A NEW award that recognises outstanding contribution to theatre by a young adult was presented to Only Boys Aloud singer Daniel Hampton at Newport Playgoers Society’s AGM.

The Jonathan ConickAward commemorates a much-loved member of Playgoers who lost his battle with cancer three years ago, aged 29.

Announcing the award, Playgoers’ vice-president Bruce Campbell said: “Jonathan was involved in a wide range of activities at the Dolman Theatre, playing a variety of roles in youth theatre and going on to be a driving force in the creation of the Solo Group for young adult members.

He played an active part in many aspects of play production, both onstage and off, culminating in winning the coveted Webley Prize for his performance in Strangers on a Train in 2006.”

Jonathan’s sister, Hayley, presented the prize to 19-year-old Daniel for his contribution to the Dolman Theatre. Last season alone Daniel was stage manager on Hi-De-Hi!, assistant director on St Trinian’s, ran the lights on the thriller Dead Guilty, ran sound for the No Holds Bard festival at the Dolman and Blackwood Little Theatre and helped run the Dolman Theatre bar – all while appearing with Only Boys Aloud on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

“This is a great honour and it’s amazing to be the first winner of this new, prestigious award,” said Daniel. “Dan is a very worthy first winner of this award and we’re absolutely thrilled to make this happen,” said Hayley Conick.

Newport Playgoers are preparing for the start of an exciting new season, which opens with Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit on September 12. To book tickets, call the Dolman Theatre box office on 01633 263670 or visit dolmantheatre.co.uk