Monday 24th February 2003

CHRIS BURDEN WINS CHRISTINE SMITH MEMORIAL TROPHY

On the last night of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Chris Burden became a very well deserved second recipient of the 'Christine Smith Memorial Trophy'.

Christine Smith, P David's late mother, was an avid and passionate supporter of Stone Little Theatre. At the age of 87, Christine died in September 2001 following a short illness and in her memory, David commissioned a very beautiful silver trophy which he donated to Stone Little Theatre. The ‘Christine Smith Memorial Trophy’ is now awarded annually to the pantomime cast member who, in the view of the rest of the company, has achieved the most in the pantomime.

The award criteria is simple: Each playing member of the company together with the director, musical director and one representative from each of the various departments of stage, technical, front-of-house, marketing, wardrobe and make-up is given one vote to cast for the individual they believe has achieved the most in the pantomime in terms of commitment, enthusiasm, attainment and performance. They can vote for a newcomer, a principal player, a dancer, a chorus member or even, in the case of a cast member, themselves - it doesn’t matter. The only criteria is that the vote is cast in favour of a playing member of the company - someone who has actually performed on stage in the pantomime. The trophy was presented to Chris Burden by P David Smith on stage at the end of Saturday evening's performance of Ali Baba. 

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