Ian Ashton Award
Ian was a dedicated and inspirational member of our society from 1998 till his untimely death in 2012 aged 74 years. For many years he was our stage manager and set designer. His passion for pantomime shone through as he passed on his skills and knowledge to younger members of our society. He continually put young people first, inspiring them to do things that they would perhaps have shied away from without his encouragement. He worked tirelessly backstage and even today we use many of his ideas and even one or two of his artistically produced backdrops.
In order to keep the memory of Ian alive, our society decided to create a very special annual award. The beautiful cut glass trophy is presented for dedicated effort that enhances the production of our November pantomime. We consider what has been done above and beyond normal expectations in all areas of our production – on stage, back-stage, administratively and in all other facets of our successful production. Young people are primarily, though not totally, in the thoughts of the committee as they consider worthy applicants.
On the winners table, there are usually three nominations with just one winner – but there have been years when the superb talent and dedication has meant that we have had to change our rules! Nominations and winners of this trophy that is incredibly special to everyone in SCADS are:
Award Winners & Nominees
Christopher Tomlin
Awarded for his outstanding contribution as Musical Director, his first time in this position
2012
Courtney Walsh
Nominated for outstanding performance in a senior role.
Jonathan Walton
Nominated for outstanding performance, commitment, dedication to the Stage Crew.
Christopher Tomlin
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for his outstand contribution as Musical Director, his first time in this role.
2013
Katie Gallagher
Nominated for outstanding leadership and choreography.
Charlie Lomax
Nominated for outstanding performance, commitment, dedication.
Denham Robinson
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for an outstanding performance as well as maintaining his contributions to many other aspects of our pantomime.
2014
Rodger Dean
Nominated for his dedication, organisation and hard work; his inventive design and always being totally calm and unflappable.
Lucy Caton
Nominated for her positivity, selflessness and well-mannered approach; her calming presence and her growing confidence in all aspects of performance.
Eleanor Tomlin
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for
her overall contribution, dedication and positivity in all aspects of our production, in particular learning her lines.
2015
David Gallagher
Nominated for his enthusiasm, commitment and larger than life presence on stage which provided leadership and continuity.
Dave Iveson
Nominated for stepping in at the last minute and astounding us all by still knowing his lines and performing his role with such talent.
Max Gallagher
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for stepping up into his first major role and showing exceptional stage presence.
2016
Becky Waite
Nominated for multitasking throughout the performances, helping out where there was need and whose artistic talents ensured that make-up had a professional look.
Lucy Caton
Nominated for a good performance even though work commitments impinged on rehearsal time.
Jonathon Walton
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for an outstanding first-time appearance on stage, showing a willingness to accept and act on advice and at the same time maintain his commitment to helping backstage.
2017
Michelle Caton
Nominated for a strong and convincing performance.
Calum Hutchinson
Nominated for stepping into a second role at the last minute, assisting in other areas and having a cheery persona.
Erin Dove
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for 100% commitment in her first major role, even through adversity.
2018
Rodger Dean
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for his dedication and skill in the props department, coming up with solutions to challenges given to him, producing fantastic props and managing them throughout our performances.
Freyja Richardson
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for 100% commitment, being word perfect, always ready to go on stage, attending all her rehearsals as well as helping out at Senior Chorus.
2019
Oscar Howard, Charlotte Waite
& Jessica Waite
Nominated for dedication and commitment at rehearsals and performances.
Stephen Lawrence (Syd)
Nominated for outstanding contribution to scenery and props.
Toby Glover & Edward Mossley
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for being the best double act on stage.
2022
Grace Sulley
Nominated for reliability and willing ness to step into additional roles at rehearsals and her enthusiasm throughout.
Matthew Wainwright
Nominated for reliability and willingness to step into a backstage role, at the last minute, whilst retaining a character role.
Jessica Waite
Awarded the Ian Ashton trophy for reliability and enthusiasm in rehearsals and performances as well as assisting backstage.