The town’s troupe of amateur thespians have proven their prowess to win a haul of awards at three theatrical festivals.

Macclesfield Amateur Dramatics Society MADS has been treading the boards since it was set up more than 50 years ago, with a range of performances held at the Little Theatre on Lord Street throughout the season.

The group has received the thumbs up for its latest season of performances with a collection of accolades from theatrical festivals including the Cheshire Theatre Guild, North Staffs Drama Federation and Greater Manchester Drama Federation.

Richard Shute, MADS Chairman, said: “I am absolutely delighted and very pleased for all the MADS actors and crew who have won trophies and received nominations this year.

“This demonstrates to Cheshire, Greater Manchester and North Staffordshire that MADS puts on the very highest quality live theatre. Macclesfield should be extremely proud of all their endeavours. I am.”

The troupe was nominated for a total of 30 awards, winning eight.

Fran Dykes won best actress at the North Staffs Drama Awards for her role in Female of the Species, and at the same festival Toby Cordwell won Best Actor for his role in Early one Morning, and Peter Munro won Best Comedy Performance for his part in Boeing Boening.

The production of Boeing Boeing came in third place for Best Production.

The cast of Boeing Boeing: (back) Beth Rimmer, Peter Munro, Cameron Chandler, Ailsa Oakley, Elizabeth Bloor, (front) Suzanne Copeland, Rob Copeland, Claire Taylor

Rachel Spearing won Best Supporting Actress at the Greater Manchester Drama Federation Awards for her performance in Immaculate, and Robert Copeland was given the Special Adudicator’s Award for his excellent skill in taking on a part at short notice for The Woman Who Cooked Her Husband.

Ailsa Oakley triumphed at the Cheshire Theatre Guild Awards and won best supporting actress for her performance in Boeing Boeng, which was also named runner up for Best Production.

The next show by MADS is the black comedy Me and My Friend which will run from September 21 -26.

Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations will be performed before Christmas.

MADS is always looking for new members and has a club night each Thursday evening from 7.30pm where anyone aged 16 and over can go along.

For more information go to madstheatre.org.