Athlone Musical Society painted the town in technicolour to celebrate their outstanding achievement in winning four of the five categories in which they were nominated at this year’s AIMS Awards.
The Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS ) provides a voice to musical theatre in Ireland. Over 130 musical societies, throughout the whole of Ireland, are members of AIMS, this relates to around 14,000 people directly involved with musicals. It is an amazing achievement to have scooped so many awards and even COVID-19 could not prevent a celebration.
The Society was nominated for Best Programme, which was beautifully curated by Angelina Treglia. Lea Carroll won the award for Best Choreography, while Ger Madden scooped the award for Best Musical Director for the show. Alfie Kilduff took home the Best Director trophy and last, but by no means least, the Society walked away with the night’s biggest award, Best Overall Show.
Athlone Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, was on hand to congratulate the Society as the trophies were brought home to Athlone and formally accepted. This was followed by a noisy and colourful drive though Athlone, with the soundtrack to the show playing over loudspeakers.
“Joseph was a brilliant show and was deservedly recognised at the weekend. Congratulations to all involved, it is great to have some good news to celebrate, particularly in these challenging times, particularly for all those involved in the arts,” Cllr. O’Rourke enthused.
“We decided to do a drive through the town, adding colour and some ‘Joseph’ music while maintaining social distance, following public health guidelines at all times. It didn’t take away from the fun.
“The last time we won Best Overall Show was in 2004 with ‘The Hired Man’ and this year’s four wins is a record in the history of the Society. There is only one problem, says Joan laughing, this will always be a hard act to follow,” Athlone Musical Society Chairperson, Joan Larkin, emphasised.
Cast and crew, honorary life members, parents and some of the children’s cast all joined in the fun, soaking up the great atmosphere and enjoying being part of the Athlone Musical Society family. The sun shone on the convoy as it wound its way through town and the locals showed their appreciation. It was a feel good event and the Society is proud of its achievements.
Those achievements do not come without a lot of hard work behind the scenes and long hours for weeks before the show. The show would not work without the help of the backroom team of props, costumes, hair and makeup, sound and lighting, stage management, and Front of House.
Equally, the show could not go on without the enormous and continued support and generosity of the Society’s patrons and sponsors who deserve their own award.
The audiences who come to see the finished product are the reason for the production in the first place and it is with excitement that the Society looks forward to getting back out there again - entertaining audiences and hopefully winning more awards!
