Renowned stage actress Eileen Page has won the New York International Radio Festivals ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ (Silver) award for her one-woman performance as Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of the Pride, in the audio drama production of the late Catherine Muschamps’ play of the same name.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Mother of the Pride was produced by UK indieB7 Media in association with Tara Theatre. It showcases a remarkable one-woman performance by veteran actress Eileen Page,who brings to life a formidable woman, far ahead of her time. A woman of extraordinary courage, beauty and iron will – uniquely Queen of France then Queen of England and mother of two English Kings – Eleanor of Aquitaine’s name was legendary even before her death.

Eileen Page’s 70-year career encompasses Shakespeare, contemporary writers, musical theatre, film and television. Her long association with the RSC included Peter Brook’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry Vwith Paul Scofield, Mother Courage, Richard II, The Winter’s Taleand Wastewith Judi Dench.

The New York Festivals’ International Radio Program Awards for the World’s Best Radio Programs honours radio programming and promotions in all lengths and formats, entered by radio stations, networks and independent producers from around the globe. Last year B7 Media won the prestigious ‘Best Digital Drama’ Gold award for Volume 2 of its acclaimed audio reinvention of the comic-book space hero, Dan Dare.

“This is such a deserved accolade for what was Eileen’s last performance as the iconic Eleanor, a role she’s performed on stage for the past 20-years. I couldn’t be more delighted that Eileen has been recognised by the New York Radio Festivals for her first-ever performance in a radio drama,” says B7 Media’s Executive Producer, Andrew Mark Sewell.

Tara Arts, Artistic Director, Jatinder Verma says; “I am thrilled that Eileen has won international recognition for her compelling evocation of the only woman to have ruled England and France. Her brilliant performance provides a timely reminder not only of the powerful women who have shaped our history but also that age is no barrier to remarkable talent!”

ABOUT Eileen Page…

Eileen Page’s 70-year career encompasses Shakespeare, contemporary writers, musical theatre, film and television. Her long association with the RSC included Peter Brook’s production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry V with Paul Schofield, Mother Courage, Richard II, The Winter’s Tale, and Waste with Judi Dench, which transferred to the West End. Other West End appearances include Heidi Schiller in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre, a role she later reprised for a BBC gala performance), Me and My Girl (Adelphi Theatre); The Boyfriend (Duchess Theatre); and Nine (Royal Festival Hall). Among many leading roles in repertory seasons across the country, one of her favourites was Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter at Liverpool Playhouse.