Glamour and fun filled a packed Stables Theatre as Red Carpet Night celebrated the Stables’ 2009 golden-anniversary year. As usual, the event sold out in advance, which rather begs the question: how can it get any bigger?

Entertainment by Tom Roche and dance group This Time Around opened the evening with a stunning routine, and tenor Gary Marriott impressed with his fabulous singing. Interspersed with entertainment, VIPs presented golden horseshoes in recognition of highlights of the year: actress Barbara Flynn presented the award for outstanding performance in a female role to Heather Alexander for her portrayal of Shirley Valentine; and Dain Jenson of Kiley’s Karpets—which provides sponsorship for the theatre—made a presentation for the outstanding production of the season, which went to Hysteria. The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby received deserved acclaim; and head of Helenswood School, Lucy Monk, made a presentation for outstanding youth performance, which went to Jack Millar as Steerpike in Gormenghast. Also present were local member of parliament Michael Foster and his wife Rosemary, who both made presentations during the evening.

Excellence away from the stage was acknowledged too: the front-of-house management team of John and Mary Burke received golden horseshoes from chairman Tim Pearce in recognition of their good-natured professionalism and efficiency in this crucial area of the theatre.

Regular compères Philip Blurton and Joan Pearce were joined by Kirstie Wilde, hotfoot from her role as Kate Nickleby in the Christmas production. Particularly entertaining was this threesome’s routine in ludicrous moustaches and silly suits (think Groucho Marx meets Max Wall meets Wilson, Keppel and Betty, and you will get the idea). As Philip Blurton later commented: “What made me happiest was the atmosphere of fun and laughter that filled the theatre. It was the perfect opportunity to say thank you for the hard work of everyone at the Stables and to put a spotlight on a few of the many highlights of the theatre’s golden-anniversary year.”

Since he first conceived the idea of Red Carpet Night three years ago, Philip has worked tirelessly to create and refine this celebratory and fun evening—and this year’s offering was the slickest and best yet. Sadly, he will be stepping down from the role of host for the event; it is hoped that someone can be found with the energy and enthusiasm to fill his very droll shoes. We may be losing a gifted organizer and MC, but maybe this means the Stables will regain a talented actor.

Oh, and the food was delicious too.