Maldon Drama Group has been nominated for six awards from the North Essex Theatre Guild, for all three of its most recent productions.

The group's most recent play, Much Ado About Nothing, received an "unexpected" nomination for the 'Norman Harris Adjudicators Trophy' for its 'washing line' sequence.

"I found the washing line sequence to be the highlight of the show in terms of presentation, very clever," the adjudicator said.

Plaudits have gone to director Helen Rasmussen for the concept and actors Michelle Edgington, Heather Sims and Fabienne Hanley for their performance.

Actors Heather Sims, Michelle Edgington and Fabienne Hanley performed a central sequence in Much Ado About Nothing. (Photo: David Weller)

Two further nominations for the 'Gill Baxter Memorial Trophy for Best Actress' have gone to Ghislaine Davis as Roscoe & Rachel Crabbe in One Man Two Guvnors and for Heather Sims as Josie in Steaming. The award was won by fellow cast member Carey Brown last year.

A spokesperson for Maldon Drama Group said: "Both actors really embraced their roles.

"Ghislaine had the added complication of playing both twins Roscoe and Rachel, quite a demanding role, and Heather bought the pathos as well as the comedy to the fore as the used and abused Josie, waking up to the potentials of her future."

Ghislaine Davis played both Roscoe & Rachel Crabbe in One Man Two Guvnors. (Photo: David Weller)

Two 'Giovanna Austin Award for Best Supporting Actress' nominations have gone to Carey Brown as Josie in One Man Two Guvnors and Karen Smith as Dawn in Steaming.

Karen's role as Dawn, an abuse victim, was "truly complex and demanding", the spokesperson added, but it was "an excellent portrayal".

Karen Smith played Dawn, who was under the thrall of her old fashioned and overprotective mother. (Photo: David Weller)

Finally, Martin Adams has been nominated for the 'Alan Meekins Award for Best Supporting Actor' as Alfie, the hapless waiter in One Man Two Guvnors.

The spokesperson added: "The slapstick comedy just had his name all over it and the audience loved his performance. We all have our fingers crossed for a win!"

Credit has gone to directors Helen Rasmussen for One Man Two Guvnors and Gill Peregrine for Steaming, for their vision, direction, and support. Thanks also go to the technical teams, set builders and front of house.

Maldon Drama Group's next production, Cable Street Blues, has been written by cast member Neil Fisher. It focuses on East London in the 1920s, exploring the rise of Mosley and fascism.

The production will be staged at Plume Academy on October 20 and 21.

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