Four prestigious AIMS nominations for Offaly musical society

Tullamore Musical Society have been nominated for four Association of Irish Musical awards (AIMS) for their sold out production of “Michael Collins - the musical drama” in the new Esker Arts centre in Tullamore.

Colin Hughes was nominated as best supporting actor for his role as the loyal Joe Emmet. The ‘friend’ and ‘Confidante’ to Michael Collins. Colin’s characterisation epitomised the excitement of working with Michael Collins and gave us an insight into why he was so revered. This Colin’s 18th appearance with TMS having joined as one of the children in Fiddler on the Roof in 1993 and he is also double jobbing as the Chairman of the society this year so has really stepped up to the mark this year.

The society under the expert care of Musical Director Enda O’ Conor received a nomination for best chorus. Audiences were blown away by the fantastic harmonies and power that the ensemble displayed particularly in the bigger emotional numbers as well as the haunting prion sequence with the male chorus. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the rousing chorus of the act one finale ‘Every heart awakens’ reverberated through the theatre.

Georgie O’Toole received a nomination for Best Programme. This is Georgie’s first nomination. Georgie worked very hard along with Diarmuid Guinan from Brosna press to create the 32 page programme and was noted for its visual appeal as well as the striking photographs used. Georgie also worked to create the visual projections used as backdrops for the show which were noted as being powerful and evocative.

Nominated for best Stage Management we have Wayne Handy. Wayne has been stage manage in Tullamore for many years, his experience and guidance really came to light when navigating this difficult show, Wayne has received multiple nominations , winning the award in 2019 with Clara MS for their production of Chicago. Wayne also offeres professional, affordable and set building to societies around the country and had constructed the set for tullkmore for many years.

The AIMS awards ceremony will take place in Killarney on June 17th. We wish all our nominees the best of luck. We would also like to extend our congratulations to our neighbouring societies Birr and Portlaoise on their respective nominations and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.