THERE was a dramatic buzz in the air at Northwich Memorial Hall as the ninth annual Rose Bowl Awards unfolded on Saturday night.

The cream of amateur dramatic talent in mid Cheshire was honoured in the prestigious ceremony attended by dignitaries and more than 200 people.

Theatre groups from across the area gathered at the event, supported by Vale Royal Borough Council, to celebrate another amazing year in amateur theatre and to find out who would be going home with awards.

The show started with a rousing excerpt from Vale Royal Amateur Operatic Society's production of Calamity Jane before presenters Gemma Sproston and Richard Kelsall presented the first of the awards.

The musical theme continued throughout the first act with musical extracts courtesy of Frodsham Pantomime Group, with a delightful piece from Snow White, and the highly talented Factory Academy of Dramatic Arts burst on to the stage with an extract from Wicked.

The second half of the show focused on drama with three excellent selections - The Musicians, from Davenham and Sandiway Players, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by the Harlequin Players and Hindle Wakes, from Moulton Drama Group.

A total of 18 awards were presented before Vale Royal Deputy Mayor Clr Doug Shingler presented the Harlequin Players with the Overall Excellence award for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Eleanor Underhill, managing director of Guardian Series Newspapers, presented Moulton Drama Group with the Rose Bowl Award for Best Production for Hindle Wakes.

A raffle, with prizes donated courtesy of LA Fitness, The Anderton and Thorntons, helped to raise £120 for St Luke's Hospice.

Guardian deputy editor Hayley Smith said: "The Guardian Rose Bowl Awards are always a fantastic occasion but this year in particular was one of the best due to the high standard of productions.

"It's incredible to think that nine years on this event is still thriving and the number of theatre groups and schools taking part is increasing.

"This is testament to the dedicated and committed work undertaken by everyone involved with the event and I'm confident that we can make next year's 10th anniversary celebration even more special."

l Thanks to The Hidden Nursery for lending the stage foliage and Tesco for providing the sparkling wine.

And the winners are...

Best Youth Production:

Mid Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society Juniors, Oliver

Best School Production:

Hartford High School, Grease

Best Pantomime:

Byley Village Players,

Cinderella

Best Set Design:

Sandiway Pantomime Group,

Robin Hood

Best Actor:

Jon Kerr, Davenham and Sandiway Players, The Musicians

Best Actress:

Gill Burd, Frodsham Players,

Kindertransport

Best Choreography:

Vicki Patheyjohns and Jean Williams, Zodiac Amateur Operatic Society, Calamity Jane

Best Technical:

Phil Redman and Rob Williams, Frodsham Pantomime Group,

Snow White

Best Costume:

Anne Peers and Estelle Tortoiseshell, Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop, Jack and the Beanstalk

Best Supporting Actor:

John Smith, Harlequin Players,

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Best Supporting Actress:

Vicky Littlemore, Frodsham Players, Kindertransport

Best Musical Group:

Vale Royal Amateur Operatic Society, The Wizard of Oz

The Edna Rothwell Award for Musical Director:

Dr Sue Sharkey; Verdin High School, Romeo and Juliet - the Musical

Best Director:

Janette Bloor, The Grange School, Grease

The Mary Patterson Award for Promising Young Performer:

Nigel Ellams, Sir John Deane's College, The Trial

The Jack Hetherington Award for Comedy:

Vale Royal Juniors,

Henry the Tudor Dude

Young Performer of the Year:

Ashleigh Jones, Factory Academy of Dramatic Arts, Guys and Dolls

Service to the Arts:

Edna Rothwell;

Overall Excellence:

Harlequin Players,

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Best Production:

Moulton Drama Group, Hindle Wakes.

Your chance to join the team

AS the Guardian Rose Bowl Awards enter their 10th year the search is on for an extra theatre critic to help review amateur dramatic shows over the forthcoming months.

We're looking for another theatre enthusiast and aspiring writer to join the team and if you think you've got what it takes then we want to hear from you.

In no more than 50 words tell us why you want to be a Guardian Rose Bowl critic and send an example of your writing in the form of a film or theatre review to reporter Gemma Sproston at the Northwich Guardian, 15 Market Street, Northwich, CW9 5DT, or email gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk.

You must be aged 18 or above and review copy must be between 200 and 250 words.