A writer and director is proving Telford has talent by scooping a prestigious award.
Paul Hendy’s latest work has been named best comedy drama at this year’s Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
Paul, who was born and raised in the town, rose to fame presenting shows including The Disney Club, Don’t Try This At Home and Wheel Of Fortune.
He also writes and produces Theatre Severn’s pantomimes and often visits the venue during the winter months.
His most recent project The Last Laugh, which earned him the LA award, is a short film written and directed by Paul himself and focuses on three comedy greats Eric Morecambe, Tommy Cooper and Bob Monkhouse, played by Bob Golding, Damian Williams and Simon Cartwright respectively.
During the film, the three legends meet in a theatre dressing room and discuss comedy, life and everything in between.
The Independent Film Festival Awards are dedicated to celebrating creative work from all around the world and organisers arrange special screenings to give American audiences the chance to see films from other countries and cultures.
Paul’s film was chosen this month to be a part of the group’s line up. But this doesn’t mean he’ll be swapping Shropshire’s famous hills for the Hollywood hills.
He’s already hard at work with the rest of the team at Evolution Pantomimes bringing Cinderella to Theatre Severn this winter.
Last year’s pantomime Dick Whittington sold over 38,000 tickets and more than half of the tickets for this year’s entire run (November 30 to January 8) have already been sold, with demand still high.
Venue spokesman Pip Bayley said: “Anyone who has been to see one of Evolution’s pantomimes over the past five years will know Paul’s writing is hilarious, it’s wonderful that he has now been recognised by Hollywood.
“Paul has shown us the script for Cinderella and it’s brilliant!”
Tickets are available online at www.theatresevern.co.uk or from the box ofice on 01743 281281.