A THESPIAN from Thornbury has picked up a best actor gong for his enthralling performance as Mozart’s self-proclaimed sworn enemy.

Phil Domaille scooped the coveted accolade for his rendition of composer Antonio Salieri in the Thornbury Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus at the Rose Bowl Awards for Amateur Drama and Music.

The senior buyer at Renishaw told the Gazette the win was "beyond anything" he could have imagined.

"The Rose Bowl adjudicators critique a wide range of productions across the South West," he said. "Their expectations are of a very high standard so the nomination was not only a complete surprise but I also felt very privileged. I was absolutely delighted to win the best actor award, it was beyond anything I could of expected.

"I joined TADS in 1990 playing a policeman in Pygmalion, since then I have had marvellous opportunities to play leading roles in productions such as Macbeth, The Seagull, A Streetcar Named Desire, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and recently Amadeus."

The veteran actor has been treading the boards 25 years, tackling Shakesperan roles and pantomime characters with equal energy and commitment, but taking on the Machiavellian Salieri on his journey of destruction was his most difficult challenge yet.

The 49-year-old added: " I was aware of the challenge that lay ahead. However the challenge was exciting; you are given an opportunity like this once in a lifetime and I was determined to make the very best of it. It was the most satisfying role I have undertaken and I will always be grateful to TADS for their support throughout the production, it was an honour to be part of it."

Amadeus was also nominated for best production but narrowly lost to Bristol’s The Actonians for their adaptation of The 39 Steps.

Theatre company chairman and Amadeus director, Vincent Costello, told the Gazette he was extremely proud of Mr Domaille’s achievement.

"Phil has been an outstanding actor in TADS for many years," he said. "We as a company and his friends are delighted that he has at last received recognition for his remarkable contribution to our company, and others, in the Thornbury area."