Tullamore man to host nationwide musical awards ceremony

Just two days after Tullamore Musical Society learned of its nomination for this year's Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards Tullamore native Colin Hughes was last Tuesday revealed as host of the awards ceremony. Speaking to the Offaly Independent on Wednesday last Mr Hughes said he's "chuffed" to have been chosen for the role as well as "very very nervous". The annual AIMS award ceremony is a highlight for 92 musical societies countrywide. This year Tullamore Musical Society is in with a shout for 'Best House Management', while Paul Norton has been nominated in the 'Best Comedian' category for his performance as Max Bialystock in Clara Musical Society's most recent production 'The Producers'. Clara Musical Society is just back from a trip to the 51st Waterford International Festival for Light Opera, where they picked up multiple nominations and wins. They can add another nomination to that list now, as last Sunday Paul Norton was revealed as an AIMS finalist. Paul faces competition on awards night from Fr Michael Byrne's portrayal of Captain Andy in the Patrician Musical Society's version of 'Show Boat' as well as Pat McElwain's portrayal of Man in Chair in Dun Laoghaire Musical Society's production 'The Drowsy Chaperone'. Adjudicator Emer Halpenny had nothing but positive comments for Paul in her show review however, describing Max Bialystock as "perfectly cast" and his soliloquy in the play as hilarious stand alone theatre. Musical director with Clara Musical Society Alan Recks said the group is delighted with Paul's nomination, particularly as it makes him the cream of the crop of 92 societies around the country. Tullamore Musical Society was given a nod for its house management at the January run of 'Beauty and the Beast'. In the same award category is Lisburn's Fusion Theatre for its recent production 'The Boys in the Photograph' and Thurles Musical Society for its house management of 'Calamity Jane'. Tullamore Musical Society is actually where new host Colin Hughes first cut his acting teeth. He first appeared in the 1993 production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' and went on to make 14 more appearances with the group. Colin began working professionally as an actor and director in 2008 and has appeared in Irish theatres including The Gaiety, The Olympia and The Helix. He runs his own promotions company and has worked with artists including Simon Delaney, Rebecca Storm and The Coronas. No stranger to the AIMS award ceremony, Colin was nominated as 'Best Actor' on three occasions and won the category outright in 2007. Speaking to the Offaly Independent Colin explained Simon Delaney played the part of host at the awards ceremony for some years, but had to step down as his television workload increased. Last year 'The Voice' runner-up Richie Hayes filled the role, and Colin said he was not expecting the call this year at all. "I was completely taken aback by it, I have to say," he said, adding that he has "big shoes to fill". Though Colin said he's very nervous at the prospect of hosting the event, he has great support. "I've worked with a lot of societies so I'd know a lot of people down there," he added. The AIMS awards ceremony will be held this year on Saturday, July 16, at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry.