Shirley wins double at awards

The Broughton Players actor and director wins two prestigious drama awards

“Caught in the net” a farse of epic proportions by Ray Cooney was directed by Shirley in October last year. The play centres on a man who is trying to ‘keep’ two families; each in blissful ignorance of the existence of the other. Ray is famed for writing quick witted comedy and “Caught in the net”, since it’s first production in 2001, has been played around the country to packed houses and much enjoyment.

“The audience loved it, and so did the adjudicator,” said Shirley of the production which won the Peter Kennedy cup for best comedy, in the West Pennine Division, Three Act Theatre awards.

Shirley also won the award for best supporting actress in a Broughton players production of “Strangers on a train”, written by Craig Warner and put on in February of this year. She played the role of mother to the male lead, Charles Bruno. David Hughes, who played Bruno, won best actor for his performance in the play.

Although her character is only on in four scenes, it was, said Shirley, “a super little part”. In each scene the character changes mood from being a “silly bitch” to a “possessive mother”, to “cracking up” on stage.

“I really enjoyed it and I enjoyed working with David. He’s a great young actor.” It is the second time Shirley has played David’s mother in a performance at the Playhouse, and the nth time Shirley has been rewarded for her talents on stage.

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