The Stage

Windsor and Walters among star finalists for IEAM award

Published Tuesday 23 August 2005 at 16:15 by Alistair Smith

Barbara Windsor, Julie Walters, Leslie Phillips, Vera Lynn and Bernie Clifton are just some of the finalists for this year’s Institute of Entertainment and Arts Management Waterford Crystal Award for outstanding contribution to the theatre industry.

The award has been running since 1992 and the successful candidate will join a prestigious list of past winners including Eric Sykes, Cameron Mackintosh, Judi Dench, Harry Secombe, Norman Wisdom, Ronnie Barker and Roy Castle.

Ray Daynes, honorary secretary of the IEAM, which represents regional theatre managers, said: “Whoever is chosen will be a worthy winner. All five of the candidates have achieved much in their long and varied careers and it is important that we celebrate the marvellous success stories in our industry. However, they will have a lot to live up to after Jonathan Pryce’s wonderful acceptance speech last year. I look forward to seeing them when the award is presented in October.”

All members of the IEAM will have the chance to vote, with the ballot closing at the end of August. The ceremony will take place at the institute’s annual general meeting on October 13 at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

The IEAM’s new Rising Star award for young people working in the theatre industry will also be presented at the ceremony, with two winners receiving £1,000.