THE Three Towns Operatic Society has been nominated for five awards following its successful double-header production of Trial by Jury and HMS Pinafore in May.

The Association of Community Theatre (ACT) was impressed with the shows at St Joseph's Concert Hall on Chapel Street, Leigh.

Director David Kay is up for two of ACT’s Spotlight Awards, the most original production concept and the most original character actor for his role as Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore.

Tony Meehan, who played the defendant in Trial by Jury, has also been nominated for the most original character actor gong.

The other nominees for Spotlight Awards are Barbara Mayers, who played Little Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, for the most original character actress; David Griffiths, who was Ralph Rackstraw in HMS Pinafore, for the most accomplished actor; and Victoria Goulden, who played Josephine in HMS Pinafore and the plaintiff in Trial by Jury, for the most accomplished actress.

ACT representative Christine Hunter Hughes said: “It was a superb production with excellent singers, a great chorus and was bright and colourful.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening.

“The singing was absolutely superb, with many wonderful characterisations across the whole cast.”

An accompanying friend said: “It was the best show I have seen for some considerable time.”

The Three Towns Operatic Society is now rehearsing for its Autumn Concert, which will be staged at St Joseph's Concert Hall on Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18.

Aiming to strike the right note for everyone, it will feature a variety of West End and Broadway songs as well as popular and classical music.

Tickets priced £10 are available by calling 01942 605369 and 676594. They can also be bought at The Baby Centre on Queen Street, Leigh. The phone number is 01942 665615.

For more information visit thethreetowns.net.