Coleraine actor Alan makes theatrical history by winning national awards for Best Comedian AND Best Comedienne

A Coleraine man has made Irish musical theatre history by becoming the first person to win awards for being both Best Comedienne AND Best Comedian!

Alan McClarty won Best Comedian for his role as Nathan Detroit in Ballywillan Drama Group’s production of Guys and Dolls which ran in Coleraine Leisure Centre in January this year.

Alan McClarty on stage at the Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney receiving his trophy at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards ceremony.

placeholder image — Alan McClarty on stage at the Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney receiving his trophy at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards ceremony.

The Coleraine teacher received his award at the annual Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) ceremony in Killarney on June 13.

The win is especially significant as Alan previously won Best Comedienne at the AIMS Awards in 2015 for his memorable portrayal of Edna Turnblad in Ballywillan’s production of Hairspray!

Alan McClarty in his award-winning role of Nathan Detroit from Ballywillan Drama Group's production of Guys and Dolls.

With this latest success, Ballywillan Drama Group understands that Alan has become the first person in AIMS history to win both Best Comedienne and Best Comedian - a remarkable and unique achievement.

Following a turbulent year for the group with the loss of its performing home, Coleraine’s Riverside Theatre, this award is a particularly welcome moment of celebration and recognition for Ballywillan Drama Group and the wider north coast theatre community.

A spokesperson for Ballywillan Drama Group said: “We are absolutely thrilled for Alan. His performance as Nathan Detroit was full of warmth, humour and brilliant comic detail, and this award is richly deserved.

"Alan has been an incredibly valued member of Ballywillan Drama Group for many years, and to see him make AIMS history is something we are hugely proud of.”

Alan McClarty in the role of Edna Turnblad in Ballywillan Drama Group's production of Hairspray for which he won the AIMS award for Best Comedienne.

They added: “After what has been a very difficult and uncertain year, particularly with the loss of our main home venue, the Riverside Theatre, this success means even more.

"It is a reminder of the talent, resilience and community spirit that exists within Ballywillan Drama Group and across community theatre on the North Coast.

"From Edna Turnblad in Hairspray to Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Alan has shown extraordinary range, generosity and talent. This award is not only a celebration of one fantastic performance, but also of years of dedication to amateur theatre.”

Ballywillan Drama Group’s production of Guys and Dolls was recognised with FOUR nominations at this year’s AIMS Awards – Best Programme, Best House Management, Best Stage Management for David Wray and Best Comedian for Alan McClarty as Nathan Detroit.