Avion Players win big at drama festival

The Avion Players from Gander made a big impression at the 60th Annual Drama Festival, put off by the Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society last week in Corner Brook.

The local theatre group took home four awards from their trip to the west coast, including the coveted Newfoundland Herald Audience Appreciation Award. It was awarded based on the opinions of those who were able to attend all performances at the festival.

"We had a fantastic run. The show was received so well by the audience," said Michele Dove, the director of Avion's entry in the festival, Caught in the Net, and also one of its stars.

"We had cheers and whistles, and at a couple of points in the show, applause broke out for the play. When we came off that stage, we were flying high as a cast - it was definitely our best time doing it. And the audience reaction, you feed off that."

Caught in the Net is a British farce written by Ray Cooney, and is a sequel to Run for Your Wife, a play previously performed by the local theatre group.

The Honourary Chairman's Award for best actor went to Bert Peddle for his portrayal of Stanley. Fellow lead actor Shawn Tiller received an honourable mention for his work alongside Mr. Peddle.

"That was no surprise to any of us," said Ms. Dove. "He's a fantastic actor."

The Hans Tode Memorial Trophy for best set design went to Claude House and Nick Mercer, while the Stage Managers' Award went to Jennifer Stanley.

"She ran a tight ship for me," Ms. Dove said of the award-winning stage manager. "Our show was Friday, and they were there until 3:30 a.m. Friday. The set was up quickly, and she was almost like a drill-sergeant, telling everybody what to do."

As for the set, Ms. Dove said it was beautiful.

"The set was a thing of beauty. It was well designed structurally, and it looked beautiful. It really was one of the nicest sets we've ever had."

Ms. Dove added the 24-person group who travelled to put off the show was one of the biggest Avion Players has ever taken to the festival.

"There was a great sense of camaraderie, and everyone had a good time."

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