Stars Come Out in Force to Celebrate Clapperboard's 11th Awards Ceremony

Personalities from stage and screen attended Tuesday night's prestigious Clapperboard Awards Ceremony which celebrates the achievements of young creative talent from across Merseyside.

Liverpool actor/writer Neil Fitzmaurice (Going Off Big Time, Phoenix Nights, Peep Show, Mount Pleasant) hosted the spectacular event which was held at Liverpool Hope University's Capstone Theatre.

Presenters and guests at the star studded ceremony who presented the young film-makers with their awards included award-winning Liverpool actor Alison Steadman (Nuts in May, Life is Sweet, Abigail's Party, Gavin and Stacey), Ricky Tomlinson (Raining Stones, Mike Bassett England Manager, Hillsborough, The Royle Family), Coronation Street and The Mill actor Sacha Parkinson, Hollyoaks' Loveday family including Jacqueline Boatswain (Grange Hill, Life on Mars, Casualty, The Royal), Karl Collins (The Bill, Doctor Who, Casualty, Holby City), Liverpool actor Kieron Bimpson (Vera), Director of National Film and Television School & Film Producer Nik Powell (Crying Game, Company of Wolves, Little Voice, Mona Lisa), Liverpool Echo Journalist Jade Wright and Sense of Sound's Perrilena Allyene Hughes.

The ceremony was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden and Councillor Wendy Simon, Assistant Mayor of Liverpool & Cabinet Member - Culture, Tourism & Events.

The talented young adults who participated in Clapperboard's year 2016-17 projects came together to receive their special Clapperboard Awards.

They were entertained by performers from Voices of Hope including soprano Eimear Long, mezzo soprano Lizzie Antrobus , alto Damaris Ngoru, alto Susie Cox, tenor Dan Mansfield and bass Max Lozowsky.

The young adults' short films explore serious issues around mental health, asperger's and autism. These stories are honest, real and controversial and will hopefully create a much-needed debate between all who are concerned.

This year's judging panel included acclaimed writer, Frank Cottrell Boyce (Millions, 24 Hour Party People, The Railway Man, Doctor Who), award-winning actor Ricky Tomlinson (Raining Stones, Rif Raf, Dockers, Hillsborough, Royale Family), Clapperboard Board Member and Sense of Sound's Perrilena Allyene Hughes and Hollyoaks technical runner/ex Clapperboard volunteer, Mari Jones

Winners of the 5 awards:

Best Presenter to Camera - Sophie Holden - Re-Arrange Film and Media for OPEN YOUR MIND, Reflections on Mental Health

Presented by Coronation Street and The Mill actor Sacha Parkinson.

Best Poem - Alia Boqash - GAIN Poets for OPEN YOUR MIND, Reflections on Mental Health

Presented by Sense of Sound's Perrilene Allyene Hughes and Royale Family's Ricky Tomlinson.

Alison Steadman Award for Active Citizenship Lisa Simpson for LISA SIMPSON INCLUSIVE DANCE

Presented by Hunter Killer and Vera actor, Kieron Bimpson and award-winning Liverpool actor Alison Steadman.

Liverpool Echo Best Achievement Award - Chris Purcell - Sefton Creative Hubs

Presented by Echo Journalist, Jade Wright and Hollyoaks family The Lovedays Jacqueline Boatswain (Grange Hill, Life on Mars, Casualty, The Royal), and Karl Collins (The Bill, Doctor Who, Casualty, Holby City).

Overall Winning Film - David Blakemore - Sefton Creative Hubs for his short film Honest Dystopia!

Presented by acclaimed Liverpool actress Alison Steadman and Film Producer Nik Powell

Host Neil Fitzmaurice said: "It's been another successful celebration and for me personally, a joy to host this prestigious event. The local creative talent here tonight is a credit to us all."

Acclaimed Liverpool actor, Alison Steadman, said: "This is the first time I've managed to attend the Clapperboard Awards and I'm truly amazed by the work these young adults have produced. I can't believe what Clapperboard has achieved with very little funding. They should all be very proud."

Organiser Maureen Sinclair said: "Once again, the event has gone beyond my expectations. It was a fantastic night. So many well-known people have given up their time to be here this evening to support the young people's creative achievements. With the kind support of Mersey Care-NHS, PH Holt, Big Lottery, Sefton Hubs and others, we have been able to showcase the award-winning work of young adult film-makers from Merseyside. The endorsements from such well known personalities who have given up their time this evening, allows us to promote the project to a much wider audience.".

This year's partners and sponsors include: Mersey Care/NHS, Sefton CCG's Sefton Carers Centre, Sefton Council, Autism Initiatives and Adults with Autism/Asperger's, PH Holt, Big Lottery, Lime Pictures, Liverpool Film Studios, Bill Elms Associates Ltd, Liverpool Echo, Forward Culture, EventSinc, Liverpool Film Office, Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool Hope University, Ma Boyle's, among others.

More information can be found at www.clapperboarduk.com.

Photo credit: Dave Nelson

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