We should all be proud
It was the night we'd all been waiting for.
On Monday, local entertainment A-listers, rising stars, industry insiders and readers of The News gathered at the Kings Theatre in Southsea for the fifth annual Guide Awards.
Celebrating the best of arts and entertainment in our area, we honoured events, exhibitions, comedians, restaurants, pubs, musicians, films, DJs, actors and productions as awards were presented in 16 categories.
Readers of The News voted in their thousands to help our panel of expert judges decide who walked away with the winner and runner-up trophies and those present at the glittering ceremony represented the rich diversity of Portsmouth's culture.
The top six nominees shortlisted for each award gathered at the theatre as the announcements and presentations were made.
Tension built as the finalists were announced and cheers and applause echoed round the auditorium as the winners were revealed and supported by their fans and fellow nominees.
The ceremony saw DJs mingling with classical musicians and established theatre actors meeting budding film directors.
Proceedings were hosted by Wave 105 DJ Steve Power, and included performances from a host of talent from across our area.
Tiger Tiger DJ and nominee Owen Baxter kicked-off the ceremony with a set of funky chart hits from across the decades.
Twenty-year-old comedian Jonjo Rowlands from Bedhampton performed a stand-up routine, before being awarded the Best Comedy trophy.
He says: 'It's great that The Guide Awards has a new comedy category to recognise all the local talent we have.
'Performing was great. I've gigged in so many places now, from sitting on hay bales at a festival to this beautiful theatre. And it was brilliant to win, especially with such a great line-up in the shortlist.'
Last year's Best Band winners Hold Fast returned to the Awards to perform this year.
Bass player Ben Hogan says: 'It doesn't seem like a whole year ago that we won and yet so much has happened for us in that time. It's nice to come back and be involved in this show that brings everyone together to support each other.'
James Hume, who was named Best Actor at last year's Guide Awards, returned from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he is now training, to tread the Kings boards again as a guest performer – and he enthralled the audience both as a soloist and in a duet with Kevin Redfern.
James says: 'It was lovely to be back, to stand on stage and look into this wonderful auditorium. You forget just how beautiful it is, and it's nice to perform here again and remind myself why I went to drama school!'
The three joint winners from The News Instant Star competition also performed.
Daniel McBride, 15, from Gosport, composed and performed a piece of classical piano music especially for the ceremony.
He says: 'I have been really excited tonight because I get such a buzz from playing in front of an audience.'
Ellis Bryant, 15, from Hilsea performed Master of the House from Les Miserables with 14-year-old Zac Watts from Lee-on-the-Solent.
She says: 'It's nice to just perform to entertain people and not be competing. We really enjoyed the show.'
The final Instant Star performance was from Lauren Oakley, 16, from Locks Heath, who sang On My Own from Les Miserables.
She says: 'This is such a great opportunity for me and I was privileged to be asked to perform.'
Mark Waldron, Editor of The News, says: 'From music and theatre to art and food, Portsmouth is a hub of creativity and culture.
'These awards honour the artists and entertainers who contribute to this.
'They are also a tribute to you, the gig, concert, restaurant, gallery, cinema, and theatre-goers and your valuable support.
'We have a lot to be proud of.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
