Tipperary talent recognised with announcement of well-deserved AIMS nominations

Cheers of excitement echoed through Clonmel last weekend as members of the local theatre scene gathered in eager anticipation to hear the nominations for this year’s AIMS Awards.

The atmosphere was electric as those involved in two recent amateur musical productions celebrated a series of well-deserved nods from the prestigious body.

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The Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS), established in 1965, is the national organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting musical theatre across Ireland. Representing over 120 societies, AIMS champions the work of amateur performers, directors, musicians and technical crews, helping to nurture and elevate the standard of musical theatre on a national scale.

AIMS offers a wide range of support to its member societies, from training workshops to networking opportunities, but it is perhaps best known for its annual AIMS Awards Weekend. Often referred to as the “Tony Awards” of Irish amateur theatre, the event recognises outstanding achievements in a range of categories, including Best Overall Show, Best Director, and Best Musical Director.

The awards ceremony has become a major fixture in the Irish cultural calendar, drawing theatre lovers from across the country.

Clonmel’s own St. Mary’s Choral Society has much to celebrate, having received two nominations for its recent production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Doireann Scully was nominated in the Best Youth in an Adult Show category for her charming portrayal of Chip, earning high praise for her performance.

The society’s PRO, Jason Ryan, received a nomination in the Best Programme category for his work on Beauty and the Beast. In addition, Jason was also nominated in the same category for his programme design for Bellvue Academy of Performing Arts’ production of West Side Story.

Meanwhile, Niall Kelly, who served as Musical Director for both St. Mary’s and Bellvue, was recognised with a nomination for Best Musical Director for his work on West Side Story. The technical excellence of the Bellvue production was also acknowledged, with Alan McCormack (Lighting), Anthony Lawless (Set Design & Construction), and Pat Marnane (Sound) jointly nominated for the Best Technical Award.

Two Clonmel men also received nominations. Eamon O’Malley was nominated for UL Musical Theatre- Seussical,The Musical,for stepping into the breach and maintaining poise and professionalism in the Adjudicator’s Special Award-Moment of Theatre.
Diarmuid Vaughan was nominated for best actor in a supporting role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek-The Musical with Fermoy Musical Society.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala in the INEC, Killarney, on 14th June, where over 1,300 musical theatre enthusiasts are expected to gather to celebrate another year of outstanding talent and community spirit.

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As the Clonmel nominees prepare to attend the glittering event, one thing is already clear — the town continues to be a proud and thriving hub for musical theatre excellence.