CityLife

MEN Theatre Awards nearly here

The Cripple Of Inishmaan is nominated

DECEMBER 8, 2009 sees one of the highlights of the theatre-going year - the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards.

Throughout the past 12 months, the dedicated awards panel of judges have been to see literally hundreds of shows, ranging from massive arena events to one-person shows in the back room of a pub.

Between them they’ve drawn up a shortlist of nearly 100 nominations in the various categories, covering actors, productions and technical expertise.

Newcomers who have never set foot on a professional stage before this year will be vyeing for honours alongside award-winning veterans such as Ian McDiarmid, while brand-new shows at events such as 24:7 Theatre Festival have just as much chance of walking away with one of the coveted trophies as huge-scale international hits like Mary Poppins, at The Palace Theatre.

The glitzy event, hosted by BBC TV presenter Dianne Oxberry, takes place at lunchtime on Tuesday at the Midland Hotel, with an audience of stars from stage and screen in attendance.

Read the Manchester Evening News on December 9 for a list of the winners and full coverage of the event, which will also be featured on Channel M and at CityLife.co.uk.