I have seen a lot of media coverage in local newspapers and the internet this week about the Finley nominations received for The Sum of Us, which was staged at Old Mill Theatre last February. The articles appear as though they might have been derived from press releases made (or at least sanctioned) by Old Mill - this is certainly not the case. Rather, I understand that they are a result of the efforts of someone that was involved in the production itself.

Personally, I'm more a little embarrassed by this media coverage.

Our theatre is justifiably proud of the nominations it has received, which we think is a fair reflection of a very good year for us. We're obviously hoping for the best on awards night, just as all the other nominated theatres will be.

The Sum of Us has received four nominations, which puts it on a par with at least five other plays - This is our Youth (Blak Yak), Gaslight (Old Mill), Butterflies are Free (Darlington), Amigos (Garrick) and Wuthering Heights (Harbour)...apologies if I've inadvertantly missed any.

Whilst we believe that The Sum of Us was a special production that has deserved the recognition it has received to date, I hope that our theatre is not seen to be grandstanding, or taking away from the achievements of the other productions that have scored equally as well in the nominations. I would be particularly disappointed if anyone involved in one of Old Mill's other nominated plays (in many cases in direct opposition to The Sum of Us) thought that the theatre was favouring the latter - please be assured that this is not the case, and that we will be cheering you all on in equal measure.

I'm really looking forward to Saturday night. I love the Finleys, and wouldn't miss it for the world - having a realistic shot at winning our first ever Best Play award will make it even more exciting. I hope to see you all there

Garry Davies
Chair
Old Mill Theatre

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