Hampton Amateur Theatre Society (HATS) staged its summer production – Who Cares, Wins – at Peterborough High School last month.

The show comprised of two one-act comedy plays with a medical care theme – Bye Mr Heim by Tony Layton and Blue Suede Blues by Diana Raffle.

Now a review for The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) has said: "Both plays were very funny and there were some excellent individual performances.

"The first, which took place in a hospital setting, displayed an impressive array of props, equipment and effects which added considerably to the atmosphere.

"The second play moved at a faster pace to a hilarious conclusion, and Julie Jordan and Giselle Rawlins were especially well paired in the central roles.

"This was a great team effort and included some splendid silent, and not so silent, byplay from Kevin Hughes. Both productions were a great credit to the company."

After the success of the run, the group took the second of the short plays, Blue Suede Blues, on the road to the Hunstanton Drama Festival.

Despite the judges recognising that the competition HATS was facing was extremely tough, Kevin Hughes, who played Mr Hedges in the play, picked up the Princess Theatre Cup for Best Supporting Actor.

The group's performance also received a highly commended award, with judges saying that the performances from all the cast were a great credit to the group.

And there was also success for the two stars of the show, Giselle Rawlins and Julie Jordan, who were nominated for the Best Adult Actress category – the toughest of all the awards in the competition.

HATS spokeswoman Tracey Lomax said members were delighted with their success.

She said: "We're so proud of the whole cast's achievements and overjoyed for Julie, Giselle and especially Kev.

"Everyone has worked so hard and to come away with two awards, after such a fun weekend, is really the icing on the cake."

Following the festival, the group finished its year's work with an Ascot-style racing party, where once again Kevin Hughes triumphed, picking up the £40 first prize.

The group is now taking a summer break, before next meeting on Tuesday, August 12, at the Hampton Community Room, at 7.30pm, where members will start to discuss potential scripts for their next production.

It is hoped that they will be able to put on their next run in the spring of 2009.