Mullingar man Chris Corroon has been crowned Best Actor at the prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) for his role as Lola/Simon in a production of Kinky Boots.
The sold-out show was put on by the Kilcock Musical & Dramatic Society and ran for five nights last April at the Kilcock GAA Centre.
Chris said he “was absolutely thrilled” to receive the award, which is highest possible honour in Irish musical circles, at this year’s ceremony which took place at the Killarney Convention Centre, Sunday, 18 June.
“I had been nominated seven times before and I had gotten used to doing my best ‘runner-up clap’ so I was absolutely delighted to get the win this time,” he told Topic. “It was a gorgeous moment, and I really wanted my name to be called just so that the crew that was with me could cheer for something and we could have a bit of craic!
“When they called it out, the screams were insane. It was very overwhelming and it’s hard to describe how much these awards mean to people. I was delighted.”
Chris’ crowning as Best Actor came in the Gilbert Society, which is the highest tier of award on offer at the AIMS awards. He said taking part in Mullingar Arts Centre productions as a teen helped him hone his stage skills and develop a love for musicals.
“I did Mullingar Arts Centre shows from my mid-teens until my mid-20s, until I started venturing further afield trying to make a career out of performing, and I absolutely loved it.
“I was Franz Liebkind in The Producers in Mullingar in 2018, I remember fondly, and I was also a dame alongside ‘Banjo’ Quinn and Paul Doolin in a panto before.”
Chris is now a theatre teacher, who passes on his knowledge to young students and those with special needs. He said he has a number of shows lined up for the future, including a role in a panto this November through to January in the Helix Theatre.
“Stage acting is what I love. I don’t think anyone understands the adrenaline rush actors get when we do it,” said Chris. “Anything could go wrong at any minute, I don’t think audiences really know how much they’re going to enjoy it either until they sit down in their seats, which I love.”
