The Kentish Players gathered on Saturday 29th November for our much-loved Annual Dinner & Dance, and what a night it was. A moment to celebrate a remarkable year of productions, honour our members, and enjoy an evening full of laughter, music, and friendship. From the opening drinks to the final group photo, the event overflowed with the unmistakable warmth and spirit that makes the KPs what they are.
Guests arrived dressed to impress and filled the bar with lively conversation, catching up with friends old and new as the evening settled into its joyful rhythm. Once everyone had enjoyed a good old-fashioned chinwag, Gordon, our President, invited guests to take their seats. After welcoming everyone, he led grace, and the room began a delicious three-course feast.
Following dinner came the awards one of the most meaningful parts of the evening, shining a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and exemplary service shown across the society.
The first honour of the night was The Rita Cook Award for 2025, given in memory of Rita, a long-serving KP whose presence lit up the stage. The award celebrates any performer lead or chorus who stood out for any reason, whether through their performance, characterisation, or total commitment to the show. Nominated by the Rock of Ages creative team were Charlie Grant for his hilarious portrayal of Lonny Barnett, Ryan Cottee for his dynamic and heartfelt performance as Drew (Wolfgang Von Colt), and Adam James for his fantastic characterisation of Franz. The award went to Ryan Cottee, whose portrayal of Drew was praised for its depth, personality, and outstanding vocal ability. The creative team described Ryan as bringing “an incredible voice, professionalism, and presence” to the production, and someone who was “an absolute dream to collaborate with and direct.”
Next came the Sid Williams Award, presented by last year’s recipient, Charlie Grant. Charlie spoke warmly about Sid Williams a founding member of the KPs whose passion for theatre and encouragement of younger members shaped the society for decades. The award, created after Sid’s passing, recognises a member who has given exceptional dedication and service beyond expectations. Each year’s recipient chooses the next, continuing a cherished tradition.
Charlie’s heartfelt nomination recognised someone deeply involved in almost every aspect of KP life—from the website, sound, lighting, and tech, to setting up for fetes and fundraisers, creating designs, supporting rehearsals, and helping breathe life into our social events. He described this individual as someone constantly working behind the scenes, dependable, generous, and vital to the smooth running of the society.
The Sid Williams Award 2025 went to Steven French.
The final award of the evening was The Mabel Meyrick Special Recognition Award 2025, created in memory of Mabel, who was an avid Kentish Player for most of her life and a true embodiment of what it means to be part of this society. She was supportive, dedicated, enthusiastic and always willing to help however she could. The award celebrates members who carry that same spirit—those who make a difference through kindness, encouragement, positivity, commitment, or simply by being a bright and dependable presence.
Throughout the evening, all nominations were displayed on screen, offering a touching reminder of just how many members contribute so much to the KPs. These nominations were submitted by fellow members and read as follows:
• Steve French — “It was a toss-up between him and Nick Baker, but when I think about the fêtes, the designs, the website etc., it’s got to be him.”
— Ben Smyth
• Caroline Smith — “She is a positive energy in all situations; she embodies what the KP’s are! She shares all social media promoting KP events, attends fundraisers with gusto, and puts everything into every part she is given in a show.”
— Alice Rowe
• Steve French — “I know it’s a bit bias, but I know he spends a lot of time on KP stuff.”
— John Bird
• Steve French — “I would also say Steve French.”
— Gordon
• Astra — “She was always at the end of the phone to exchange costume ideas, be a cheerleader for various people in ROA, and has been an overall great friend. From check-in chats in the dressing room to bringing me snacks to rehearsals when I’d had no time for dinner. She’s a superstar.”
— Elizabeth
• Richard Burfoot-Reed — “I think he is a forgotten entity; he is always there at the get-ins and get-outs and works his socks off. He is also a key role backstage and always knows what he is doing during the running of the shows. A very valued member of KPs.”
— Lorraine
• Alice Rowe — “Alice is a KP throughout. She gets involved onstage and behind the scenes, is supportive to members within the KPs and other groups, and is always a positive presence.”
— John
• Charlie Grant — “Charlie is always involved in every event and rehearsal, giving 100% every time. He’s a friendly face when you’re feeling low and will do anything for anyone. He’s always been there for me with advice and genuine support. He truly embodies what it means to be a KP.”
— Steve French
• Nick Baker — “Nick’s dedication is incredible live-mixing under pressure, supporting rehearsals, and preserving our performances with passion. A true behind-the-scenes hero.”
— Glenn
• Rosie Bass — “She always has the KPs at heart and works tirelessly for us all. A superwoman!”
— Estelle
• Caroline Smith — “She is constantly sharing media and adding lovely personalised bits about everyone. She’s amazing and deserves recognition.”
— Charlie Grant
• Charlie Grant — “Since day one he has been supportive and approachable. He has a great energy to bounce off even when you’re feeling shattered. He genuinely cares about people. A legend.”
— Alex
• Caroline Smith — “She is always so supportive of other people in the cast, especially on social media by sharing all our posts. She also smashed her Waitress 1 singing in Rock of Ages!”
— Francesca
• Rosie Bass — “She is vice chair and seems to wear several hats at once! She is constantly working for the good of the KPs and is an invaluable member of the society.”
— Clare
• Elizabeth Ellis — “She has contributed more and more to the company, from performing to managing social media and now joining the committee. She has personally helped build my confidence with singing and supports all members with 110% effort.”
— Cara
• Cara Friday — “Cara embodies the KP spirit unfailingly supportive, attending every rehearsal even post-surgery, always giving her all. She truly deserves recognition.”
— Amy
• Nick Baker — “He has been so kind and selfless with his personal time and expertise. He works incredibly hard to help us put on the best show we possibly can. We’re very lucky to have him!”
— Nicole
After all these touching nominations, one name repeatedly appeared—praised for her positivity, enthusiasm, support for fellow members, love for the society, and her standout performance in Rock of Ages.
The Mabel Meyrick Special Recognition Award 2025 went to Caroline Smith, a truly deserving recipient whose reaction was met with warm applause and heartfelt appreciation from the entire room.
With the awards presented, the raffle took centre stage, hosted with humour and charm by Sadie and Estelle. An impressive display of hampers, chocolates, fruits, gins, and other treats awaited the lucky winners, with excitement building at every number called.
Soon afterwards, our resident KP DJ stepped up, and the party truly began. The dance floor filled instantly as the music kicked in, while the award winners posed for photos and the celebrations continued with full force. Laughter, dancing, singing, and joy filled the room as the evening reached its peak.
To close the night, tradition called: the opening bars of New York, New York rang out, shoes flew into the air, arms linked across the room, and the iconic KP kick-line marked the perfect finale. The evening ended with the treasured KP group photo—capturing a society full of heart, talent, friendship, and theatre magic.
Thank you to everyone who organised, attended, supported, danced, cheered, laughed, and helped make the 2025 Dinner & Dance truly unforgettable. Here’s to another brilliant year ahead for the Kentish Players.
