Suggestively subtitled Deep Pile, this celebration of the Stables’ creative year provided an opportunity to socialize, dress up and say “thank you” to everyone who had contributed to the very successful 2008 season.

The “handsome, immaculate and constantly smiling” host, Philip Blurton, shared the spotlight with his “glamorous assistant”, blonde bombshell Joan Pearce, the wife of our chairman Tim and actress supreme. From the moment they began their regal descent down the auditorium staircase to the red-carpeted stage (courtesy of our sponsor, Kiley’s Karpets), in true TV star style, to cheers and applause from their fans in the glitterati audience, we knew we were in for a fun evening. Their slick patter had us in fits, and they took every opportunity to change from one outrageous outfit to another during the course of the evening—Philip appearing at one stage in a dress that shimmered from head to toe alongside a “bald” Joan immaculate in tails—to the delight of all!

The key and constant phrase of the evening was “thank you” with complimentary remarks about all the year’s productions and some tastefully designed, much-desired, no-cost-spared, outsize red-carpet presentations for those who had particularly attracted the audience panel’s eye: a wonderful way of celebrating excellence, while at the same time not taking ourselves too seriously. They acknowledged all aspects of productions, including much of the behind the scenes work that often goes unnoticed. Tim Pearce made the final award of the evening to Jonathan Pitts for developing a highly professional website for the theatre and keeping the Stables up to date in a computer world.

It was good to welcome our MP Michael Foster and his wife; the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor Maureen Charlesworth; and Observer editor Peter Lindsey, who graciously presented pieces of red carpet. A longer than usual interval allowed time for convivial mingling and buying tickets for the raffle that was drawn at the end of the evening. Not only was it an evening of celebration, it also raised welcome funds for the Stables’ coffers and, from my view, was enjoyed by all.

Hollywood may have its Oscars, but only Stables members can covet a red carpet. Who will tread its sacred pile next year? I can’t wait until the next one!