Last Saturday, 21 September, the local theatre community gathered for the highlight of the social and creative year, the Annual Drama Party held by Arts Richmond, at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington.

The evening featured the announcement of the Swan Award winners for 2023/24, but this wasn't just for Swan nominees, as it was for everyone involved in local theatre.

Last year, this well-established event had a magnificent make-over, receiving very positive feedback.

This was a true celebration of the local theatre community, and the  Mayor of Richmond even attended.

Arts Richmond's Annual Drama Party was held at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Councillor Richard Pyne , Mayor of Richmond upon Thames said: "It was a lovely, enjoyable event, and terrific to see the amount of amateur dramatics in our Borough. 

"Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners and a very big well done to Arts Richmond for a great event."

The Mayor of Richmond and his consort on the Drama Party red carpet with his consort (Credit: Arts Richmond)

Winners of the SWAN Awards 2024 include:

Best Male Child Performer - Elliot Wilson as Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid JR' - Dramacube, Twickenham Purple Cast B.                              

Best Female Child Performer  - Hannah Kuhnel as Agatha Trunchball in 'Matilda the Musical JR.' Dramacube Hampton Hill Red Cast B.                            

Best Young Performer - Jack Dwyer as Andrew in 'Pressure' (TTC).                          

Best Youth Production - 'Matilda the Musical JR.' Dramacube Hampton Hill Red Cast.

Best Set Design: - 'Enron' (RSS) – Junis Olmscheid.                          

Best Costume Design - ʻCyrano de Bergeracʼ (RSS) – Junis Olmscheid, Miriam King and John Gilbert, Costume Design.             

Best Lighting and / or Sound Design - 'Bullshot Crummond' (Q2 Players) – Bob Gingell, Lighting; Felicity Morgan, Sound.             

Best Design Element - 'Stepping Out' (TTC) – Dawn Lacey, Choreographer.                           

Best Supporting Performer in a Musical in a Male Role - September Taliana-Carey as Sir Bedevere in 'Spamalot' (TTC).                   

Best Supporting Performer in a Musical in a Female Role - Tash Wills as Jenny in 'Calendar Girls The Musical' (BROS)             .             

Best Supporting Performer in a Play in a Male Role - Matt Tester as 7 different characters in 'Bullshot Crummond' (Q2 Players).                         

Best Supporting Performer in a Play in a Female Role -Denise Rocard as Anne in 'The Father' (Rhinoceros Theatre Company).               

Best Leading Performer in a Musical in a Male Role - Guillaume Borkhataria as Emmett Forrest in 'Legally Blonde, The Musical' (TOPS).                 

Best Leading Performer in a Musical in a Female Role - Alex Alderson as Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde, The Musical' (TOPS).                     

Best Leading Performer in a play in a Male role - Luciano Dodero as Cyrano de Bergerac in ʻCyrano de Bergeracʼ (RSS).                                      

Best Leading Performer in a Play in a Female Role - Dorothy Duffy as Melissa Gardner in 'Love Letters' (OHADS).                

Best Ensemble - 'Panic' (TTC).                   

The Cygnet Award - 'Bullshot Crummond' (Q2 Players) – Dominic Parford, Director.                       

Best Musical Production - 'Spamalot' (TTC) - Nigel Cole, Director; Lizzie Lattimore, Musical Director; Gita Singham-Willis, Choreographer.                   

Best Production of a Play 'Enron' (RSS) – Maxina Cornwell, Director.                      

The Swan Judges' Award categories) The Drowning Girls (TTC) - 3 Porcelain Baths. A from every bath to be used with great effect by The Drowning Girls.

 Linda Hansell, Administrative Officer at Richmond Arts said: "We were delighted the Mayor and his consort were able to attend and support the event again this year.

"His Worship was also able to help with some of the gold envelope openings, announcing the winners."