Only three weeks to go before we announce this year's nominations for the Curtain Call Awards 2001. It's a nail-biting time as the judges start to pore over the 30-plus productions they have seen this year to weigh up their merits. No one is forgotten - from backstage to choreography, acting to directing - there are 22 awards up for grabs.

The nominations will be announced on this page on Friday December 14 and the glittering ceremony will take place on February 8 2002.

Southern Daily Echo editor Ian Murray says: "The Curtain Call Awards have become one of the highlights of the amateur dramatic scene. The south's answers to the Oscars have just gone from strength to strength and this year's ceremony promises to be even better than before."

Tickets for the evening go on sale from the beginning of December and cost £30, price including reception drinks and a three-course supper. For more details contact Jo Richardson in the promotions department on 023 8042 4777.