Since their inception in 1975, the Independent Theatre Association’s Finley Awards recognise the best plays, musicals and actors in community theatre with the annual awards ceremony regarded as the "night of nights" for Perth thespians.
The 2008 Finley Awards were announced on Saturday January 17 – the winners came from theatres South Perth, Kwinana, Darlington, Floreat, Wanneroo, Subiaco, Melville, Kalamunda, Kalgoorlie, Stirling, Roleystone and the University of WA (Nedlands).
Top Three Plays in order
1. Deckchairs: Kwinana Theatre Workshop
2. The Sum of Us: Old Mill Theatre, South Perth
3. Butterflies are Free: Darlington Theatre Players
Top Three Musicals in Order
1. Bare: Playlovers, Floreat
2. Fame: Wanneroo Repertory
3. Bullet Betty Vareska, The Directive of Six; University Dramatic Society, University of WA
Best Actor
Winner: Alex Jones: This is our Youth – Blak Yak Theatre, Subiaco
Best Actress
Winner: Kristen Berry: Deus Ex Quanta: Blak Yak Theatre, Subiaco
David Crewes Award for Excellence in Set Design and Construction
Winner: Suddenly at Home: Melville Theatre Company
Best Costumes
Winner: Venetian Twins: Old Mill Theatre, South Perth
Best Choreography
Winner: Jess Dun, Bullet Betty Vareska: The Directive of Six: University Dramatic Society, University of WA
Best Other than Lead Male
Winner: Phil Barnett: The Sum of Us: Old Mill Theatre, South Perth
Best Other than Lead Female
Winner: Barbara Reynolds : Amy’s View, KADS Theatre, Kalamunda.
Best Director
Winner: Teresa Felvus: Deckchairs: Kwinana Theatre Workshop
Mary Webb Award for Direction of A Musical
Winner: Alex McLennan: Hot Mikado: Wanneroo Repertory
Elizabeth Crewes Award for Front-of-House
Old Mill Theatre, South Perth
Sheila Buchanan Award
Stage Left Theatre Troupe, Kalgoorlie for innovation and creation of concept.
Brian Maddocks Youth Award
Jono Hopkins, Alive In Wonderland, Stirling Players
Best Musical Direction
Winner: John McPherson : Bullet Betty Vareska: The Directive of Six, University Dramatic Society
Yvonne Lynch Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance
Winner: Michael Abercrombie: Bullet Betty Vareska: The Directive of Six: University Dramantic Society
Best Musical Theatre Performer
Winner: Leo Dounsborough: The Mystery of Edwin Drood: Roleystone Theatre
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