Hot on the heels of sell-out performances of Fiddler on the Roof last weekend, Little Seed Theatre Company has taken home nine awards at the Noosa Arts Theatre’s inaugural Shakespeare Festival.
Little Seed director Johanna Wallace says the wealth of talent on the Sunshine Coast is “truly inspiring”.
“So many of the young actors in Fiddler backed it up the following day with incredible, award-winning performances, which is just phenomenal,” Johanna says.
“On Saturday night, Virgo Nash played Golde, a mother of five daughters in pre-Revolutionary Russia. The next day, she transformed herself into Tybalt Capulet, the main antagonist in Romeo and Juliet.
“This shows a level of skill that is far beyond what we would normally expect from someone her age,” Johanna explains, adding that 14-year-old Virgo and her fellow actors took home the best dance and movement piece for Romeo and Juliet.
Among the other stand-out performances, 16-year-old Harper Ramsey was presented with the award for best overall senior performer for his take on Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet.
“Harper is 100 per cent committed to every role he plays, which is why he has won multiple awards for acting,” Johanna explains.
The best open duologue went to Jacqueline Elley and Tallow Montague, who reprised their roles from Romeo and Juliet.
“Jacqueline is only in Year 8, but took out the adult category with her mature performance.”
Sixteen-year-old Abigail Waugh, who played Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof to much applause, was presented with the best monologue in the open section for Lady Macbeth’s famous sleepwalking scene from Macbeth.
“Abigail stepped in with just two days’ notice, so this recognition is extraordinary,” Johanna explains.
“Little Seed is doing rich, full-length versions of plays and musicals. These young performers are so talented that the memory of the work they’ve done can be called upon with very little rehearsal. I’m so proud of each of the performers for their efforts.”
Little Seed’s next production, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, plays at The J in January.
www.little-seed.com.au
