The Westlake Production team is very proud to announce that the 2021 production of Socially-Distanced Shakespeare has received several nominations for the Auckland Live Showdown Awards.
Created to provide recognition for the fine work being done in the secondary school productions around Auckland, these awards highlight the best talent the region has to offer. Westlake productions traditionally have a strong showing in these awards, with Les Miserables taking out best show in 2019.
This year, the Westlake team produced something truly “of its time”. Six audiences toured around the Westlake Boys’ auditorium to watch a variety of scenes from Shakespeare, inspired by concepts of distance and reconciliation. Scenes unfolded simultaneously and timing was crucial to the success of the show. What is normally done by one large team was executed by six smaller different crews and casts, operating in sync, as one.
This dynamic teamwork has been acknowledged by the nominations for Best Outstanding Play, and Best Ensemble and Technical Design.
Izzie Newton-Cross’ (pictured left (behind), with James also in the shot) engaging performance as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing garnered her a nomination for Best Female in a Leading Role. James Cain and Michael Wassell (pictured below right) from WBHS were also nominated for their respective roles in Much Ado and The Winter’s Tale.
A full list of nominations is listed below.
- Best Overall Production, for 2021
- Outstanding Play
- Best Ensemble: all cast members
- Best Female in a Leading role: Izzie Newton-Cross (WGHS)
- Best Male in a Leading Role: James Cain (WBHS) & Michael Wassell (WBHS)
- Best Technical Design: the Year 11-13 Technical Production students, plus Felicia Chen (WGHS)
- Best Set Design
- Best Costume design: Amy McEwan
- Best Direction: MJ Milburn, Rachel Smith, Lee McClymont & Nick Brown
