Artistic Director of Aspire, Anna Kerrigan, won Best New Play or Musical Written for a Newcastle Company. Her script was described as a complex narrative giving insight into the various characters and their fear, anxieties and difficulties. It was also praised for its diverse theatrical techniques and style.

Dark Matter also won the CONDA for Best Ensemble Acting Under 18. The cast were praised for their strong commitment and belief to their work on stage, as they pushed past stereotypes and delivered real and individual characters with maturity, true emotion and depth. Their energy during the production was described as electric and exciting as they took the audience on a roller coaster ranging from satire and humour through to pathos and absolute understanding and empathy.

Lastly, Lauren Wheatley won a CONDA for her chorography in Dark Matter. It was described as edgy, challenging, exciting and highly physical. Lauren was praised for working brilliantly with the set and costuming, constantly surprising and engaging with completely original and inspired moves. The chorography during the girl’s toilets scene was particularly noted for invoking feminist strength and determination that enhanced the themes and tone of the script.

“With an original production like Dark Matter you never quite know how it’s going to turn out, that’s the exciting (and sometimes scary) part of what we do at ASPIRE,” said Anna.

“These awards are a wonderful recognition of the commitment and energy of our phenomenal cast and crew. I am just so proud of the ASPIRE family.”

Photography by Rosemary Gosper.

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