At a star studded gala held in London last week theatre manager Martin Halliday was named as Theatre Manager of the Year and the venues senior technician, Karl Dunnett won Gaffer Of The Year – presented for achievements in technical operation.

The awards are held annually by Encore Magazine, a specialist industry publication in association with the Grand Order of Water Rats and the Roy Castle Fund. The event also saw legendary singers Buddy Greco and Marty Wilde and actor Nicholas Parsons receive Lifetime Achievement Awards and in a further coup for the Marina its Pantomime producer, Paul Holman Associates received the award for Theatre Producer of the Year.

Nominations for the awards come mostly from within the theatre industry and are voted for by agents, artistes and managers. Martin Halliday received his award from American singer Lezlie Anders and speaking after the ceremony said, “I was absolutely delighted just to be nominated for such a prestigious award and to win was a terrific surprise. What makes it so special is that these awards are mostly nominated and voted for from within the theatre industry.”

This is the third consecutive year that the Marina has been nominated, with Martin coming runner up in his category for the past two years, the venue also received the technical award in 2009.

On receiving his award(see top photo), Karl commented, “It is a great honour to have been recognised for my role at the Marina, I would also like to thank my team of technicians for their ongoing support.”

On hearing of the excellent news Mike Pinner Vice Chairman of the Friends of the Theatre added “The Friends are delighted to see key members of the Marina team recognised nationally. It underlines the special nature of the teamwork that makes the theatre successful. Both Martin and Karl have worked tirelessly for the theatre and, whilst Martin is well known and appreciated by all of those who use the theatre, Karl is the unseen smiling face behind much of the technical work that brings success to the performances.”