As supporters of musical theatre will know, each year AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) produces a two-tier league table based on AIMS Awards over the last five years. There are two tables – Gilbert for established and supposedly better, societies and Sullivan could be for newer, less frequent or weaker groups.
In Gilbert New Lyric are No. 1, with Wexford in second place, after some great shows, like Jeckyl And Hyde, The Producers and Ragtime. Ballinrobe, who will mount a premiere production of The Pirate Queen, are fourth. Carrick-on-Suir are deservedly in fifth position with Teachers sixth and Flaggy Lane seventh. New Ross are thirty fourth with Imagine 39th.
In the Sullivan section Edmund Rice are 11th, with De La Salle in 15th place. Bowler Hat are 45th.
Backing Tracks
In response to a recent item in this column about backing tracks, the genial AIMS National PRO, Colm Moules, says that AIMS deplore and advise against such systems.
