Glugs Theatre Awards
The Glugs Theatre Group will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year, hosting an awards ceremony which has been running for over 20 years. Honouring the talent and creativity within the Australian theatre scene, The Glugs’ list of nominees represents directors, writers, actors and productions staged in the previous 12 months and selected by Glug members.
The oddly named entity came into existence in 1966, when a group of actors, critics, journalists and theatre-goers started meeting for lunch to discuss all things theatre. They occasionally invited industry guests to give a talk – over the years those guests have included some of the biggest names in film and television both local and international.
In 1969, visiting English actor, Barry Morse, having been given a copy of The Glugs Of Gosh by CJ Dennis, dubbed the group “The Glugs”. The first award was given in 1973 to David Williamson for “Contribution To Theatre”. Since then more award categories have been added thanks to the support of sponsors.
Beverley Davies joined the group with her husband back when it began, and has been the co-ordinator for over 20 years. She has watched the industry grow over the years and with it, The Glugs has become more prestigious.
“It means something now,” said Davies. “One of our winners went to L.A. and had an interview with an agent and had [the Glug Award] on her resume and he said ‘oh yes, we’ve heard of those.’”
This year’s awards will feature a very comprehensive list of industry talent and productions and will be well attended.
“We sometimes have a performer at the Glugs awards but we haven’t got enough room this year, there are so many people coming,” Davies beams.
Anyone is welcome to join The Glugs and come to the lunches and Davies is particularly pleased to see more young blood:
“New younger people that are interested in the theatre are coming [to the lunches] and loving it.” (RB)
Feb 6, 6pm. 4th Floor, Castlereagh Hotel, 169 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. List of nominations & info about lunches: www.glugs.com.au
BY RITA BRATOVICH
