On Sunday (13th May 2018) a host of West End stars joined the Mousetrap Theatre Project’s Youth Forum for the Mousetrap Awards 2018. This unique awards ceremony sees West End shows recognised by over 1000 young people aged 15 – 23.
Mousetrap Theatre Projects is an educational charity that helps disadvantaged young people enjoy the magic of theatre; as well as taking over 15,000 young people to see top London productions each year, they enhance the experience with education programmes in schools and communities.
The Youth forum serves as advisory board to Mousetrap Theatre Projects, and having created the Mousetrap Awards in 2012, now organise the event in its entirety. Liisi LaFontaine and Asmeret Ghebremichael from Dreamgirls opened the ceremony before handing over to four members of the youth forum; Moniece Mullings, Bryony Relf, Dylan Johnson and Ruth Nade, who presented the whole event with amazing confidence and skill.
Kinky Boots, Hamilton and Five Guys Named Moe all picked up two awards each, including Best Female Performer for Rachel John, while Layton Williams took home Best Male Performer for his role in Rent. Sanne den Besten was certainly smiling when she picked up the award for Aesthetic On Point on behalf of The Grinning Man, while Francis Mezza collected The Ferryman’s award for Most Heart Stopping Show.
Throughout the awards we were treated to some fantastic performances from upcoming talent, including spoken word artist Thea, who performed Young Man and You. Mollie Gallagher gave a tremendous rendition of Little Girls from Annie, and Melo-G had the audience entranced with Misty Eyes.
To see young people engage with theatre and talk about it with such enthusiasm was truly inspiring, and demonstrates that the future of the industry is in good hands.
Find out more about Mousetrap Theatre Projects here.
The full list of winners:
Best Feel Good Show – Kinky Boots
Show You Came Out Dancing To – Five Guys Named Moe
Best Female Performer – Rachel John for Hamilton
Most Heart Stopping Show – The Ferryman
Soundtrack of My Soul – Hamilton
Best Male Performer – Layton Williams for Rent
Best Finale – Kinky Boots
Aesthetic On Point – The Grinning Man
Performer Who Saved The Day – Adam Bayjou for Les Mis
Couldn’t Wait For It To Open – Five Guys Named Moe
Best Ensemble – Hamilton
Friendliest Venue – The Old Vic
