Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (B.A.T.S.) have an excellent working relationship with the Bolton Evening News (BEN)

BATS have organised an annual dinner and the BEN play a huge part in making this annual event a success. As part of the evening, the BEN hosts an awards ceremony. The nominations for these awards are based on the critique that is provided from the BEN journalist who attends the various musical and dramatic productions throughout the year.

The award catergories include Best Play, Best Musical, Best Pantomime, Best Set, Best Actor in a Play, Best Actress in a Play, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and a Special Award.  The event is always well attended and has been held at the Reebok Stadium for the last couple of years.  This year's dinner will be held on the 9th September 2005.

The BEN is keen to promote amateur theatre in Bolton. They, as we do, believe that we have a vital role to play in providing this popular art to the people of Bolton. We are grateful to the BEN for their continued support and certainly hope it continues for many years to come.

The BEN are also very supportive by allowing us the opportunity to advertise our forthcoming productions in their column, Centre Stage, which appears in the Tuesday edition. You will note from this column that all amateur theatre societies in Bolton, and surrounding districts, have the opportunity to publicise, with text and photography, their forthcoming productions.