THE Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards are the most prestigious event on the local amateur dramatics calendar.

They give the actors, actresses, directors, costume designers, set designers, choreographers and everyone else who contributes both on stage and behind the scenes the chance to get some much-deserved praise.

The awards, which are sponsored by Lite Relief, are now in their eighth year, with the 2007 ceremony being held at St Mary's Stadium on Friday, January 26.

The award ceremony is a black tie event with a sit down meal and will be hosted by Daily Echo editor Ian Murray, entertainments editor Lorelei Reddin and a special guest.

Previous guest hosts have included George Baker, Vicki Michelle, Julie Peasgood, Isla St Claire and David Benson.

The announcement of those who have made the shortlist is always hotly anticipated and the good news is it will be made on Monday in the Daily Echo and repeated in next Friday's What's On.

The decision as to who has made the shortlist will be made by Ian Murray and the Echo's team of expert amateur dramatics reviewers, all of whom have a background in the field and who have spent the last year visiting shows and making and comparing meticulous notes about the huge range of shows they have seen.

Booking forms to reserve your place at the awards ceremony will be sent out to all the amateur dramatics societies in the area in the next few weeks.

If you want to make sure that your society's details are on file, call Jo Richardson on 023 8042 4715.