimate space was perfect for the production. The buzz on that last night was so special. Then we didn't know what the future looked like for the production but hoped there would be one.

The days after the production closed to original company gathered and recorded the London Cast Album which was released a few months later. There were rumours gathering regarding a transfer to the West End and the Criterion Theatre. But alas we all know what came along and pull a big full stop in our lives.

The wonderful thing about the album coming out when it did was it kept that connection and hope that the show gives me alive. That special feeling that you get when you let music swell through your entire body. We had a glorious Zoom listen party on the day of release and there was a wonderful Tweet along with some of the cast too. The music in this show is astonishingly good. 'When The Booth Goes Bright' is the song that means to most to me, I just connect to it and on my worst days I've been known to have it on repeat for hours.

The stage in the Criterion.

Fast forward to this year and with the West End hoping to open with reduced capacity socially distanced performance Amélie was back being rumoured. Then the Twitter account started teasing a countdown, that countdown led to the announcement that Amelie was back and in the West End at The Criterion Theatre. I can't explain how incredible it felt when it was announced and it went on sale. After a rough year of lockdowns and all that came with it knowing that on the other side we'd get Amélie again was so precious.

For me this show quite literally saved my life (I know that sounds stupid and over dramatic but it did). Back in 2019 I was at a rock bottom place again, the only way I could see out was you know doing bad things to myself. But then theatre and particularly this show came along. It gave me hope, maybe there are people a bit like me out there - Amélie in particular is one I feel a connection with cause of how isolated she can be/feel. Amélie told me to not give up. It's worth fighting on, and that push has helped me in my recovery. I'm no longer on anti-depressants, I'm going to be 5 years self harm clean next month.

2020 rocked everyone's mental health but getting through that and then one of the first theatre shows back after so long closed being Amélie was the most special thing for me. That day going down to see it with my pals Emmie and Sarah was just glorious. From the train ride down, the walk we took instead of the tube, the lunch we ate in Leicester Square and then walking up to theatre. That first watch back was so emotional and moving. 

Over the course of the summer I've been 8 times including that first one. I've been fortunate enough to share visits with friends and family and each time has meant everything to me. Trips like the one for my 30th birthday where a number of us gathered at the Theatre Café before the show. 

A punnet of Raspberries outside the Criterion.

This is a show all about connection and to get to share this show with others that you already have a connection to is perfect. I've been lucky enough to make friends through this show with people who will be friends for life - you guys know who you are. I see it a lot on social media too, the impact this show has had on others and the friendships they've blossomed because of it. Isn't that just the most magical thing? I'm quite socially awkward so sometimes meeting people I can be a little withdrawn but I can firmly say that these guys are such lovely humans.

That connection is enhanced by how much of a connection you can make with the characters on stage. I often wonder which character I'm most alike, and I think I'm a weird mix of Amélie, Lucien and Raphael! The characters are so beautifully brought to life by the outstanding cast of actor-musicians. Truly I've never seen such a talented bunch of people. Each time it still blows me away how effortless they make everything look.

The cast throughout my Amélie journey has been outstanding. Most of whom have returned, and most of whom I've seen on every occasion I've seen the show. Audrey Brisson IS Amélie, she is so perfectly cast in the role and embodies every little beat of the character. Chris Jared is glorious, he has such a wonderful vocal tone to his Nino and that building chemistry between him and Audrey throughout is so well played out. 

I could go on listing everyone who has been in this show but I do want to give special mentions to Jez Unwin who is just one of the best actors I've ever seen. He emotes with such raw pain and feeling that you can't helped but be moved when watching him. Johnson Willis is another who never fails to move me, I've found a connection to 'The Girl With The Glass' more this time around and the divine vocals of Johnson and Audrey combined. Special love to two remarkable female performances by Kate Robson-Stuart and Rachel Dawson. Both never miss a beat with their sheer talent and musicalilty. Outstanding. Johnson Willis is another who never fails to move. Samuel Morgan-Grahame, who superbly portrays grumpiness in this production but he is also a LOT more than that, I'll have so many fond memories of watching him in this show, especially in the old person scene where he's often mixed things up - the birthday cake moment on that 30th trip was amazing.

To round this post up I just wanted to throw a HUGE thank you to everyone who managed to bring this show back and maintain it during this difficult time. Even looking back now at how differently things were when the production opened back in May to now September and how we're no longer socially distanced audiences. It must have been a huge risk to the producers bringing it back in this time but I'm sure they're glad they did. All the stage crew, lighting, sound teams have done such an incredible job.

To everyone at The Criterion Theatre, you've been amazing. I've loved visiting this gem of a venue which is so perfectly sized for this production. The front of house teams have always been really welcoming and helpful and the box office, particularly Becky, has been so good at dealing with enquiries. 

So what next? There's rumours already stirring of a possible 2nd tour but we'll see. First we've one last trip to The Criterion for 2 more shows which are going to be so moving. I've cried more times this week than I did during the entirety of lockdown! There will be a future for Amélie but this cast and this production will stay with me forever. It's been the perfect show in every aspect. Thank you Amélie 'I'll never love anyone as much as I love you'

Reflections in the rain.

12 Years On.

Isn't it strange how one moment in life can cause such a rippling after effect? How something that wouldn't necessarily affect someone can really mess you up.

For me, that comes in the case of being assaulted back on the 18th January 2009, 12 years ago today. It's really strange how I can pretty much remember that day pretty clearly but ask me what I did last a couple of weeks ago, not a clue! I guess that's the thing with trauma it's hard to shake it off. 

To paint the picture of that evening, basically, after playing for my indoor 5-a-side football team, me and my friend Lucy came back to mine to chill and watch some TV. It came to around 10pm and the Lee Evans stand up show we were watching finished. I decided we should watch something else for a bit and we did so it was 11pm before Lucy headed home. She only lived about 20 minutes walk away and naturally being dark I walked her home. 

Walking along the main road we approached a bus stop where these 3 guys were waiting, as we got nearer they came over to us and asked us if we knew what time the last bus was, then Lucy got her phone out the check and next thing I know we've both been punched to the ground. It only took one punch and I was down. They thankfully ran off, I think after realising Lucy wasn't a male. I'd a broken nose and was bleeding profusely. In a panic, I just ran to the first house and knocked on the door. The poor guy that answered wasn't exactly thrilled that I'd bled all over his stop step mind you. 

Thankfully we were only a couple of minutes away and one of Lucy's parents came and got us. A police car passed us by and we flagged it down. We went back to Lucy's where we chatted to the police and that. With my nose in such a mess, it was decided I should go to the hospital so my mum took me down. It's in the car I remember realising I'd lost my phone in all the commotion (god knows what make it would have been mind you - pre getting an iPhone!). I remember just crying so much in the car to the hospital. 

The next day there was giving of police statements but sadly neither of us saw their faces or anything cause they had hoods up and it was dark. So nothing ever came from it in that sense. I had to return to the hospital a couple of weeks later to have my nose moved back into place - honestly one of the grimmest moments of my life but that was that. 

I had one session of counselling at the time, the people never followed it up and I guess I didn't feel strong enough to chase it myself. Since then I've completed two full courses of CBT for both anxiety and depression as a result of the attack but even know it still affects me on a daily basis especially when I'm outside walking. 

It obviously affected quite a few things for me at the time, particularly socially and I think that still rumbles on to an extent. It certainly knocked my confidence and has affected my work life too. I remember at the time a few people I knew being like "get over it" but yeah when there's something in the back of your mind like it might happen again or whatever. That whole "get over it" attitude can really hurt too.

It's weird to think but that whole event spiralled my lowest point a couple of years ago when I was suicidal. That confidence I lost through this one event caught up with me after a verbally aggressive patient at a job I used to work at a doctors surgery. I'm not someone for confrontation and yeah just having someone shout at you for something that wasn't even really my fault and then getting quite personal was almost like being back at that bus stop. I think confidence-wise I'm a little better with now.

One of the things that really still affects me, and anyone I've ever talked to about this disagrees as I'm sure you might, is the blame. Do I blame them for attacking us? Yes but I also blame myself for allowing us to be out so late. That blame I think I'll always take with me. Whilst I can't sit here and write if we'd been an hour earlier it wouldn't have happened but yeah I think it wouldn't have. 

So 12 years on, I think I'm in a better place than I have been but those events of that night still affect me. With lockdowns and that, I think all our mind have been a bit mush and low moods have been more and more for us all. I think we all miss a sense of normal. Naturally for some this has been an even worse time with the loss of loved ones or people who have been working hard the whole time. My thoughts are with those who have suffered at the hand of this horrible disease and those who have been working so hard, you are heroes.

The biggest thing that has gotten me through the past few years is theatre (as much as it can in the big void of there being no live performance) and the people I've connected through the shows I've seen or connected too through my blog. This last year a wonderful theatre WhatsApp group has been a blessing and really kept me afloat, the Zooms we've done has been so wonderful - lots of hours with these wonderful precious humans. On those days where you're feeling a bit off-kilter, you can just pop by and see some good faces and release out. I must give a huge shout out to Emmie here cause she's really been a rock. We can just happily natter away about anything. 

Some days I still just sit in my room and think of all the things I've done wrong, all the failings I've probably made. All the questions we all sit and ask ourselves. Am I enough? I don't know. I want to try and be a bit better and stronger this year (granted it's hard with what's still going on). I want people to have a reason to believe in me. I want someone to hopefully think I can be enough for them. Some days the low moods can be a real difficult mental cloud to lift. But I think we're all feeling that a bit at the minute. 

I want anyone that's suffered any life event that's affected to know that hopefully there's going to be sun if we just don't give in to the demons. YOU are worthy. It might not feel like that some days but someone people in the world definitely will think it and that's something I try to remind myself. 

I really hope you're all doing okay, that you're keeping as safe and well as you can be. I don't know what the point of me posting this was but it's been a nice little release.

Anyway, take care of yourself and be kind.

My 2018 Theatre Awards.

Hello and welcome to my 7th year doing this blog, celebrating the best of the theatre that I've seen in 2018.

Winners are in bold.

Best Set Design
Simon Higlett - Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Colin Richmond - The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Philip Witcomb - Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
David Woodhead - Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
Lez Brotherston - The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Nigel Hook - The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour)
Matt Kinley - Les Miserables (International Tour)
Michael Taylor - White Christmas (Curve)

Best Lighting Design
Ben Cracknell - An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Howard Hudson - Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
Natasha Chivers - The Duchess of Malfi (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Paule Constable - Les Miserables (International Tour)
Nick Richings - The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep)
Mark Henderson - White Christmas (Curve)

Best Costume Design
Colin Richmond - The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Ellan Parry - As You Like It (Shakespeare's Globe)
Lez Brotherston - The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Tom Piper - Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Max Jones - Shakespeare in Love (UK Tour)
Diego Pitarch - White Christmas (Curve)

Best Choreography/Movement
Nick Winston - Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Lucy Hind - Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Stephen Mear - White Christmas (Curve)

Best Direction
Christopher Luscombe - Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Nick Winston - Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Erica Whyman - Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Maria Aberg - The Duchess of Malfi (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Fiona Laird - The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Michael Boyd - Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Nikolai Foster - White Christmas (Curve)
Simon Godwin - Timon of Athens (Swan Theatre, RSC)

Best Supporting Actress In A Play
Kara Tointon - Olivia in Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Daisy Badger - Lady Landsworth in The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Laura Elsworthy - Betty in The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Charlotte Josephine - Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Nadia Nadarajah - Celia in As You Like It (Shakespeare's Globe)
Debbie Korley - Zabina/King of Syria in Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Adjoa Andoh - Ulysses in Troilus and Cressida (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Charlotte Arrowsmith - Cassandra in Troilus and Cressida (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)

Best Supporting Actor In A Play
Adrian Edmondson - Malvolio in Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Josh Finan - Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Pearce Quigley - Jaques in As You Like It (Shakespeare's Globe)
Nicolas Tennant - Bosola in The Duchess of Malfi (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Edmund Wiseman - Theridamas in Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Bobby Hirston - Max in The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour)
Edmund Kingsley - Kit Marlowe in Shakespeare in Love (UK Tour)
Patrick Drury - Flavius in Timon of Athens (Swan Theatre, RSC)

Best Leading Actress In A Play
Karen Fishwick - Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Joan Iyiola - The Duchess in The Duchess of Malfi (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Rosy McEwen - Zenocrate/Callapine in Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Amber James - Cressida in Troilus and Cressida (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Imogen Daines - Viola de Lesseps in Shakespeare in Love (UK Tour)
Kathryn Hunter - Timon of Athens in Timon of Athens (Swan Theatre, RSC)

Best Leading Actor In A Play
Anthony Sher - King Lear in King Lear (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Bally Gill - Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Jack Laskey - Rosalind in As You Like It (Shakespeare's Globe)
David Troughton - Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Jude Owusu - Tamburlaine in Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Jake Curran - Chris in The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour)
Gavin Fowler - Troilus in Troilus and Cressida (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Pierro Niel-Mee - Will Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love (UK Tour)

Best Understudy Performance
Rebecca Stenhouse - Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Rachel Grundy - Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Jonathan Cordin - Blake in Bat Out Of Hell (Dominion Theatre)
Aron Wild - Igor in Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Gemma Scholes - Inga in Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Christopher Cameron - Jagwire in Bat Out Of Hell (Dominion Theatre)
Craig Ryder - Falco in Bat Out Of Hell (Dominion Theatre)
Zac Hamilton - Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (International Tour)

Best Ensemble
Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC)
Les Miserables (International Tour)
White Christmas (Curve)

Best Supporting Actress In A Musical
Jessica Daley - Lynette Pomeroy in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Emily Johnstone - Joan/Pearl Turner/Barbara Young/Lionel Bart/Barbara/Barbara Windsor in Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Ricky Butt - Rosie in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Katie Hall - Fantine in Les Miserables (UK Tour)
Kelly Agbowu - Zeke/Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep)
Wendy Mae Brown - Martha Watson in White Christmas (Curve)

Best Supporting Actor In A Musical
Ian McIntosh - Sid Worley in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Daniel Stockton - Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Niall Sheehy - Frederick Barrett in Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
Solomon Israel - Gerry Raffles in Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Will Richardson - Enjolras in Les Miserables (UK Tour)
Sam Murphy - Mike in White Christmas (Curve)

Best Leading Actress In A Musical
Rebecca Stenhouse - Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Emma Williams - Paula Pokrifki in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Holly Dale Spencer - Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Claire Burt - Joan Littlewood in Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre, RSC)
Georgia Louise - Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Sara Poyzer - Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Emma Williams - Betty Haynes in White Christmas (Curve)
Monique Young - Judy Haynes in White Christmas (Curve)

Best Leading Actor In A Musical
Jonny Fines - Zack Mayo in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Simon Thomas - Sky Masterton in Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Daniel Robinson - Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Greg Castiglioni - Thomas Andrews in Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
Killian Donnelly - Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (UK Tour)
Nic Greenshields - Javert in Les Miserables (UK Tour)
Dan Burton - Phil Davis in White Christmas (Curve)
Danny Mac - Bob Wallace in White Christmas (Curve)

Best Royal Shakespeare Company Production
Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
Miss Littlewood (Swan Theatre)
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
The Duchess of Malfi (Swan Theatre)
The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
Tamburlaine (Swan Theatre)

Best Touring/Regional Production
Guys and Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre)
Titanic The Musical (UK Tour)
The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour)
Shakespeare in Love (UK Tour)
Les Miserables (International Tour)
White Christmas (Curve)

2017 Theatre Awards

The Full List of Nominations for My Personal Best Of Theatre in 2017 Awards. I've done this yearly for about 5 years now and you can check out the previous years on my Blog.

Winners are in Bold.

Best Set Design
Gary McCann - La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Lily Arnold - Snow in Midsummer (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Paul Brown - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Diego Pitarch - The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Colin Richmond - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Peter McKnight - The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Jon Bausor - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Bob Crowley - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Diego Pitarch - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Beowulf Boritt - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Douglas W. Schmidt - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
Ian Westbrook 3D Creations - Dick Whittington (London Palladium)

Best Lighting Design
Ben Cracknell - La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Ben Cracknell - The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Patrick Woodroffe - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Bruno Poet - Miss Saigon (UK Tour)
Natasha Katz - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Howard Hudson - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Nev Milsom - Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Tim Mitchell - Nativity (UK Tour)
Ben Cracknell - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Peter Mumford - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Best Costume Design
Gary McCann - La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Paul Brown - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Diego Pitarch - The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Colin Richmond - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Peter McKnight - The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Jon Bausor and Meentje Nielsen - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Bob Crowley - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Ron Briggs/Hugh Durrant/Mike Coltman - Dick Whittington (London Palladium)

Best Choreography
Nick Winston - The Wedding Singer (UK Tour)
Bill Deamer - La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Andrew Wright - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Sam Spencer-Lane - Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
Aletta Collins - The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Emma Portner - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Christopher Wheeldon obe - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Nathan M. Wright - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Anthony Williams and Dean Street - Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Susan Stroman - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Randy Skinner - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
Karen Bruce - Dick Whittington (London Palladium)

Best Supporting Actress in a Play
Rebecca Collingwood (Hero) - Much Ado About Nothing (RSC - Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Sophie Wong (Fei-Fei) - Snow in Midsummer (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Ellie Beaven (Voluptua) - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Dakota Blue Richards (Geraldine) - What The Butler Saw (Curve)

Best Supporting Actor in a Play
Martin Hutson (Cassius) - Julius Caesar (RSC - Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
Jon Trenchard (Terence) - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Matthew Pidgeon (Herod) - Salome (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Jasper Britton (Dr Rance) - What The Butler Saw (Curve)

Best Leading Actress in a Play
Lisa Dillon (Beatrice) - Much Ado About Nothing (RSC - Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Katie Leung (Dou Yi) - Snow in Midsummer (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Sophia Nomvete (Dexter) - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Catherine Russell (Mrs Prentice) - What The Butler Saw (Curve)

Best Leading Actor in a Play
Edward Bennett (Benedick) - Much Ado About Nothing (RSC - Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Colin Ryan (Handsome Zhang) - Snow in Midsummer (RSC - Swan Theatre)
James Corrigan (Mark Antony) - Julius Caesar (RSC - Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
Felix Hayes (General Braggadocio) - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Matthew Tennyson (Salome) - Salome (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Rufus Hound (Dr Prentice) - What The Butler Saw (Curve)

Best Direction
Chris Luscombe - Much Ado About Nothing (RSC - Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Rachel Kavanaugh - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Matthew White - Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
Janice Honeyman - Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
Rachel Kavanaugh - The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Christopher Wheeldon - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Paul Hart - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Debbie Isitt - Nativity (UK Tour)
Susan Stroman - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Mark Bramble - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Best Understudy Performance
Max Westwell (Jerry Mulligan) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Samantha Hull (Flo) - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Johnstone) - Blood Brothers (UK Tour)
Kristen McGarrity (Lise Dassin) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Sarah Bakker (Milo Davenport) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Emily Squibb (Elizabeth Benning) - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Lucie Jones (Maureen Johnson) - Rent (UK Tour)
Mazz Murray (Tanya) - Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Bethany Huckle (Flo) - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Monique Young (Lois Lane) - Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
Carrie Hope Fletcher (Wednesday Addams) - The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Emilie du Leslay (Portia) - The Wind and the Willows (London Palladium)
Sharon Sexton (Sloane) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Danielle Steers (Zahara) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Zoe Rainey (Milo Davenport) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Caroline Flack (Irene Roth) - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Sarah Earnshaw (Jennifer Lore) - Nativity (UK Tour)
Summer Strallen (Inga) - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Mark Newnham (Dave Davies) - Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour)
Samuel Holmes (George) - The Wedding Singer (UK Tour)
Layton Williams (Angel) - Rent (UK Tour)
Gerard Carey (James Walsingham/Photographer) - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Simon Lipkin (Rat) - The Wind In the Willows (London Palladium)
Neil McDermott (Chief Weasel) - The Wind In the Willows (London Palladium)
Rob Fowler (Falco) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Dom Hartley-Harris (Jagwire) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Haydn Oakley (Henri Baurel) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
David Barrett (Emmett Forest) - Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Jamie Chapman (Patrick Burns) - Nativity (UK Tour)
Patrick Clancy (Inspector Kemp/Hermit) - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Ross Noble (Igor) - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
Christopher Howell (Bert Barry) - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Leading Actress in a Musical
Philippa Steffani (Mimi) - Rent (UK Tour)
Sanne den Besten (Sophie) - Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Devon-Elise Johnson (Ann Pornick) - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Caroline Sheen (Lilli Vanessi) - Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
Christina Bennington (Raven) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Sooha Kim (Kim) - Miss Saigon (UK Tour)
Leanne Cope (Lise Dassin) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Charlotte Wakefield (Polly Baker) - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Lucie Jones (Elle Woods) - Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Clare Halse (Peggy Sawyer) - 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Leading Actor in a Musical
Ryan O'Donnell (Ray Davies) - Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour)
Jon Robyns (Robbie) - The Wedding Singer (UK Tour)
John Partridge (Albin/Zaza) - La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Charlie Stemp (Arthur Kipps) - Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Matthew McKenna (Fred Graham) - Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
Cameron Blakeley (Gomez) - The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Rufus Hound (Mr Toad) - The Wind In the Willows (London Palladium)
Andrew Polec (Strat) - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Tom Chambers (Bobby Child) - Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Simon Lipkin (Mr Poppy) - Nativity (UK Tour)
Ashley Day (Jerry Mulligan) - An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Hadley Fraser (Frederick Frankenstein) - Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)

Best Live Orchestra/Band
The Wedding Singer (UK Tour)
Rent (UK Tour)
Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Best Ensemble
La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
Vice Versa (RSC - Swan Theatre)
The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre)
Nativity (UK Tour)
Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

Best Royal Shakespeare Company Production
Much Ado About Nothing (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Snow in Midsummer (Swan Theatre)
Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
Vice Versa (Swan Theatre)

Best Touring/Regional Production
Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour)
La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour)
Rent (UK Tour)
Kiss Me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre)
The Addams Family (UK Tour)
Crazy For You (UK Tour)
Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Nativity (UK Tour)

Best NEW* West End Musical
Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre)
Half A Sixpence (Noel Coward Theatre)
The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium)
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (London Coliseum)
Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre)
42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)

*first time I've seen it, not necessarily a new musical.

It's been a truly incredible year in terms of theatre and I hope 2018 is as strong. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

My 2016 Theatre Awards.

Again as with previous years, my theatre awards from the theatre shows I've seen in the year 2016. All for a bit of fun and are my personal opinion.

Winners are in bold.

Best Supporting Actress In A Play: (2015 winner - Nadia Albina)
Eleanor Wyld (Lucifer/Scholar/Friar) - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Lucy Ellinson (Puck) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Laura Riseborough (Helena) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Danusia Samal (Jailer's Daughter) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Laura Riseborough (right) as Helena in Midsummer Nights Dream

Best Supporting Actor In A Play: (2015 winner - Larne Malaolu)
Joshua McCord (Samson Currasco) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Sandy Grierson (Mephistopheles - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Joe Dixon (Calaban) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Mark Quartley (Ariel) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Sandy Grierson as Mephistopheles in Doctor Faustus. photo by Helen Maybanks

Best Leading Actress In A Play: (2015 winner - Catrin Stewart)
Ayesha Dharker (Titania) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Frances McNamee (Emilia) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company) 
Jenny Rainsford (Miranda) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Frances McNamee as Emilia in The Two Noble Kinsmen

Best Leading Actor In A Play: (2015 winner - Alex Hassell)
David Threlfall (Don Quixote) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Rufus Hound (Sancho Panza) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Oliver Ryan (Doctor Faustus - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Barry Green (Bottom) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
James Corrigan (Palamon) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Jamie Wilkes (Arcite) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Simon Russell Beale (Prospero) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company) 

Simon Russell Beale as Prospero in The Tempest. Photo by Tristram Kenton

 Best Set Design: (2015 winner - Bunny Christie):
Ti Green - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Tim Shortall - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Simon Higlett - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Bob Crowley - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Michael Pavelka - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Anna Fleischle - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Stephen Brimson Lewis - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

The Cave of Wonders Set in Aladdin.

Best Lighting Design (2015 winner -Kenneth Posner): 
Tim Deiling - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Ben Ormerod - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Natasha Katz - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Lee Curran - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Simon Spencer - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

The Tempest. photo by Topher McGrills

Best Costume Design: (2015 winner - Gregg Barnes)
Ti Green - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Paul Wills - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Robert Innes Hopkins - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Gregg Barnes - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre) 

Agrabah Costumes in Aladdin.

Best Choreography: (2015 winner  - Mitch Sebastian)
Bill Deamer - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Andrew Wright - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Casey Nicholaw - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Lynne Page - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Matthew Cole - Footloose (UK Tour)

Best Understudy Performance: (2015 winner - Ryan O'Donnell)
Jessica Parker (Kate Monster/ Lucy The Slut) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Callum Francis (Lola) - Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre)
Robbie White (Dave Davies) - Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre)
Luke Thornton (Willard) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Lisa-Anne Wood (Christine) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Charlotte Scott (Miss Honey) - Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
Jermaine Woods (Iago) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)

Lisa Anne Wood as Christine backstage at The Phantom of the Opera

Best Supporting Actress In A Musical: (2015 winner - Lara Pulver)
Catherine Tate (Myrna Ranapapadophilou) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Arina II (Christmas Eve) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Sam Bailey (Mama Morton) - Chicago (UK Tour)
Joanna Sawyer (Rusty) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Rebecca Caine (Mother Abbess) - The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Joanna Sawyer (centre) in Footloose. photo by Matt Martin

Best Supporting Actor In A Musical: (2015 winner - George Maguire)
Simon Lipkin (Lou Lubowitz) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Jamie Foreman (Arthur) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Stephen Arden (Trekkie Monster/ Nicky/ Bad Idea Bear) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jason Donovan (Sam Phillips) - Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour)

Simon Lipkin (right) in Miss Atomic Bomb. photo by Tristram Kenton.

Best Leading Actress In A Musical: (2015 winner - Imelda Staunton)
Florance Andrews (Candy Johnson) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Tracie Bennett (Laura Henderson) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Emma Williams (Maureen) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Jessica Parker (Kate Monster/ Lucy The Slut) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jade Ewen (Jasmine) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Hayley Tamaddon (Roxie Hart) - Chicago (UK Tour)
Sheridan Smith (Fanny Brice) - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Lisa-Anne Wood (Christine) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Zaris-Angel Hator (Matilda) - Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
Lucy O'Byrne (Maria) - The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Emma Williams as Maureen in Mrs Henderson Presents

Best Leading Actor In A Musical: (2015 winner - John Dagleish)
Ian Bartholomew (Vivian Van Damm) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Matt Corner (Frankie Valli) - Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre)
Richard Lowe (Princeton/ Rod) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jason Manford (Caractacus Potts) - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Dean John Wilson (Aladdin) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Darius Campbell (Nick Arnstein) - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Luke Baker (Ren McCormack) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Ben Forster (The Phantom) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Martin Kaye (Jerry Lee Lewis) - Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour)

Trevor Dion Nicholas as The Genie in Aladdin.

Best Royal Shakespeare Company Production: (2015 winner - Love's Sacrifice)
Don Quixote
Doctor Faustus
Midsummer Nights Dream - A Play for the Nation
The Two Noble Kinsmen
The Tempest

 

Best Touring/Regional Musical: (2015 Winner - Mary Poppins)
Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Chicago (UK Tour)
Footloose (UK Tour)
Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour) 
The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Best NEW* West End Musical: (2015 Winner - Sunny Afternoon)
Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)

*NEW - first time I'd seen this production, not necessarily a new show.

Thanks for reading, Please share your favourite moments of theatre in 2016 in the comments section.