Rachel Fenwick was named Newport’s best actor when she was presented with the prestigious Webley Award at Newport Playgoers Society’s AGM. Rachel won the coveted award for her virtuosity in playing Eliza Doolittle in ‘Pygmalion’ – and achieving the magical transformation from cockney flower seller to well-spoken lady.

She was also commended for playing the part of Alice Tinker in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ earlier in the season for which she won Best Supporting Actress at the recent Gwent Drama League Awards.

Rachel commented, “I am delighted and honoured to have been presented with this award, and would like to thank Newport Playgoers for giving me the opportunity and support to play such a variety of roles.”

Rachel – who has also had major roles in the Moliere comedy ‘The Hypochondriac’ and Ira Levin’s chilling ‘Veronica’s Room’ – is about to start a one year Diploma in Professional Acting course at the Drama Studio London.

Another proud winner was Becky Griffiths of Playgoers New Generation who received the Jonathan Conick Award which commemorates a much-loved member of Playgoers who lost his battle with cancer, aged just 29. It is given to youngsters who have been active not just in acting but in all areas of theatre.

“I feel really honoured to become the third recipient of this coveted award,” said 18-year-old Becky. “It’s particularly nice becomes it comes just as I’m about to go to university to study for a degree in performing arts.”

Becky has been involved in several productions not only acting on stage but also working on sound, set-building, props and stage managing. She has also been an enthusiastic volunteer front of house working in the Dolman box office.

Earlier this week Playgoers scoped a number of awards at the Gwent Drama League evening including Best Play for ‘Killer Jo’ directed by Nathan Hodge.

Playgoers are currently gearing up for their 91st season which opens with ‘According to Claudia’ by local writer Phil Mansell. Other plays in the season will mark the centenary of the First World War with ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’, ‘The Accrington Pals’ and ‘For Services Rendered’/ For full details and to book tickets either phone 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

(PLEASE CREDIT PHOTOS: PHIL MANSELL)

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Top actor Rachel Fenwick receives the Webley Award from Playgoers’ President Richard Dymond.

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Becky Griffiths is given the Jonathon Conick Award for all her hard work both onstage and behind the scenes.