Imperial Arts Award

Johnny Vegas (Michael Pennington)

He made his name as the loudmouth, self-loathing stand-up comedian Johnny Vegas and became known across the UK.

But slowly the character of Johnny has faded into the background and the man’s real identity, Michael Pennington, has come to the fore as a television and radio director and actor of some repute.

Thatto Heath’s finest has received critical acclaim for radio productions such as This Sporting Life, and his autobiography Becoming Johnny Vegas has won widespread praise.

Despite work and family commitments that take him to London and Ireland, he retains his home and business (Woolyback Productions) in St Helens. He is always keen to stress that he has never left his hometown and is as proud of it as ever.

Watch This Space

Watch This Space is a community dance company run by Tracey Platt and Andrea Wade, offering classes and projects for all ages and abilities.

WTS also deliver Mature Movers Sessions to the elderly in dance, cultural dance and gentle exercises at various residential homes and community centres across St Helens.

Over the past five years WTS has given more than 500 young people the chance to dance and perform in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, London’s 02 Arena, the Liverpool Empire, the Liverpool Playhouse and St Helens Theatre Royal.

WTS has also taken groups of young people to perform in Disneyland Resort Paris and Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.

Tom Loughlin

Tom Loughlin is one of the town’s most exceptional young stars.

He is the son of former Saints and Great Britain rugby league player Paul, but it’s his singing voice – rather than any sporting exploits – that have made people stand up and take notice.

The 16-year-old tenor, from Garswood, who performed at last year’s awards, won a place at Cheetham’s School of Music in Manchester. He continues to delight audiences by appearing at venues across the borough.