12 December, 2005
LOCAL ACTOR WINS AWARDS
Daylesford actor Ellis Ebell has recently been recognised for two major theatre projects he has been involved in.
These back to back productions were seen at Williamstown Little Theatre one of Melbourne’s longest established and highly regarded non professional theatre companies who will be marking their 60th anniversary throughout 2006.
After more than 40 years working as an actor in theatre, television and film Ellis has finally turned his hand to directing. For his debut production as a Director he chose Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” which had a three week season in July this year at Williamstown. The production enjoyed a sell-out season and was recognised by audiences and reviewers for its overall excellence.
The Victorian Drama League brings together community theatre across the whole state. Their recent awards saw 16 theatre companies, both metropolitan and regional, competing for a range of awards. Williamstown’s “The Glass Menagerie” was nominated for a total of nine awards, including Best Director and Best Drama. It won awards for both Sound and Set Design.
Williamstown Little Theatre’s own annual awards, recognising the five productions of their 2005 season, have just been announced. Ellis’ production of “The Glass Menagerie” won the Craven Award for Best Production of the year.
Immediately following “The Glass Menagerie” in the Williamstown season was the British play by Patrick Marber; “Dealer’s Choice”, an edgy play with six male actors revolving around a Poker school. For his principal role of Stephen the London restaurant owner of the venue for this poker school Ellis jointly won the Cordell Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role. He shared this award with the principal male role in his own production of “The Glass Menagerie”, that of Tom Wingfield taken out by Tristan Lutze.
Ellis’ long theatre career, more recently extended to directing looks set to continue successfully in 2006 with some television work and an invitation to cast for an important two handed play already in the offing.