DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Scores Four Glugs Theatrical Awards

It was a who's-who of theatre at the Castlereagh Inn with greats like Nancye Hayes, Gael Ballantyne and Lorrae Desmond amongst theatre staples like Sharon Millerchip and John Wood.

This year marks the Glug's 55th anniversary, an organisation known for the hospitality given to local and international performers, journalists and theatre lovers at its monthly luncheons. Its namesake derives from C.J.Dennis's book of poetry, The Glugs of Gosh, which visiting British actor at the time, Barry Morse, christened the group with in 1969.

Highlights of the night included a standing ovation for Sharon Millerchip as she ran into the room mid-ceremony coming directly from Strictly Ballroom rehearsals. Millerchip, who won the Norman Kessell Memorial Award for Best Actress for her performance in Bombshells, was praised for her continually high quality of work as "more than a triple threat performer". Meanwhile, Millerchip cheerfully recounted how she raced to the ceremony while ungracefully getting changed in her car, all part of the glamour of showbiz in Australia.

The overall message of the night centred around the need to maintain a community of fierce lovers and fighters of all things theatrical. Nigel Turner-Carroll, recipient of the Don Reid Memorial Award for Young Performer on the Way, thanked the generosity of spirit Don Reid showed him as a young performer and credited Reid for unlocking his love of the theatre. John Woods (Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) recounted how Norman Kessel invited him to his first Glugs luncheon in the 1970s when he was first starting out as an actor and recalled the nurturing sense of community he immediately felt. Vanessa Downing noted the honour of accepting her award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play in the company of Nancye Hayes who had played the very same role of Amanda in The Glass Menagerie almost thirty years earlier. George Youakim (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) was encouraged as a fresh and exciting new musical theatre producer in the industry.

The Glugs also honoured those who aren't often in the media spotlight but whose tireless work underpin Sydney's theatre scene. Creator of the Darlinghurst Theatre Company Glenn Terry was celebrated for Excellence Behind the Scenes, as was agent, director and journalist Les Solomon for Important Contribution to Theatre.

The Seaborn Broughton and Walford Life Achievement Award was given to renowned stage and theatre actress, Judi Farr, currently seen in the Miss Marple television series.