IT’LL be a case of ‘who won it’ rather than ‘whodunnit’ as amateur actors in Neston await success at this year’s North West Theatre Awards.

Award-winning drama company the Neston Players set the stage alight last year with their production of Norman Robbins thriller Prescription for Murder, and the group is hoping it will be enough to scoop it two prestigious accolades at the ‘Oscars’ of regional theatre.

It follows a successful performance at last year’s awards, when Gordon Wallis won Best Supporting Actor award for his performance of ‘Warnie’ in Shadowlands, and an astonishing five nominations the year before.

Covering an area stretching from Cheshire to Cumbria, the awards are held annually to celebrate and recognise amateur dramatic productions across the North West.

This year’s dramatic hopefuls include Michael Kennedy for Best Actor for his role as Richard in the murder-mystery and Caroline Davies for her portrayal of Mary.

Chairman Paul Kirkbright said the Players were delighted to be nominated once again.

“Another two nominations this year really reflects the hard work and effort the membership puts into each and every production,” he said.

“With exciting productions planned for the forthcoming year as part of our diamond anniversary season, we are looking forward to building on these achievements, starting in May with our next production Gail Young’s hilarious comedy Cheshire Cats.

Cheshire Cats will be performed at Neston Civic Hall from Wednesday to Saturday, May 23-26, at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm). For tickets, call the Players box office on 0800 4118881 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.