Prize helps actor to build his company
Budding city star wins grant after show is a smash-hit at Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The winner of the first Arts Bursary Award for Milton Keynes took centre stage at a presentation evening where he picked up a 10,000 prize.
Thomas Eccleshare is the co-artistic director of theatre company Dancing Brick and the cash prize will allow him to concentrate on forging his career as a fulltime theatre-maker.
Thomas performed a short piece with his partner Valentina Ceschi from his new play 21:13. The play was a smash-hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer and as part of a forthcoming tour the duo will perform at Madcap, Wolverton from tonight to Saturday.
He was joined by three other bursary finalists at the event hosted by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation at the MK Gallery. They included Nicky Prince, Thomas Georgson and Annabelle Shelton who all showcased their work.
Thomas he said he was chuffed to pick up the award.
He said: "Having seen for the first time the work of the other finalists I'm absolutely honoured and genuinely quite surprised to have won. The quality of the others is so high and it only makes me feel more proud to have been the choice of the panel."
Singer/ songwriter Nicky Prince performed a superb solo set, and an impressive presentation of visual art by both Tomas Georgeson and Annabelle Shelton was also well received.
The foundation's arts bursary encourages artistic endeavours in Milton Keynes and nurtures talents.
The award gives emerging artists the opportunity to further develop their artistic skills, or the freedom to concentrate on a new body of work.
The funding can be used to buy equipment, for training or travel, to rent a work space or simply cover living costs.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
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