Standard and Gazette theatre critic Paul T Davies hands out his annual awards – the Paulies – for the shows and stars of the year

After much deliberation, the panel, (me), have decided that the 2019 Paulies go to...

BEST PLAY

Bug – They promised something not usually seen at the Headgate, and they weren’t wrong. Tracey Letts’ gripping play took us into the heart and mind of the American underclass and paranoia, and left a lasting impression seared onto the minds of all who saw it.

BEST DIRECTOR

Kerry King for Playhouse Creatures – The most hotly contested category as all nominated directors did a fantastic job. But for bringing together a terrific ensemble and staging a multi location play so smoothly.

BEST MUSICAL

The Addams Family – What a total, unmitigated joy this was, brilliantly staged on a superb set and bringing this musical totally to life.

BEST DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)

Sally Broatch for The Addams Family – A rare director that can move expertly from play to musical, with complete control and inventiveness.

BEST ACTOR

Joe Eason for Bug – I hadn’t seen Joe act before, and this was a triumph. His piercing urgent eyes kept you gripped as the horrors in the play unfolded.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Aaron Bowater for All My Sons – Came into the play with a tremendous energy and brought the role of George to life.

BEST ACTRESS

Joanna Peacock, Poppy Borges-Wilby, Charlotte Harknett, Eleanor Kent-Dyson, Charlotte Still for Playhouse Creatures – I couldn’t separate these ladies so I didn’t. They were superb, both individually and as an ensemble.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Charlotte Curtis for The Vortex – An actress who is astonishingly good in everything she does, it was the underplay of emotions, what she didn’t say, that really won this for me. Understated when she needed to be, she was also flamboyant when the script demanded.

BEST MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Archie Ball for Oliver! – Archie was a terrific Oliver, with a beautiful singing voice and stage presence.

SPECIAL AWARD

The Mercury Theatre/Colchester Operatic co-production of Oliver! – With the technical side being provided by The Mercury, this show gave local amateur performers such a terrific experience, so this has to be the special award of the year. I’ve no doubt it changed some young lives, and we may never see anything like it again.