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2017 Presidential Gala and AGM Summer School roundup All the news, views and events in your region Our new website takes to the stage

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National Operatic and Dramatic Association 15 The Metro Centre Peterborough PE2 7UH Tel: +44 (0) 1733 374 790 Email: [email protected] Web: www.noda.org.uk © 2017 National Operatic and Dramatic Association Registered CIO 1171216 Registered Company no: 241572 Patrons: The Lord Lloyd Webber Connie Fisher NODA Insurance: I am pleased to report that the Some sad news reached me at the beginning www.nodainsurance.co.uk National AGM and Presidential of October, when I was informed that Jack 01823 250736 inauguration of Nick Lawrence at Underwood, Past President had died. Jack NODASafe: www.noda.org. the Marriott Hotel, Bristol was a was NODA President in 1992-93 and a strong uk/nodasafemembers very enjoyable weekend, with no less than eight supporter of NODA. You will find an obituary for 0345 257 6632 NODA Past Presidents attending. The national Jack on page 4. [email protected] meeting of Regional Representatives was quite @NODASafe well attended, but it would be good to see all You should all have had information about NODA Legal Helpline: the Regional Representatives attending their the launch of the new website; please read the 01733 374 790 national meeting next September. article later in this magazine for advice and tips (NODA Membership Services) on how to make the most of it for your society. [email protected] Jacquie Stedman was elected as Vice President, Social Media and will be inaugurated as President on 22 I wish you well with your forthcoming musicals, www.facebook.com/National September 2018 at the Hilton St Anne’s Hotel, plays and pantomimes and look forward to OperaticDramaticAssociation Wokingham, so do make a note in your diary reading your regional news. Don’t forget to @NODAtweets now. invite your Regional Councillor and Regional www.youtube.com/ Representatives to your productions and give OfficialNODA I have agreed to continue as Chairman of them good notice of the date, time and venue. Design and Production NODA for a further year to ensure some NODA MEMBER BENEFITS warwickprint continuity but will be looking for a successor to John W. Barnes [email protected] be elected at the 2018 National AGM. Interim Chairman Editor National Operatic and Dramatic Association What do you receive for your NODA society membership? Becky Owen-Fisher  Members’ magazine NODA Today  Regional news and updates from HQ [email protected] Council Access to members’ Advice and services Regional support Training Head Office Staff Chairman of Trustees NODA London NODA South East John W. Barnes Jacquie Stedman Kay Rowan area of website  Discounted rates on  Dedicated regional  NODA Theatre Dale Freeman [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  Factsheets, including: NODA insurance representative Summer School Child protection policy  Legal helpline  Regional youth advisor  Bursaries for Summer Chief Operating Officer President NODA North NODA South West Performance  Health and safety helpline  Show reports School training [email protected] Gordon Richardson Graham Liverton Nick Lawrence regulations and  DBS checks  Regional social media [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Craig Allison copyright  Performance rights and advertising Awards Finance Manager Immediate Past President NODA North East NODA Wales and Ireland Model constitution scripts for pantomimes  Contact lists for  National awards ceremony [email protected] Michael Hastilow Leslie Smith Jordan Hill Production team duties MDs, directors,  Poster and programme Beverly Clarke [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Fundraising choreographers etc competition Administrative Support NODA East NODA North West NODA West Midlands  Show listings online at  Regional conference, [email protected] Don McKay Christine Hunter Hughes Ian G. Cox noda.org.uk awards and workshops Discounts Becky Owen-Fisher [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  Royalties discounts from Marketing & Publishing NODA East Midlands NODA Scotland Life Members major rightsholders by COS Musical Theatre. Executive Nanette Lovell Stuart McCue-Dick John W. Barnes  Special offers from partners [email protected] Annie [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Richard Hutchinson Robert Lumsden Call: 01733 374 790 or email: [email protected] Membership Services [email protected]  NationalOperaticDramaticAssociation  @NODAtweets [email protected] General Membership Enquiries Join at noda.org.uk [email protected] NODA Limited 01733 374790 Chairman Chairman of Trustees Directors Eric Smart John W. Barnes Neil Maidman, Michael Hastilow, 11/17 Gordon Richardson, Fred Piggford, Deedee Doke. 2 NODA Today – August 2017 3 Cover photo © Stephen Candy Photography. TTA Advert 15/03/2017 14:28 Page 1 THEATRICAL TRADERS ASSOCIATION The Theatrical Traders Association represents all the affiliated traders who supply amateur theatre in the UK. Membership of the TTA means a reputable supplier who maintains the standards set by the Association. COSTUMIERS Ace Theatrical Costumiers Ariel Company Theatre Costume Hire Dress Circle Costumiers Unit G, Crown Business Park, Dukestown, Tredegar Unit 20, Bolney Grange Business Park, Brook House, Maldon Road, Blaenau Gwent NP22 4EF Stairbridge lane, Bolney, Sussex RH17 5PB Witham, Essex CM8 3HY 01495 350008 | [email protected] 01444 250407 |www.arielhire.co.uk 01376 515500 | www.dresscirclecostumiers.com Happy The History Bunker Ltd. Molly Limpet’s Theatrical Emporium Ltd. Northern Costume Hire 263a Whitehall Road Leeds, 712 Chesterfield Road, Long Ing Mill, Long Ing Lane, West Yorkshire LS12 6ER Sheffield S8 0SD Barnoldswick, Lancashire BB18 6BJ 0113 220 5881 | www.thehistorybunker.com 0114 250 0851 | www.mollylimpets.com 01282 817351 | www.northerncostumehire.co.uk anniversary! Stage Costume Triple C’s Costumes Utopia Costumes Unit 2, Victoria Industrial Park, Brindley House, Engine Lane, Utopia House, Academy Street, Victoria Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 5AJ Lye, Stourbridge DY9 7AQ Forfar, Angus DD8 2HA 01322 311787 | www.stagecostume.co.uk 01384 893911 | www.tripleccostumehire.com 01307 468231 | www.utopiacostumes.com SCENERY, PROPS ETC. Celebrate your time in amateur theatre with our The Border Studio HWL (UK) Limited Prosceneium Ltd. Riverside Mill, Level Crossing Road, Cricket Street, Denton, Sladen Wood Mill, Todmorden Road, Selkirk, Scottish Borders TD7 5EQ Manchester M34 3DR Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 9EW long service awards 01750 20237 | www.borderstudio.com 0161 335 0220 | www.hwltd.co.uk 01706 377226 | www.prosceneium.co.uk Scenery Hire Ltd. Scenic Projects Ltd. Scenery Solutions Trading Ltd. Unit 10, Avondale Road, Avondale Industrial Est, Nelson Wharf Business Park, Unit 2, Barton Farm Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 1UG Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9LP Chickenhall Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 6RP 01633 262 728 | www.sceneryhire.co.uk 01502 575000 | www.scenicprojects.co.uk 023 8064 1496 | www.scenerysolutions.co.uk RIGHTSHOLDERS TICKET PRINTERS WIGS AND MAKE-UP Stagescripts Ltd Just Tickets The Wig Centre (formerly Bromiley Ltd.) D.R. Easton Ltd. Lantern House, 84 Littlehaven Lane 23 Wood Lane, Sonning Common, Cricket Street, 1 Dorothy Avenue, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4JB Reading, Berkshire RG4 9SJ Denton, Manchester M34 3DR Peacehaven, East Sussex BN10 8LP 0345 686 0611 | www.stagescripts.com 0345 126 0631 | www.just-tkts.com 0161 335 0687 | [email protected] 01273 588262 | www.derekeastonwigs.co.uk

Look out for the TTA logo. For help with the supply of anything for your productions contact the TTA helpline on 0345 126 0631 10 years 15 years 20 years 25 years 25 years www.theatricaltradersassociation.co.uk

Jack Underwood 50 years 55 years 60 years 70 years Society Life Member

 Awards for 30 years, 35 years, 40 years, 45 years and 65 years are also available. It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Past President Jack Underwood on Tuesday Check the website for more information 3rd October 2017. Jack would have been 92 in December but the onset of dementia and a sudden deterioration of his health meant his final days were spent in Ninewells hospital where he died in the early morning of that Tuesday. Following early employment with the Scottish Provident Assurance and then with Dundee City Police, Jack’s musical talents were released when he joined Broughty Ferry AOS in 1947. It was here that he met his wife to be, Jenny, who was playing the leading role in Princess Ida. His clear bass voice would eventually be heard over the years with BFAOS, his church choir and then with the concert party The Ferryatrics once his on-stage days were over. Jack was first elected as Regional Representative in 1970, serving until 1984 before being elected to Download an application form today at noda.org.uk/awards Councillor in the September of that year. At the National Conference in Peebles Hydro in 1992 he was installed as President of the Association. Jack was a popular President and he continued to serve on Council as an elected Life Member until 1998.

He continued to support NODA and in particular the Scottish region, by visiting many shows with his wife Jenny who was his constant support until her passing in 2006.

We send our condolences to his son Bruce and daughter Christine and their families at this sad time. 

4 NODA Today – November 2017 5 Youth members keep COS Musical Theatre running

This year COS Musical Theatre is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Helen roundup Heppell tells us about how important their youth members have been in keeping the Don’t forget to society running. send us your © Stephen Candy Photography youth stories – “We have always been encouraging and NODA email your news supportive within the community and this year on year as we now have over 40 Dear members, both in amateur and to Jordan! believe it really important to embrace the talented kids turn up to audition! Youth Advisers professional theatre. new young performers that are coming I had the privilege through. If we didn’t have the youth, COS We have helped so many children who Councillor with Responsibility North West Youth Day participants to NODA Youth of being appointed In 2016 I was appointed as would not still be going today. It’s so may have started at the back in the Jordan Hill as your Councillor a Local Authority School Governor and important for self-confidence, creativity, ensemble to go on to play a leading role. 01792 931196 / 07478686251 with Responsibility to within my role I am currently Governor team building, and friendship, amongst The development is just wonderful to watch. North West Youth Day jordan.hill@noda,org.uk NODA Youth in August for Safeguarding and Additional Learning other skills, that musical theatre can We had a little girl with selective autism NODA East 2017. I also serve as Needs students. continue giving them these opportunities. who now shines out with her dancing and North West District 8 was thrilled to deliver Zelda Rolfe sings solo songs. We have even had a few the recent NODA Youth Workshop on [email protected] Councillor to the Wales and Ireland region. I I am delighted to be appointed as We have a 12 strong cast of kids performing members that have gone on to perform in August 5th. The workshop was very well NODA East (North) in our Centre Stage Diamond Edition (60th professional shows. attended with young people coming from Tina Doyle have supported Wales Councillor with Responsibility to NODA [email protected] and Ireland’s Youth Adviser hugely on our Youth because I am passionate about Anniversary show) which has some great societies within the District. The workshops group and solo numbers to showcase the We are lucky we have such a good number were provided by Ben Ireson, Jill Mason, NODA East (South) quest to support our young people and young people and how we can support Alexandra Berriman ensure, certainly in Wales and Ireland, them as an organisation. I believe our talent of the next generation. of young performers who love coming Debs Stoke and Debbie Carpenter, covering [email protected] that they are heard and feel as involved as young people are tomorrow’s NODA back and doing our shows and panto every a review of Oliver, Les Misérables and NODA East Midlands anyone else within our region. today and without them our organisation COS also put on a Pantomime every year. This is absolutely key for COS to keep Hairspray. The standard of the workshops Amanda Hall will certainly shrink in years to come. I am January and we are so proud of our 26 kid- going and so important to the development catered for the ability of each child in [email protected] I currently work as a Youth and Families’ positive that between us we can strive to strong ensemble. It is getting so hard to cast of the arts.” attendance and great care was taken to NODA London Worker for the Church in Wales and enhance our service to our young members ensure everyone’s involvement. It was truly Ann Hertler-Smith Methodist Church. Prior to that I worked at and build on the foundations which have inspirational to watch each tutor work with [email protected] Farewell from the Youth Adviser for Scotland a higher educational institution with over been put in place previously. the children and in turn to see the children NODA North It has been an honour to have characterisation – something all work as a team. Michelle Coulson 12,500 students on roll as an Educational [email protected] Support Adviser. For several years I was As your Councillor I am here to support held the position of NODA that was requested from the Youth Adviser for Scotland for forum feedback. This will kick We were very fortunate to also have a great NODA North East a Youth board member for the NSPCC/ and advise the Youth Advisers. Should you Joanne Sykes Childline Services and also served as a need advice regarding policies or for any almost five years. off at the end of 2017 and musical director in Mike Richardson, who [email protected] Youth Minister for the Welsh Assembly other questions or queries that you may then roll out across all the polished the vocal requirements for the NODA North West Youth Parliament. have regarding children and young people There have been many regions within Scotland over day, he also created great tracks to add Jenny King you should contact your Youth Adviser in highlights during this journey, the next year. excitement and to give the final performance [email protected] I have been actively involved with child the first instance. but the main one for me was the “wow” effect. NODA Scotland protection and safeguarding. I am also having the opportunity to I also had the pleasure of Calum Campbell a licensed chaperone and have worked Jordan Hill attend productions presented presenting NODA long The running of the afternoon was well 07865 119643 executed by a great team of District 8 [email protected] by many youth theatre societies across service and societies’ own commitment Scotland. Not only to witness such a awards to youth members of some matrons and chaperones who ensured NODA South East Jackie Kenyon high level of performances from our societies, and their adult off stage helpers. that the welfare of the children was always [email protected] Calder Valley Youth Theatre Memories talented members, but also getting the It was encouraging to see that some youth taken care of. Both Jenny King, Youth Rep NODA South West chance to speak with lots of admin team members had accumulated 10 years and Louise Colohan, District 8 Rep were Jack Price The highlight of my youth performances was photography was amazing. The photographer, and committee members, casts and committed service to the one society. All delighted with the outcome of the afternoon [email protected] playing Dorothy, but I only have one rather David Mitchell of DM07 images, shared some family helpers. lovely and merited successes. and will look to hold future workshops where NODA Wales and Ireland faded photo taken in the rehearsal hall as of his back catalogue with me and The Wiz possible as the demand was evident. Matt Hampton the local newspaper photographer managed wasn’t a one off. Well done to David and the I also held a ‘Big Brainstorming Youth Overall the experience in this role has matt.hampton.noda.org.uk to cut me out of the main publicity shot costume team for making the images wonderful Forum’ to bring different societies together exceeded my expectations and as I change The day ended with a performance by the NODA West Midlands completely, although captured my sister who and to the whole production team for helping to share ideas, create new connections post to become a Regional Representative children for their parents, the performance Vacant was a munchkin! to create such a fabulous visual record. Special between clubs and find out more from the I look forward to supporting the new Youth was exceptional and the audience were Contact: [email protected] congratulations to the young people of Calder members about what they like already and Adviser in continuing to encourage and in awe of the standard of each piece. The So, I was blown away by a twister of some Valley Youth Theatre whose performances COS Musical Theatre, would like to see from NODA. Leading care for the family of NODA Youth in children fully embraced the day and took so proportion when I went to the Calder Valley matched up to the amazing publicity shots! © Stephen Candy on from this I have worked with a local Scotland. much away; stage skills, learning methods, Photography Youth Theatre production of The Wiz at Halifax company to create a workshop focusing vocal care and technique, and most of all Playhouse. Their publicity and programme Jo Sykes on confidence building, acting and Craig Inglis new friends.

KidzRUs NOMADS Milford Haven Society COS Musical Theatre, © Stephen Candy Photography

Read on for more youth news in the regions

6 NODA Today – November 2017 7 regionalroundup Young NOMADS 24 Hour Concert

East When the Young NOMADS from was a diverse range of Newmarket decided that their autumn entertainment to suit all production would be the botanical feast tastes – from comedy Brian ‘Tommy’ Thomas: of entertainment that is Little Shop of sketches, to contemporary Horrors, they faced the challenge that dance routines to famous A Musical Celebration many amateur societies putting this on numbers from classic Festival Players past and new, including messages from those unable to production experience – how exactly to musicals such as Les present gathered at Ashburton make the evening itself. get the money needed to buy/hire the Miserables, as well as more Hall, St Faith’s School, numerous versions of the plant. They recent box office hits such Cambridge, on Saturday 30th The final number of the night saw Tommy knew they had to fund-raise but the as Kinky Boots. East question was how? Committee September to celebrate the contribution lift his baton for the last time, as he led the of Brian ‘Tommy’ Thomas, as he steps down ensemble through his own arrangement of the The under 16s had to leave Councillor as the society’s musical director, after more Disney classic, When You Wish Upon A Star. So, the adults and youth section decided at 11pm because of the performance everything from flapjack, to cookies to a Don McKay to produce a variety show in the summer license, so it was down to the older youth unicorn cake! [email protected] than 40 years. Tommy’s wife Linda presented him with a holidays. A variety show with a twist; the members to work through the night, Membership Secretary whole thing would be put together in just practicing their pieces (there’s nothing By 7:10pm the dress rehearsal was done Julie Petrucci From The Arcadians (1973) to Legally Blonde very special celebration cake, praising his (2016), Tommy has been the musical driving ‘patience, encouragement and dependability’. 24 hours! quite like seeing a contemporary dance ready for the paying public to come in 01223 880023 piece being choreographed at 3:45 in the just five minutes later culminating in a [email protected] force behind no fewer than 54 productions for The committee also gifted him a photograph This meant that the cast of 20 young morning!), learning their lines and doing full performance which combined with Treasurer Festival Players (and more than 120 productions book, featuring pictures from almost all of Tessa Davies for Cambridge-based societies as a whole). his 54 productions, put together by Suzanne people arrived at 7:30pm on the Sunday all of the extra things that were needed the bake-off and the raffle raised over 01702 525112 Emerson and Matt Gregory. for their first production team meeting like putting together the programme. £550. 07803167786 The celebration event featured Festival to decide on everything needed for [email protected] the show - from what pieces could be And of course, to keep energy levels Co-producer, Andy McGowan said Web Manager Players from many of those shows, Audience and performers then raised a toast performing a hand-picked selection of to Tommy to thank him for his inspiration, performed, to what the running order high, there were the compulsory party “When I came up with the idea of a 24 June Forway would be, and of course agreeing who dance routines every hour (anyone for hour concert, I had no idea whether 01480 300409 Tommy’s favourite numbers, as well as a dedication, support and talent during his 43 [email protected] specially-choreographed interpretation of years at the helm. would actually be performing what! the Macarena or Cha Cha Slide?) it would even be possible, let alone whether people would come! But the Awards Secretary Harlequinade, an orchestral suite written by DeeDee Doke Tommy. Interspersed throughout were tributes, Warren Mitchell Once that piece of democracy in action The half-way point production meeting support from the family and friends [email protected] memories and anecdotes from friends old and Chair Festival Players was complete, they were onto the was accompanied by breakfast, and of the cast and the wider community Magazine Editor small task of learning all of the songs, then it was back to rehearsals until the provided us with an electric atmosphere Julia Rymer choreographing and learning every younger members re-joined after lunch. which the young people thrived off – 07786 620623 number, and then putting it all together They didn’t come back empty-handed even if they were rather sleep-deprived! [email protected] Read about with lighting, sound and props! though, instead bringing in countless By far, the best part about the event was Youth Adviser another baked goods ready for the Young that it was all led by the young people Zelda Rolfe very special What the young people came up with NOMADS bake-off, which featured and it really was their show.” 01603 408017 anniversary in [email protected] the South East Youth Adviser North roundup on Tina Doyle 01733 2435014 pages 26-27 A Tribute to Sir Peter Hall [email protected] th Youth Adviser South The eminent director of plays, opera and films died on September 11 2017 aged 86. Sir Alexandra Berriman Peter was born and lived in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, where his father, Reg. worked for 07800 893435 the railway. The family subsequently moved to Cambridge where Peter later attended the [email protected] University, and started his theatre directing career. Minutes Secretary Catherine Dixey Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (BSEAODS) can claim a unique 01449 676878 [email protected] connection with this outstanding theatrical figure. His father, Reg. was a member in the mid-1920s and appeared in the Society’s last production in the Theatre Royal (before closure by its owners, Greene King, when it became a barrel store, which was re-opened and restored 1965), and the first in The Playhouse in Buttermarket in the centre of town, East Districts & then a cinema with a stage. His father also had a cameo role as the village policeman Representatives DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 4 S ASSISTANT DISTRICT 7 ASSISTANT DISTRICT 11 in Sir Peter’s poetic film of Suffolk rural life, Akenfield, (1975). Sir Peter was also greatly Richard Fitt DeeDee Doke Susan Hartwell Ann Platten DISTRICT 1 involved with the latest restoration (2005/7) of our beautiful home, the Theatre Royal – 01767 652115 [email protected] 01371 872657 01787 374069 Julie Armstrong the only working Regency theatre (1819) in the UK – giving advice and as [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 07801 953643 DISTRICT 5 President of the Restoration Fund Appeal. [email protected] DISTRICT 3 Susan Dupont DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 12 Nova Horley 01603 416638 Christine Davidson Pamela White DISTRICT 1 ASSISTANT 01582 604344 [email protected] christine.davidson@ 01449 721467 On the occasion of BSEAODS Centenary in 2003, Sir Peter kindly sent us a Rob Bristow [email protected] noda.org.uk [email protected] congratulatory letter which recognised the family connection with the Society. 07968 594013 DISTRICT 6 [email protected] DISTRICT 4 N Terry Rymer DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 Stephen P E Hayter 07786 620622 Vicki Avery ASSISTANT Reg Hall (right) as Giuseppe in The Joan Abbs 01553 810291 [email protected] 01992 441441 Linda Grey Gondoliers 1924. Photo by H.I.Jarman Archivist for BSEAODS [email protected] DISTRICT 7 [email protected] 01449 760567 DISTRICT 4 S Decia Ranger DISTRICT 10 [email protected] Julie Petrucci 01371 874073 Tessa Davies 01223 880023 [email protected] 01702 525112 8 [email protected] [email protected] NODA Today – November 2017 9 regionalroundup What’s a Youth Production? Under 16s, under 18s, under 21s? Amanda Hall, NODA East Midlands Into the Woods LEOS Juniors Youth Advisor, asks about how we define ‘youth groups’. “This was a wonderful production, bursting with energy and enthusiasm. It was such a pleasure to see so many talented performers with lots of small parts East Midlands Recently the NODA East Midlands being done well, and a most effective dance troupe, each and every one Regional Committee has been discussing should be proud of their performance.” our youth organisations across the region. Keith Scott-Savage (District 1 Representative) writing about Long Eaton Over the past few years I have been Operatic Society’s 2017 production of Into the Woods (Junior) invited to many youth productions and have seen a wide variety of shows encompassing a huge age range and ability. But what age constitutes a East youth production? We have seen some Midlands licensees putting upper age limits on Committee many specific youth shows, but these vary from 14 years to 19 years and even older. Councillor Nanette Lovell 01604 712651 There is also now a huge selection of [email protected] junior/youth and part/schools edition shows available, some of these are very Secretary Alison Roberts much for the junior age and others more 01604 644945 for teenagers. Then there are the full [email protected] shows like Fame which are aimed at the In the dark, distant past when I was a The NODA EM Committee would like to Membership Secretary oldest of our youth/adult companies. youth performer we would include adults provide improved guidelines for Youth Phil Williams There are also some major titles like to play the older roles, but we were still Groups & Organisations and we would 0115 9198545 Billy Elliott and now Mary Poppins definitely producing youth shows. welcome your feedback. If you have any [email protected] that are only available to academic comments or suggestions please contact Treasurer schools; a few schools in our region For the purposes of our awards how do Amanda Hall at amanda.hall@ Caroline Jervis oldIES’ Tribute to an Old Friend are NODA members and are therefore we compare such a variety of shows? noda.org.uk 01536 518734 considered for awards with shows that [email protected] Jonathan Reynolds tells how NODA members past and present raised the roof to honour an old friend. are not generally available to other youth Youth theatre is changing and we have to And please remember I would love to Web Manager groups. If a youth company wants to do change with it. It’s always fantastic to see come and visit your youth group, maybe Alex Wood The Masque Theatre in Barton Seagrave, Northamptonshire, was the venue for a special Oklahoma or My Fair Lady there are any child perform and grow in confidence during a rehearsal where we would have 01604 862634 compilation show performed on Sunday October 1st. A tribute to the stage career of Paul [email protected] obviously no age limits. University groups and ability, but we have to find a better the chance to chat and find out more Aucott, who passed away earlier this year, ‘oldIES’ brought back together former members of are growing strongly and often direct, way to compare the performances with about how things are working for you. Awards Secretary IES. The IES group were one of Northamptonshire’s leading musical theatre groups for many design & produce the whole thing, but all the limitations put on the society and Peter Beddall years until its sad demise 10 years ago. 0115 913 9490 are they considered youth or adult? our NODA Representatives. [email protected] Paul, a former NODA Representative, will always be remembered as an inspirational and Magazine/News Editor innovative director who ‘raised the bar’ for amateur societies from the 1970s through to the early Alex Wood noughties. Many remember with great fondness his wonderful productions of Cabaret, West Side 01604 862634 A member of Langtoft Junior Players And the [email protected] Story, The Hires Man, MAME and Jesus Christ Superstar to name but a few. On stage Paul was Smike receives the District 5 Youth Award a consummate performer and will be long remembered in roles such as Professor Higgins in My Youth Adviser Presentation from NODA President Michael winners are… Amanda Hall Fair Lady, Judge Turpin in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, Harry Chitterlow in Half a Sixpence and as Hastilow for their 2016 0773 9573079 Chief Tee Ah Millatoona in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. (Langtoft Junior production of Smike. Grantham Dramatic Society were [email protected] Players) awarded the Barnes Trophy for their The ‘oldIES’ cast included 21 former IES members some of whom The Vicar of Dibley programme as East Midlands Districts & Representatives had not been on stage for over two decades but who rolled back “… the boundless energy, winner of the Basic Class of the the years and produced wonderful performances which wowed National Poster and Programme DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 5 good humour, dedication the full auditorium. Four of the cast were offspring of IES members and commitment of Competition 2016. Keith Scott-Savage Peter Breach giving the show an age range of 15—83! 01332 670239 01406 373359 this young cast and the [email protected] [email protected] patience of the Producer Milton Keynes Amateur The production team of Jonathan Reynolds (Producer), Barry Currall and Director resulted in Operatic Society were DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 6A & B (Director), Daryl Handy (Choreographer) and Musical Director Kaye Joyce Handbury Christine Clarke their delivering a most awarded the Ralph Whittaker Trophy for 01773 745082 01455 610010 Tompkins had all worked with Paul on many occasions and were impressive performance their Aladdin programme, as runner up in [email protected] [email protected] delighted to be putting the show together. The atmosphere during which I am sure they will the De-Luxe Class of the competition. DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 7 rehearsals was superb, and the fun and laughter left the younger remember for many years to come.“ Martin Holtom Caroline Jervis members a little shell-shocked. Amongst the many glowing reviews The trophies were presented at the 07854 171014 01536 391307 was from the one from BBC Radio Northampton who described it District 5 Representative, Peter Breach writes about Smike. National NODA AGM in Bristol on 23rd [email protected] [email protected] as “A West End quality show at The Masque Theatre”. September, 2017. DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 8 Liz Williams Jenny Chandler All profits from the ‘oldIES’ production will be donated to Prostate DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – EAST MIDLANDS AGM AND AWARDS DAY – LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN HALL 07769 218717 01604 233709 Cancer UK and, although the accounts are not yet complete, it is [email protected] THEATRE ON SUNDAY 10TH JUNE 2018! estimated that that the total raised will be in the region of £1,400.

10 NODA Today – November 2017 11 regionalroundup New Representatives We are delighted to now have a full complement of Regional Representatives in the London area with the recent appointment of Phil Wilcox in District 5 and Des Wilby for District 3. London Des Wilby Phil Wilcox Following a last This year, Phil celebrates half a minute plea for century of stage appearances. help, Des first During that time he estimates he has became involved notched up over 200 productions Councillor’s Comments in amateur and countless appearances in musical dramatics via theatre, music hall, revues and The NODA Presidential Gala and AGM in a local musical drama. A retired journalist, he has Bristol at the end of September saw Nick society. As it written well-received shows which Lawrence happily installed as National President turned out, he have been put on at Epsom Playhouse London and myself as Vice President. NODA London has found the whole and the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon. Committee not had a National President for 25 years so next September experience to have been great and quickly signed-up for Starting in operetta with Wimbledon I will take on the role of President with some trepidation. their next show. Over time Des developed an interest in Light Opera Society, where he met his Councillor Because this is a self-nominated role on which the Council acting and eventually auditioned for, and was cast as, the wife Jane, a fellow thespian, he has now come full circle. These Jacquie Stedman 020 8529 3318 then votes (should more than one person put their name U-Boat Captain in Dads Army. Today he is a member of days he is likely to be seen performing a stone’s throw away at [email protected] forward) it has taken me twelve years as Councillor to feel Worcester Park Dramatic Society and still greatly enjoys that theatre’s sister venue, the Wimbledon Studio Theatre, with Regional Secretary ready for this role, and to know that the London Region is in performing on stage. Carlton Theatre Group, where he is vice chair. Earlier this year, Ann Hertler-Smith a good state to hand over to someone new. he was delighted to receive a runner’s up award as Best Actor 01923 267604 Des says “Every society I have been involved with has been in a Supporting Role at the Bromley Theatre Guild’s Full Length [email protected] Congratulations to Nick, from all of us in London, on his appointment – the Regional an active NODA member and the support they’ve received Play Competition as CSM Rivers in The Accrington Pals. Now he Treasurer Committee and I look forward to welcoming him to the London Festival Weekend in June and has been both valued and appreciated. I feel fortunate feels it is time to pay something back for all those memorable Dave Evans roles he has played - from Daddy Warbucks to Laurie Lee - by 07966 173956 supporting him during his presidential year, as he represents the Association at home and to have had a great introduction to the role of a Regional [email protected] abroad. Nick has been a keen supporter of NODA Theatre Summer School, as a student, for Representative by attending two excellent shows already. becoming a NODA Representative. He is thoroughly looking Membership Secretary many years so if you invite him to your show you can expect him to wax lyrical about all the I look forward to visiting all remaining societies in London forward to his new venture, and adds that he has only one Frances Chalkwright benefits – which will make a change from me doing that very same thing. Region, District 3, over the coming weeks, and beginning a unfulfilled theatrical ambition: to appear in a production at the 020 8926 7413 lasting relationship!” end of a pier. Any offers? [email protected] Jacquie Stedman Youth Adviser Councillor – NODA London Read all about Ann Hertler-Smith National Vice-President Summer School 01923 267604 2017 in our [email protected] special feature Magazine Editor on pages 16-17 Rosemary Roberts Groups Benefit From Grant 01628 636984 [email protected] Long Service Awards Secretary Two London groups recently took advantage of the Harvey Kesselman training grant awarded by NODA London to help run 020 8621 3192 workshops. [email protected] Social Media & Webmaster Julian Light Opera Company held a drama workshop Nick Ford 07748 966 011 in April directed by Fraser Grant, a professional [email protected] director who has been working with the group for many years.

And in July Proscenium Theatre Company hosted a workshop: An Actor’s Guide To Exploring London Districts Shakespeare’s Tragedies, also welcoming members of & Representatives NODA affiliates Belmont Theatre Company and East Lane Theatre Company. The workshop was most ably DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 & 11a DISTRICT 14 led by Joe Arkley who has performed in numerous Tony Sweeney Robin Kelly Tony Austin Judith Watsham Susan 020 8654 0682 020 8859 1354 01895 634288 01494 774557 Boobyer-Pickles Royal Shakespeare Company productions at Stratford- anthony.sweeney@ [email protected] [email protected] judith.watsham@ 07900 136073 Upon-Avon and whose most recent Shakespeare role noda.org.uk DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 9 noda.org.uk [email protected] was in Richard III at the Almeida Theatre. DISTRICT 2 Phil Wilcox Bill Baynes DISTRICT 12 Terry Hunt Zena Wigram 020 8949 5879 020 8428 0533 Rob Bertwistle 07758 888943 If your group is thinking of running a workshop of 01895 636028 07964 808522 [email protected] 07731 642907 [email protected] some kind please contact Jacquie Stedman and, if you [email protected] [email protected] Carole Baynes rob.bertwistle@ 07958 427707 noda.org.uk can submit a copy of your budget, we may be able to DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 6 assist with the finances. The two conditions are that Des Wilby Andrew Rogers [email protected] DISTRICT 13 07788 117635 020 8508 9635 DISTRICT 10 Jeanette Maskell you mention that the workshop is supported by NODA [email protected] [email protected] Mike Monk 01635 41791 London and is open to members of other NODA DISTRICT 7 07792 784455 jeanette.maskell groups in your district, and that you write a piece for Paul M Holgate [email protected] @noda.org.uk this magazine. 020 8804 9553 Gilli Monk [email protected] 07930 100771 [email protected]

12 NODA Today – November 2017 13 regionalroundup North Councillor’s Chat Welcome to my last ‘chat’ On the 16th and 17th September my regional of the year – where has this committee hosted our annual Awards evening year gone? – it started with (pictured bottom right) in our new venue, what seemed like every show the Gosforth Park Hotel, which saw societies North Committee I saw being a pantomime and and individuals recognised for their ‘above Alnwick Stage Musical Society Celebrates its 30th Anniversary Councillor will probably end in the same and beyond’ performances to the public over Gordon manner. However, a lot has been packed the year. In a long evening, which Richardson into the year with our National President started with a standing ovation 0191 586 6350 [email protected] Michael Hastilow and his daughter Janine and one minute applause for Find out all “Thirty Glorious Years!” about the 2017 Treasurer joining us for our regional conference and (at two members who passed Derek Coleman the time of writing) heading off to Bristol to away this year in tragic National AGM It all began over 30 years ago when which was performed in July 1999 and A superb evening was hosted by two [email protected] see new president Nick Lawrence inaugurated circumstances, Chloe and Presidential local solicitor Norman Luke and civil also, by popular demand, in 2000! of the youngest and newest members Regional Secretary into the position. Regionally I’ve seen some Rutherford of Newcastle Gala in our servant Paul Toward decided that Kellie Hughes and Leonie Dial who also Pauline Swann wonderful performances, made new friends, MTC and Val Barnes of special feature Alnwick should have a stage musical The Society celebrated its 30th performed a superb musical rendition to [email protected] gained new societies and sadly lost one or Southmoor society, several on pages 18-19 society and so, apparently, did those anniversary this year with a sell-out celebrate the continuing success of the Awards Secretary two along the way through folding. awards were handed out who turned up to an initial meeting production of Tim Rice and Andrew company. Fred Piggford by regional representatives. at a local restaurant in Alnwick in the Lloyd Webber’s Evita to be followed [email protected] I’ve managed to fit in a couple of The evening culminated in the autumn of 1986. Out of that meeting, next year with a new production of that As a footnote to this article, the Membership Secretary performances on stage and am about to Councillors’ awards and the ‘Joyce Lonsdale’ the society was formed and the first evergreen musical My Fair Lady. following Saturday Alnwick scooped Pauline Swann [email protected] start in directing a play this autumn. I’ve bowl for the ‘unsung hero’ – fittingly awarded production - The Sound of Music saw up several awards and nominations the light of day in March 1987 and An amazing evening of entertainment and for the production Evita including Webmaster been invited to a couple of special birthday to Ken Martin for his contributions to theatre Gordon Richardson celebrations – Park Productions 25 years and over 50 years. was a resounding success! celebration took place on September 9th district 9 best musical production [email protected] Alnwick SMS 30 years – the latter being in to mark the 30 years, where honoured and the Councillors’ Cup for best Youth Adviser the superb Olympic suite of the Swan hotel What will 2018 bring? Keep watching out for Since then the society has gone guests were Norman Luke and Paul production in the region. Michelle Coulson in the town, so named because it is decked NODA Today, following us on Facebook and from strength to strength and has Toward who founded the [email protected] out in the reclaimed panels from the 1st class Twitter and visiting our new website. performed many popular musicals society. Teresa McQuillen Regional Editor passenger accommodation from Titanic’s including, Oklahoma!, Me & My Girl, who played ‘Maria’ and Gordon Richardson sister ship the Olympic. More on both those Gordon Richardson The Pirates of Penzance (Broadway Margaret Reece were also 0191 586 6350 [email protected] celebrations later. Regional Councillor version), Kiss Me Kate, HMS Pinafore, present and they are the Fiddler on the Roof and Annie Get two surviving members North Districts & Your Gun. As well as the main show who were in the very first Representatives in March at Alnwick Playhouse, the production and still perform society has occasionally put on a on stage today. Anthony DISTRICT 1 Congratulations Park Productions; Ray Lowry summer show consisting of concert- Stoker also attended [email protected] 25 years of entertainment. style performances of excerpts from and holds the record DISTRICT 2 musicals, Musicals and Memories or for performing the most Foster Johnson In 1992, several like-minded people were raised money not only for the church but for smaller scale shows like Nunsense shows with the society. [email protected] approached by Suzy Wake to come together many charities locally and nationally. DISTRICT 3 to perform a concert, A Musical Extravaganza, Michelle Coulson in Park Road Church Hall, to raise money to Over the 25 years, despite many challenges, Reaction of the [email protected] enable Suzy to travel to Scandinavia with the Park Productions have always endeavoured night, IYFTS for Rent DISTRICT 4 gospel group The Continentals. Following the to deliver some remarkable performances Peter Oliver [email protected] concert and tour, the group decided to stay and to mark their special year former together to raise money for the church, and and new members are holding a special DISTRICT 5 Michael L. Avery so evolved Park Road Productions. anniversary concert which features songs [email protected] from previously performed shows and new DISTRICT 6 In 1996 the Society undertook a major shows. Congratulations from all your NODA Peter Parlour change both in its name and venue; due to North family. [email protected] the closure of Park Road Church, the society Rhoda Fraser re-located to Burn Park Church and became [email protected] Park Productions, and this continues to be DISTRICT 8 their home to this day. Park Productions, Jean Scarlett-Carr [email protected] over their existence, have performed many productions including pantomimes, music hall Perhaps our Jo-Anne Smith Councillor’s Shield winner Rebecca Charlton youngest winner, [email protected] productions, Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, concerts and several religious musicals by and nominees Erin Atack and Lucy McCabe Bayley Fowler DISTRICT 9 Photos permission by Signature of Times Photography. Kathryn Curry Roger Jones. The society also takes their [email protected] charitable responsibility seriously and have

14 NODA Today – November 2017 15 All change at NODA Summer School Visitors’ Day For the first time this year Summer School opened its doors not only to Regional Representatives but also NODA members Theatre Summer School! for the Wednesday Visitors’ Day.

As you will have Saturday afternoon and went straight give her, with a special song, written by 22 visitors took part in two workshops read, this year to the bar – all wanting a drink - at the the ‘Making a Musical’ course which the aided by a couple of the school’s tutors, NODA Theatre same time! entire School rehearsed and sang to her and as part of our visit we spent the Summer School at the end of the presentations… pass the afternoon looking in on a few of the, by moved home! However, nearly all the glitches worked tissues please! then, well-established classes. August 2017 saw themselves out by the end of the week – us at Yarnfield we had a tremendous sharing of a week’s Although we were all very sorry to see Tri Many of us attending this year were also Park Conference worth of work followed by the ‘Wicked’ leave, we have to look upon this as an at last year’s Visitors’ Day, where we Centre in Stone, party… so much green, but such fun! opportunity and we have a very worthy found ourselves singing and taking part Staffordshire where 213 students, across successor to her in Sarah Osborne – in drama-focused ice breaker games. 14 courses, enjoyed a residential week This was also the time we said ‘farewell’ whom many of you will know either These activities quickly turned a group of Chris Clarke – East Midlands – Heather Gallagher – West of pure theatrical pleasure, learning from to our Summer School Director, Catriona through Summer School or because you strangers into comrades and introduced The Tin Hatters Midlands the best in the business. Cumming, who has been with us man and have attended one of her workshops in the us to our own mini bubble. “Having provided finance for one of our “Visitors’ Day was a brilliant idea, as a boy – or should I say Tutor and Director - regions. She assures me she is delighted members to attend Summer School, it Summer School student for many years Moving is never easy, especially after for twenty years. Over that period she has and excited to have been appointed, and Under the masterful tutorage of Michael was time to see what went on. I was very it gave me an invaluable insight to other six years in your previous residence, been instrumental in improving the quality looks forward with great enthusiasm to Corbidge, of the RSC, and Musical Director pleased to see the excellence of the tutors classes that are on offer.” but we all rose to the challenge and of Summer School to what it is today. Summer School 2018 – where we all hope Andrew Nicol, we were put through our and content of the courses.” embraced the change. NODA Theatre She has been inspirational, encouraging, we will see friends old and new. paces again. Within moments of starting Nova Horley – East Summer School is a unique event and innovative, and brave…..and loved by we lost our newbie nerves and were having Tony Harris – North East “My first time at Summer School as a I think the staff at Yarnfield were rather each and every one of the students, tutors Jacquie Stedman a jolly good go at Shakespeare’s Sonnet 99 “The whole day was brilliant, the quality visitor, it surpassed my expectations. overwhelmed, initially, when about and staff. So it was right and proper Chairman and the harmonies of Sondheim’s Sunday of tuition was superb and students The sheer scale of commitment from the 220 people left the school meeting on that she got the best send-off we could NODA Theatre Summer School 2018 from Sunday in the Park with George, in what was a very relaxed and open learning responded accordingly.” committee and delegates underpinned environment. our enthusiasm for our shared passion. A Tri Cumming Robin Kelly – London super insightful day.” We laughed, we made mistakes (none “Interesting and informative, an Sarah Osbourne of which mattered) and we had fun as opportunity which needs to be followed Nanette Lovell – Councillor for the we explored and discovered. We learned up by a number of groups and individuals East Midlands announced as new about, not just the piece, but ourselves I can think of!” “I thought the day went extremely well. too. In essence we were experiencing a Councillors should encourage their raw, slightly abridged Summer School and committee members to attend - if you Summer School director the safe bubble of learning which meant haven't been to Summer School to see we could comfortably view and experience what it is all about you cannot really “It was one of those moments where everything classes ourselves during the afternoon. publicise it to NODA members.” goes a little hazy. I knew my name had just been announced as the new Summer School Director, I Here’s what some of my fellow visitors Christine Castle – North East knew I was stood in front of the wonderful students had to say: “I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Yarnfield, and amazing tutors of NODA Theatre Summer the perfect location for the School, and School 2017 but I couldn’t quite take it all in. Not the Judy McMurray – North East I hope everyone felt the same. We all best reaction from someone about to take the reins “I had a wonderful day. Taking part in enjoyed the way the day was organised for of something so valuable. the Shakespeare mini workshop working us – and the food was excellent!” on Sonnet 99 with Michael Corbidge Luckily I got a grip and managed to say how was incredible. Sunday in the Park with So why don’t you try it yourself next year honoured I was to have been given the position – George by Sondheim was hard to sing, as a visitor or even as a student? which I am, how humbled I was to be stepping into but sounded amazing. I will definitely be the dauntingly excellent Tri Cumming’s role – which back next year. Thanks to the tutors and Janine Graeme I am… and how excited I am at the prospect of NODA team for all their hard work.” NODA WM Regional Editor assisting the Summer School as it sails into its next adventure.

Six weeks down the line I am happy to confirm that Summer School Bursary I am still just as excited and as I prepare to go to my first planning meeting since taking over the role, my The 2018 NODA Theatre Summer School launches at 9pm on the 1st December! If you have never been before, perhaps head is buzzing with possibilities and potential plans. now is the time to think about it, so you’ll be ready when we announce the courses on our website in mid-November. But, did My ultimate promise however is this… that I will do my you know that you can apply for a national bursary of £300 to attend the course of your choice? When you complete the utmost best to care and nurture something that is so application form please look at the bursary application form too and if you are a newbie to Summer School consider applying. loved by so many. Hope to see lots of you in 2018!” Perhaps you could ask your society if they can support you in some way - maybe paying the cost of your travel – to enable you to have one of the best experiences of your theatrical life. I look forward to seeing you at Yarnfield Park. Sarah Osborne Summer School Director Jacquie Stedman Photos by kind permission of Barry Hall

16 NODA Today – November 2017 17 National AGM 2017 – Having a ball at Members of WOW Musical Theatre the Presidential Gala On 23rd September 2017 the Marriott Hotel in Bristol was buzzing with thespians from across the country as delegates and members joined us for the 2017 Annual General Meeting and Presidential Gala.

Entrances and exits Hello CIO! John Barnes was elected as Chairman of Trustees for the coming year and we thanked In the last few months NODA has become a Charitable him heartily. Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The afternoon of Saturday 23rd September saw the final AGM of NODA as an Members of WOW Musical Theatre We welcomed four new Councillors to the table; Association. Michael Hastilow and John Barnes reported on Jordan Hill for Wales & Ireland, Stuart McCue-Dick the winding up of the Association and the surplus over the last for Scotland, Les Smith for North East and Graham 16 months; a favourable outcome! Liverton for South West, and we said au revoir to Chris Ingram. Chris retired after many years of service as So we said goodbye to the Association and immediately held Regional Representative, Councillor, Chairman of the first AGM of NODA as a CIO. Trustees, Past President & Life Member.

A huge ‘thank you’ was given to Janine Graeme who not only served as a very agreeable Consort to the Past President Michael Hastilow and new President Nick Lawrence President, but also edited two editions of NODA Today during the year. Her enthusiasm and determination saw the magazines produced on time and we were very grateful to her for putting on her Editor’s hat to President Nick Lawrence and help us out. Ashleigh Bentham from the Sunderland Theatre Company Michael Hastilow regaled us all with a report on his year as President and thanked members for the kind hospitality offered to him on his travels. Then, Nick Lawrence and Jacquie Stedman were inaugurated as WOW – what a cabaret! President and Vice-President for 2017-18. We were lucky enough to be joined by eight Past Presidents, After the gala dinner, in a room filled with balloons making a fabulous chorus line for Nick! in the black, green & white of the Devon flag and the blue, black & white of the Exeter Chiefs, we were We were also joined by Colm Moules, the President treated to a cabaret by young performers from WOW of our sister organisation, the Association of Musical Youth Musical Theatre in Weymouth. We enjoyed Societies (AIMS) in Ireland. Colm spoke generously about numbers from Newsies and Hamilton, a timeless the positive relations between our organisations and we favourite from 42nd Street, and the electrifying were very pleased to welcome him to our AGM. Supercaliflagelisticexpialidocious. The spectacular performance ended with an emotional piece from Rent especially for the new President, Nick. Congratulations Past President Michael Hastilow and President Nick Lawrence and his family to the young performers and to Martine Burt new Vice President Jacquie Stedman who devised the presentation, and thanks to Alan President Nick Lawrence with the McKechan Chairman of WOW for making all the company of WOW Musical Theatre arrangements. Dancing the night away Devon-based jazz and swing band All Jazzed Up quickly tempted us onto the dance floor, and many of us were still high-kicking at midnight, led by an enthusiastic group of Summer School students! Curtain Call President Nick The weekend’s festivities were made possible by sound Lawrence with and lighting provided by TOTAL Ltd (Theatre Events Michael & Marilyn Productions) and we thank them for donating their Simpson. equipment and staff.

18 NODA Today – November 2017 19 but fun and it didn’t stop in the evenings 2017 Summer School Memories as on Wednesday I took part in the stage combat “Bar Room Brawl” and on Catherine Enos from Dinnington Operatic Society shares her memories. regionalroundup Thursday evening I did the Aerial Walk. December 2016 4th August I’d spent nearly two hours on a busy A sad but joyous Friday came all too NODA website and succeeded in getting soon and we started the presentations a place on the Musical Theatre in at 3pm in the space we had been North East Performance - Wicked course. Yippee! using all week. We soon had a packed house and worked well together as February 2017 an ensemble, delivering our funny, I had an audition and was lucky enough energetic, moving piece ending in a to be awarded a bursary to help towards nod to our departing Summer School New Councillor course costs. Director with not a dry eye to be seen! Installed 29th July 2017 tough going but still brilliant as getting I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment I hadn’t even got out of the car when I to know the people on my course and for singing in front of all those people and After five years as the Region’s saw someone from my course last year the different way we all learn, move and I’m not sure I could have done it without the North East Councillor, following a year as its which immediately gave me a feeling of sing was amazing. I did the Shakespeare support and safety of my group. Committee Secretary, David Streeter decided belonging! course in the evening with Michael Councillor not to seek re-election, a decision Corbidge who is infectious with his way To me NODA Summer School is: Leslie Smith not taken lightly and one which After the welcome meeting it was off to of deciphering text without getting too ★★ A shared love of learning, theatre, 01226 756654 his colleagues on the North East meet our group and tutors and what a caught up in the meaning initially. When life, talking, singing, dancing and [email protected] Committee were saddened to great mixed bunch they were! the class was over the bar was calling crying happy tears that will create a Regional Secretary hear. At a meeting in September and getting to know people not on my bond with these amazing, wonderful Judy McMurray David was presented with a token th 0114 236 2430 30 July 2017 course in the bar was great too! funny people for ever. [email protected] of appreciation by Julie Webb, Our course was held in the sports hall ★★ A truly magical place that allows us to Representative for District 14. David st Regional Treasurer so there was loads of space with the 1 August explore, experiment and play. Geoff Haywood will be missed not only for his expert only downside being you couldn’t hear I hate the sound of my voice and really ★★ A place to find out about new ways 01226 724925 organisational skills but also for his the tutors when it rained and it was struggle singing straight songs in front of of working and techniques and take [email protected] leadership over the last five years. bloomin’ freezing! people. I forced myself to do it over and those for future use in our societies Membership Secretary over and with the help of friends and and our lives. John Parsons At the same meeting David I loved every aspect of the course from a few minutes with Sarah de Tute (our ★★ A place to learn who we are and 01724 334931 presented Les Smith with a collaret [email protected] ensemble singing with harmonies to solo Tutor) it gave me a little more courage accept that it is ok. as he took over the mantle as NODA lines (a personal fear I overcame!) to the to at least try. ★★ A chance to challenge yourself, push Web Manager North East Regional Councillor. Les Bryan Craven boot camp and choreography. I really through fears and self-doubt. 0113 252 2514 has served as Representative for pushed myself physically and did I know In the evening Matthew Kelly was our guest ★★ A place to sit at daft o’clock in the [email protected] District 5 for the past six years and, about it on Monday! speaker, a lovely man with great stories! morning with new friends putting the Long Service Awards Secretary in his words, has “loved world to rights. Pamela Booth every minute of the 31st July 2017 2nd and 3rd August ★★ A place I will always be sad to leave but 01943 430318 time”. Les has been So, with an aching body, Monday was Course work continued to be hard work will always look forward to next year. [email protected] involved with NODA Regional Editor societies in South and Tony Harris 01377 272063 West Yorkshire for [email protected] almost 50 years and Finding amateur theatre in a new city… thanks to NODA has also understudied Youth Adviser When I moved to Leeds after graduating meet the Director and Stage Manager of not be able to run and I love being a part Jo Sykes for one North Yorkshire 07967 504554 society. I was a little lost and, apart from my day their current production, as well as their of the decision process for such a well- [email protected] job, had very little to fill my spare time Chairperson. From the off I knew that I established group. My role backstage with. That is until I went on to the NODA would get on really well with them and had is taking a hiatus in March as I will be website and looked for amateur groups potentially found a new group to rekindle directing the society’s production of The in my area. I sent various emails to my involvement in amateur theatre. Demon Headmaster. Another new title different groups and the first to respond for the society and one that I hope will be North East Districts & was Leeds Children’s Theatre. My first production with the group was The enjoyable for all involved. Representatives Railway Children. Thrown in at the deep The group was established in 1935 and end I was running sound for the show! My I am grateful to Leeds Children’s Theatre DISTRICT 1 Terry Harrison for over 80 years has been producing specialism was in Lighting and Set Design for the opportunities that they have given 01423 870656 plays aimed at a young audience and so this was way out of my comfort zone me and I look forward to continuing to [email protected] running workshops to train their junior but I embraced the challenge and it was a work with them in the future. Amateur DISTRICT 2 members in theatre craft and performance very successful show. theatre is a really important part of the arts Helen Dent techniques. They pride themselves on the culture in this country, providing families 01723 317688 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 14 fact that their membership ranges from 7 From then on I built my role within the and people that cannot afford to see [email protected] Position Vacant contact David Lockwood Sally Holmes Julie Webb to 70+ meaning that they can cast age society moving on to stage manage their mainstream shows at the big theatres the DISTRICT 3 [email protected] 01484 322868 0113 2192095 0114 2551869 appropriate parts in their shows as well as next three shows, joining the Committee, opportunity to see a piece of theatre, and Tony Harris [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 6 giving the younger members the chance of becoming the Stage Equipment Officer it is something that I hope will continue for 01377 272063 Mary Titterton DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 15 [email protected] 0114 236 8619 Christine Castle Judith Smith Pamela Booth working alongside more experienced adult and, most recently, the Vice Chairperson many years to come. DISTRICT 4 [email protected] 0113 2664672 01274 568305 01943 430318 members, and vice versa. of the society. The committee side of John Parsons DISTRICT 7 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] amateur theatre isn’t for everyone but Dan Dainter 01724 334931 Noel Rigg DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 13 DISTRICT 16 In mid-October 2014 I went along to without this vital ingredient societies would Leeds Children’s Theatre [email protected] 01924 466659 Jacqui Hartley Geoff Haywood Bryan Craven [email protected] 01422 706050 01226 724925 0113 252 2514 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

20 NODA Today – November 2017 21 regionalroundup

North West ACTRESS MAKES BCMCS’ DREAM COME TRUE A dream came true for the cast of BCMCS’s production of The Dream. Orrell Musicals Enter Councillor’s Chat The show, a ‘musical fantasy’ version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was staged in October by the Bolton- Hi everyone, just a brief chat for this issue because, as you can see, we based group at Walmsley Parish Hall. have loads of interesting articles and pictures from around the region. a Golden Age In preparation for the production director and Sharon Drummond and I represented the North West at the AGM From six friends having the idea of North West professional actor Liz Hume-Dawson called on her and Presidential Weekend, when our new President, Nick Lawrence setting up an operatic society Committee long-term friend, former Coronation Street actress was elected. I do hope that you will join me in congratulating Nick on to celebrating 50 years on Councillor Shobna Gulati to put the cast through their his elevation and very much look forward to welcoming Nick to our Read more stage, Orrell Musical and Christine Hunter Hughes Bollywood-style dance paces. Regional AGM and Awards Weekend on 5th – 7th May at a venue to celebrity news Dramatic Society have 01772 728817 in the Scotland [email protected] be announced. gone full circle. The workshop helped put some finishing roundup Regional Secretary cultural touches to their pop ensemble work for Sharon Drummond Has your society done anything of interest recently or something which overleaf The company had its first the show, which was specially adapted by Liz. 01706 854208/07976 076962 you feel would be interesting or helpful to other societies? Do please get together in January [email protected] write and tell us about it – send your article to Anna our regional editor 1968, at Trinity Methodist Liz and Shobna met when working on Victoria Wood’s Regional Treasurer and she will do her best to include it in the next issue. Church in Pemberton, setting sail Trevor Mills sitcom Dinnerladies. 01477 534843 to stage Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Christine Hunter-Hughes Pirates of Penzance, with around [email protected] A spokesman for BCMCS said: “Doing this show Councillor 15 members forming the then Awards Secretary is all the more relevant this academic year with A Christine Sanderson Orrell and District Gilbert and 01772 827812 / 07961 561647 Midsummer Night’s Dream being a set text for English Sullivan Society. [email protected] literature GCSE students, and should provide an Magazine/News Editor entertaining twist to traditional interpretations.” With a successful debut and Anna Cryer From Seven Brides to One increased membership, the society Musical and Dramatic Society and 07971 193616 [email protected] Amateur dramatics enthusiasts often call their stage Matt said: “To be surrounded by our Centenary moved to Winstanley College for relaunched with Hello Dolly. In addition to concerts and shows, the Youth Adviser company their alternative family, and for Centenary family was a really nice moment. We met in the it next production with rehearsals Jenny King Theatre Company’s Matt Orillard – he couldn’t Centenary’s autumn play four years ago at the very at Salem United Reform Church company goes out carol singing for 0151 639 4189 think of a better place to propose to his girlfriend first rehearsal – I’d been performing here for about Hall in Orrell, where the group has the festive season and will be part [email protected] than after the group’s latest production. three years and she was re-joining after university.” been based ever since. of Pemberton Christmas Market Regional Webmaster this year. & Marketing Matt, 25, from Birchwood, had Danielle added: “It was a complete Lloyd Bamber A spokesman said: & Luke Taberer played Harry in Centenary’s surprise to me, although I did Luke: 07906 358645 production of The Ladykillers, have a bit of a suspicion that “Lots of fun has been Lloyd: 07971 544242 when he dropped down on one something was going on a few had over the last five [email protected] ADDING SPICE TO THE STAGE knee after the show to propose days beforehand when he was very decades and, although to Danielle Segar, 26, in front of insistent that I had to go and watch A new theatre company has burst on to the North we no longer have any the cast and crew at The Brindley the show on that particular night.” West district 8 scene, in a blaze of PVC, big hair and of our founder members Theatre, Runcorn. ripped T-shirts. with us, we do still have Matt and Danielle are now members who have Appropriately the couple first met planning on getting married six District 8 representative Louise Colohan said: been part of the society when appearing in Seven Brides for years on from the day they first got “Having staged their first production Rock Of A few years on, the society for around 40 years. Seven Brothers four years ago. together in summer 2019. Ages, they have certainly cemented their position broadened its aims, and the within the district. This production saw talent come renamed Orrell and District “As we move into our 50th year, we from all corners of the district and beyond. Almost Operatic Society, staged The Merry are having to leave Salem United every aspect of the show was contributed to by the Widow. Reform Church Hall since the society, with people giving their time and ability to church is to close and, ironically, North West Districts & Representatives help stage this show. Over the years, shows have been we are moving back to Trinity staged at the Linacre Theatre and Methodist Church in Pemberton for DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 Kevin Proctor David Slater Position Vacant Louise Colohan Martin Craig “A very sad personal life event led the founder to Deanery High School in Wigan, our rehearsals.” 07771 961865 078770415902 DISTRICT 6 07999 049807 01229 431516 / place her focus on something that could help others Abraham Guest High School in [email protected] [email protected] Pat Connor louise.colohan@ 07870 835997 in a similar position. What better way to bring about Orrell and currently at St Michael’s In the 50th anniversary year noda.org.uk [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 4 01257 277615 a positive from such a negative time. The strength Church Hall in Swinley, Wigan. 2018, OMDS will stage a concert Eddie Regan Budge Grounsell [email protected] DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 12 and consistent dedication to the cause was well in January, a musical in July 01772 453885 0151 639 8328 DISTRICT 7 Ed McGee David Slater measured in the slick production produced. We In 2001 the name changed again, and a musical extravaganza in [email protected] [email protected] 01900 603050 078770415902 Sharon Drummond welcome Salt N Pepper to NODA and wish them to reflect a move towards modern November, looking back at the 50 01706 854208 [email protected] [email protected] sharon.drummond@ well in their next production.” musicals and plays, to Orrell golden years. noda.org.uk

22 NODA Today – November 2017 23 50 Years of Pantomime! T Davies Brock, Regional regionalroundup There have been so many highlights over Representative the years, including participation at the (District 4), Retires Glasgow Garden Festival 1988, an appearance Davies’s interest Scotland on Cilla Black’s Surprise, in the amateur Surprise, and last year the stage began at broadcast of our panto on Ayr Academy Glasgow Airport was opened in 1966 Scottish Television. where he NODA Scotland Conference and the following year a group of participated in employees got together with the idea After 40 years we changed our name several Gilbert & Sullivan operettas The NODA Scotland Conference 2018 will be held from Friday of putting on an entertainment for local in 2007 to Runway Theatre Company charities. Eric Goold in the Finance which widened our appeal, while still and designed 26 to Sunday 28 October at Peebles Hydro, Innerleithen Road, and made the Peebles EH45 8LX. Full details will be posted in due course. Department came up with a script preserving our links with the Airport, Scotland for an airport pantomime called Ali and enhancing the good reputation scenery for Committee Babbotsinch. (Glasgow Airport was for traditional family pantomimes of the Academy’s which we are justly proud. production of Councillor originally called Abbotsinch). The show Stuart McCue-Dick, NODA Scotland Councillor – A Welcome went on in the West School, Paisley, Iolanthe. After Stuart McCue-Dick qualifying as a lawyer in 1959, he joined 01698 253706 on 15 and 16 December 1967 – and In 2010 the company diversified For over thirty years I have been involved Gordon Blackburn by developing further the Ayrshire Philharmonic Opera Society [email protected] with amateur theatre on stage as a performer Business of Amateur Theatre Workshops to Glasgow Airport Drama Club was born! and now produces a spring musical Treasurer each year with a policy of producing and played several principal parts, also and off stage as stage crew and committee ensure a secure future for amateur theatre. participating in the chorus. He was the Stewart Cameron member, having served as Treasurer, Secretary I would also like to expand the work of the The Club built up a repertoire of seven new or rarely performed works. 01387 264005 Our first musical was Camelot, and Society’s Hon Secretary for a number of [email protected] and President of a number of societies. Youth Adviser to help attract and retain new main pantomimes (with book, music and lyrics by Eric Goold) which, with a bit of other productions have included the years and became President in the Society’s Web Manager and younger members of societies. I will Golden Jubilee in 1984. He currently holds Vacant please For the past five years I have served on the also work closely with the NODA Scotland updating, we still rotate annually. With Scottish Premières of The Drowsy the pantomime at one time running for Chaperone and Lend Me A Tenor - the position of the Society’s Honorary contact Councillor NODA Scotland committee as website and Committee to continue to develop our President. Magazine/News Editor Facebook editor and for the past four years I conference at Peebles Hydro to ensure it two weeks at a time, and in recent years The Musical; the Scottish Amateur Alan C Jones cramming 9 full-length shows into one Première of Whistle Down the Wind, have also served as Treasurer for both NODA remains not only popular but also relevant to In 1973 the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, in 0141 633 0544 Scotland Region and our own NODA Scotland both society and individual members. week, it is estimated that something in the as well as our recent acclaimed [email protected] region of 125,000 audience members productions of Evita and Priscilla, which the Philharmonic staged its charity. This gives me a clear insight into the shows, was threatened with closure Youth Adviser workings of the Regional Committee and in Over the coming months I look forward to have attended an Eric Goold panto. Queen of the Desert. Calum Campbell and redevelopment and to prevent that 07865 119643 particular the annual conference where for meeting as many members of NODA clubs happening Davies applied successfully [email protected] the past three years I worked closely with past as possible as I set out the NODA Scotland in his own right to have the Theatre Councillor Gordon Blackburn to help implement Committee’s plans to help grow and develop Edinburgh’s musical performers know they’ve listed in the Register of Buildings of changes and improvements to ensure the amateur theatre over the coming years. If I Scotland Districts & got the chops to bring Historic and Architectural interest. As a continued success of this popular event. can provide societies with any help or advice, result the Gaiety still stands today. Representatives please do not hesitate to get in touch. Currently amateur theatre faces a number of home the Bacon DISTRICT 1 In 1982 Davies became Regional challenges including financial sustainability, Stuart McCue-Dick Ian M. Gray This coming March the Edinburgh based Representative for Ayrshire, Renfrewshire 0141 942 5755 ageing audiences and attracting new younger Bohemians Lyric Opera Company (BLOC) and Bute, a position he has held since [email protected] members. Having been elected Councillor will be bringing Footloose – The Musical then. He has been privileged to attend DISTRICT 2 I would like to continue the work started by Roger Buist to the King’s Theatre stage. Following their many productions of District 4 societies 01382 739743 recent successes at bringing film-turned- over the years and has made many [email protected] musicals to the Scottish capital – past friends during that period. He thought DISTRICT 3 Kirkcaldy Youth Music Theatre shows include Legally Blonde, Sister Act, it was time to retire from the role at the Elizabeth Donald and 9 to 5 – the company are ready to Scottish Region’s Conference at Peebles 01324 637791 In 1958 three people with a great interest in the local kick off their Sunday shoes and rebel. And hearing the news is in the selfie just in October. Following upon the untimely [email protected] amateur theatre world of music and drama decided to they’ve got permission from the original after I told him, hence the big smile!” death in January 2017 of Scottish DISTRICT 4 launch a musical group aimed at the young people of renegade himself. said Padraic. Regional Councillor, Gordon Blackburn, Craig Inglis Kirkcaldy and the surrounding community. Thus was born Davies filled in as Acting Councillor 07751 642521 Kirkcaldy Teenage Opera Group, based in the YWCA in [email protected] During his visit to the Edinburgh Rehearsals are already underway for for the Scottish Region, a position he Kirkcaldy. The guiding principles of the group were (and International Film Festival in June the 60+ cast as they get ready to vacated in September upon the election DISTRICT 5 still are): To offer an opportunity for any young person of David Black original Footloose heart-throb Kevin cut loose next spring. As part of their of the new Councillor. Davies has also 01698 459479 secondary school age to participate in a musical production. Bacon greeted eager fans, including fundraising efforts, the “Bohs” will be acted as Hon Legal Adviser to the [email protected] dedicated BLOC alumnus Padraic raffling off a signed Footloose poster, Scotland Region on matters involving DISTRICT 6 The name of the group subsequently changed to YWCA Light Opera Group and finally to Kirkcaldy Hamrouge. The pair chatted about so keep an eye out on their Facebook Scots Law. Davies is also an Honorary Dorothy M Johnstone Youth Music Theatre. The first production in 1959 was The Rajah of Rajapore (also known as The some of Bacon’s classic films and of page (@bohemiansedinburgh) for Member of NODA, a distinction 0131 445 4685 Magic Ruby) – an Edwardian Musical with music by C K Proctor. Over [email protected] course the upcoming musical production more details on how to enter! And if conferred on him at the National AGM 58 years productions have included South Pacific, Hans Andersen, Half of what is critically considered to be his you’re lucky enough to find yourself at Buxton a few years ago. DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 9 A Sixpence and Barnum. Currently the group stages its production in the Mike Pendlowski Douglas J Clark breakthrough movie, Footloose. in Edinburgh next March, don’t miss 01383 623708 01569 766169 Adam Smith Theatre. Recently the young people have had the chance to your chance to lose your blues with Davies met his wife Joan at the NODA perform in Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Legally Blonde as well as fun [email protected] [email protected] “He was super nice; he was very the Bohemians. Summer School held at Ripon in 1969 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 10 shows such as Eurobeat. quiet, but had time for questions and and they married the following year. Deborah Lyons Gordon Smith autographs. I told him about the “Bohs”’ Jo Heinemeier, Press Assistant, They have two sons, Graeme and Kevin, 01450 377577 07730 603827 Kirkcaldy Youth Music Theatre was the recipient of the NODA Scotland production of Footloose and his grin at Bohemians Lyric Opera Company and three grandchildren. [email protected] [email protected] Youth Award in 2014. DISTRICT 11 Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 24 [email protected] NODA Today – November 2017 25 A Phoenix in the Surrey Hills – regionalroundup Polesden Lacey Shakespeare In 1951 the villagers of Bookham carved an open air theatre “for the people” out of the chalk hillside at the National Trust property, Polesden Lacey. Since then, there has been at least one performance of Shakespeare at the South East theatre every year. Sixty years later, in 2009, the flame nearly died, when the National Trust decided to stop Councillor’s Comments underwriting the performances. This was too much for a small group of local enthusiasts who banded together to create Exciting times ahead. New service in so many ways not only to NODA but Polesden Lacey Shakespeare Ltd, which rose, phoenix-like, from the ashes, awards, new date, new venue, to all societies. I take this opportunity to thank albeit with substantial practical support from the National Trust. new programme… Lance for all his support and encouragement. Fortunately he will remain as one of the new Benches, a Evening performances and expensive sets were abandoned, allowing Read about ticket prices to be kept to a minimum with no charge for children under The 2018 South East Celebration. assistant reps available to deputise when another brand South East New Date: Sunday 18th March necessary. We have four other assistant reps new play, Spirits new play by sixteen. Interestingly audience levels were maintained since parents, who Committee Change of Venue: Playhouse Theatre Mary Coyte, Meg Bray, Janice Redway and of the Rock, in the Margaret might have otherwise stayed away, attended with their children. Councillor Whitstable, the home of The Lindley Players Harry Cumming. They will be working with West Midlands The company now funds a group of professional actors who perform scenes Kay Rowan Wanted: Societies and individuals to their mentors over the next year to learn the roundup on Graham from Shakespeare and abbreviated versions of Shakespeare’s plays for 01420 83076 showcase the talent in the South East. ropes so if they visit your show please give pages 34-35 [email protected] them a warm welcome. children in local schools and around the grounds of Polesden Lacey. In May 2017 Ifield Barn Theatre Society Regional Secretary I am pleased to announce that Dee Sharpe brought to their stage another original Pauline Catterall has taken over the role of Regional Rep for I look forward to meeting many more of you in The new phoenix is being kept alive by local people who have a passion 01420 541726 script by member Margaret Graham. As District 1 I know she will actively support the the coming year. for Shakespeare and want to keep the theatre, built by the people, for the [email protected] with her previous NODA South East award-winning plays societies in her district. She has a hard act to people, alive and kicking. Regional Treasurer - Miniskirts & Revelations and Flowery Shirts & Strange follow for Lance Milton has given dedicated Kay Rowan Keith Smithers Relations – Benches provoked a lot of curiosity. It was 01903 419913 [email protected] performed to five packed houses and provoked many thoughtful responses. Benches – A Ghost Story was inspired Membership Secretary Sadie Williams: Tunbridge Wells John Barnes Gordon Harris – 50th anniversary congratulations by Hove seafront which is where the play is set. 01580 830830 Operatic & Dramatic Society [email protected] Gordon Harris, our much loved president, played Matthew Cuthbert. Gordon’s The previous year, walking the esplanade, Margaret this year reaches 50 years with the Kentish obsession with shoes when performing Web Manager had wondered about the memorial benches. What if Sadie joined Tunbridge Wells Operatic (TWODS) in 1947 performing in Mark Donalds Players, having joined in 1967 for our is in part due to his own view that the such a diverse range of mortals were seated on ‘their’ Katinka. She met her future husband Rex the following year in Tom Jones 023924 69197 production of The King & I. little details make the character right, benches, observing the comings and goings of oblivious and they married in 1950. During the next 50 years, Rex and Sadie between [email protected] but also his in depth knowledge of passers-by? What would these ‘Benchers’ say to each them did virtually every job needed to promote the success and efficient Awards Secretary During those 50 years Gordon has costumes. This knowledge has led other? What would they have in common? Suppose they Margaret Coltman running of the Society and were made Life Members of TWODS in 1996. appeared on stage many times in both to him co-ordinating the costumes included some 1920s end-of-the-pier showgirls; a newly- 01202 658380 the chorus and as a principal character. If for the Kentish Players productions [email protected] deceased young biker; a 1950s Nan with a sensitive Sadie initially performed as chorus you have been a supporter of the Kentish on many occasions. He became our secret; a despised conscientious objector who met his fate member and dancer, then taking Magazine/News Editor Players at any time during the last 50 years President in 2009 and continues to Gregory Gower in the Second World War? principal roles such as Azuri in 01323 737813 you will no doubt have seen Gordon on offer his insight and advice based on The Desert Song and Meg in [email protected] stage and, on at least one occasion, more of him those 50 years of experience. He also attends and Richard Townley, the conscientious objector, became the Brigadoon. In 1976, she moved Youth Adviser than you ever anticipated; Gordon once played hosts most committee meetings. focal point of the play and is based on a semi-biographical on to production, directing The Jackie Kenyon the Emperor in Hans Anderson…need we say script written by Margaret’s father - Harold Goodwin Mikado and several other operettas 07533 884599 more?! Joking aside, his willingness to do whatever We are very grateful that Gordon is a member of [email protected] - in 1941. It includes a tribunal scene which (as with his from the G&S repertoire during the a director asks of him and to work tirelessly on all the Kentish Players. He has given the KPs 50 years daughter’s writing) is both comedic and poignant. next five years. Assistant Regional Rep (East) aspects of his character has meant that Gordon of great service, sound advice, good humour, Phillip Hall 01273 473500 has created some wonderful memories for those memorable performances and above all his Richard’s story, his conscientious objector philosophy Sadie first served on the committee [email protected] of us lucky enough to have stood on stage beside friendship, and we look forward to many more and tribunal scene, could have been a contentious issue in 1954-57 and was elected for many subsequent terms; she occupied both Drama Adviser him, or to have had the good fortune to watch years of the same. even though the intention was not conversion to his point Vice Chairman and Chairman roles for TWODS and LAMPS. In addition, Margaret Fields him in action. And for those of you who were of view. However, feedback showed positive reactions she was Lighting Assistant and acted as DSM for more than 50 shows, 01962 775 438 wondering, Gordon’s own fondest memories Happy 50th Gordon from all of us at the Kentish [email protected] - it gave some younger people an insight into past undertaking these important tasks with great efficiency and dedication. come from Anne of Green Gables in which he Players. generations’ experiences, older people related to some Media Guru Sadie became Company Manager in 1998 and is still the ‘public face’ of Vanessa Denson of the characters and stories, and others said they found TWODS, greeting audiences as a key part of the Front of House team. She [email protected] DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 13 DISTRICT 18 it ‘thought provoking’, especially in regard to current is also President of LAMPS. Doreen Grierson Marie Coltman Pauline Surrey world happenings. 01474 813611 01202 581385 07976 587642 Earlier this year Sadie was presented with her 70 year award by the South East Districts & Representatives [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] As NODA South East representative Read about Chairman of TWODS, Kevin Denson and the two are pictured. DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 14 DISTRICT 19 Lance Milton wrote in his report: ‘The another Dee Sharpe Anne Lawson Jose Harrison Chris Horton Jon Fox concept is wonderful, the whole company [email protected] 01424 428693 01903 892248 01256 882 426 020 8668 6768 very special John Barnes, Chairman of NODA, has commented that Sadie [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] should be proud of a very engaging and anniversary in never fails to invite him to TWODS productions and, in the interval DISTRICT 2 entertaining production which I think Brenda Gower DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 16 the East roundup to “Sadie’s Corner” in the bar where she dispenses hospitality to 01323 737813 Gordon Harris Mark Donalds Rita Boffin Harold would have enjoyed watching as pages 8-9 VIPS attending. Sadie has an encyclopaedic knowledge of amateur [email protected] 01634 402323 023924 69197 01983 731491 much as we, the audience did.’ theatre and always willing to share with all. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 17 Cheryl Mumford Gloria Smith Mark Allen 26 cheryl.mumford 01932 866323 07889 677182 NODA Today – November 2017 27 @noda.org.uk [email protected] [email protected] How you can help us Curtain up on NODA’s The new website is looking great but you can help us make it even better! We want to make sure we’ve got all your details stored correctly and we also want to know when you’re performing! Months in the making, with hours of work behind Use our handy step by step guide to get online and keep us up to date. the scenes, NODA’s brand new website launched at new website the end of September during the national AGM. Step by step guide – getting to grips with the new website Here’s a quick Q&A about some of the changes we’ve made. 1. Register with the site 4. Find your show The first thing you need to do is reports Why did NODA need a new content. If you are not a member, or you to view the whole thing. It also makes register with the new site. Even if you Simply click on ‘Regions’ website? are not logged in, when you click on the the menus easier to select on a were registered with the old site you in the menu and select An excellent question. The old site had page you’ll see a message explaining touchscreen. will need to do this again because we your area, then click on the been serving us for close to five years, that this content is for members only. have changed the way the site links to ‘Reports’ tab at the top of it was getting very large and wasn’t What about Summer School? our database – don’t worry it’s quick the page. All reports are always very easy to use. Building a But why? Summer School has its very own area and very easy. listed in date order. Don’t new site has given us the chance to The great thing about doing it this way on the new website. Simply click on forget to share your reports review and improve the way things is that everyone can see the kinds of the Summer School homepage in the One thing to note: make sure when to social media so everyone work. The new website uses the same services we offer in the main menu. menu and explore the tabs across you register you use the exact details can read your reviews! It will help us to let people know who the top of the page. You’ll need to be address as the old one, so anyone can we have on record for you. If you find us atnoda.org.uk we are and what we do. And it makes signed into the website to book onto don’t register with the email address You can also find details everything easy to locate! a course. and surname we hold on file for you, about your regional So, what’s changed? the database won’t link you up and committee, read news from The way our systems talk to each I still can’t find what I’m What else is new? you might not have all the permissions your region and browse other. The new website integrates with looking for! You can now easily share pages from you need to get going! a list of societies near our national database. This means Don’t worry! Just use the search box the site, including show reports and you using the tabs in your that you can be in control of all your at the top of the menu. Simply type in news to your social media accounts. There are two levels of 2. Check and update your society regional section. a couple of keywords about the thing When you’re using the website on data, and can update your personal registration on the site. details. or society details at any time simply you’re looking for and choose your page a computer just click on the icon at a. If you are an individual member or If you’re an official in your society, from the list of results. the right hand edge of the page to by logging into the website. In turn, hold the membership details for your when you register for the site, we’ll this means our records will be more quickly share to Facebook, Twitter or society, registering will allow you link your account to your society’s so Need some help? up to date and accurate, making it Why does it look different on other sharing platforms. access to update your show listings that when you log in you’ll just need Don’t panic. If it’s all a bit much easier for us to talk to you. We’ve also my mobile? and society or individual details. to click ‘My account’ and then the and you’re not sure where to start, been able to improve the experience The new website is built to be      b. If you are not a member, ‘My societies’ tab. Click ‘log in’ next just get in touch! responsive. This means that if you of using the website – it’s now much registering on the site will not to your society’s name and you will simpler to navigate and search to find visit the site on a give you membership to NODA be automatically logged in as your You can email us at the things you need. mobile phone but it will allow you to book onto society. You can update your society [email protected] or call us or a tablet the summer school courses, shop contact details in the ‘My details’ tab on 01733 374790 and we’ll help site recognises Where is the members’ area? online with us and give you easy at the top. Remember to save all your you out. this and changes This is one of the biggest changes access to apply online to become changes. To return to using the site the way it looks we’ve made. There is no longer one a NODA member. as yourself, rather than your society, to make your specific area that only members simply click ‘log out’. can access. Instead, all the pages experience that were previously tucked away in better. The the members’ area can be seen in mobile view the main menu, underneath ‘Our forces the page Services’. If you hold the membership to fit your phone details for your society or you’re or tablet screen an individual member and you are so you don’t logged into the site you will be able need to keep to click on the pages and view the scrolling across

3. Add a show to the What’s On guide. Let us know what you’re staging next! Log in as your society (or as an individual or joint member) and click on the shows/events tab at the top of the page. Click ‘Add new’ and fill out the form with the details of your upcoming shows.

28 29 A special How to make a Cortina! showcase full of surprises With no theatre in Crediton, (just some pretty ordinary regional school halls) CODS is challenged every year to stage its roundup – including a Broadchurch shows. The ‘fit up’ for their musicals usually takes about actor! 10 days, though this does allow a blank canvas, based upon the vision of the director. The vision for this year’s production of Made in Dagenham was ‘in the round’ and South West it needed a car … a 1968 Cortina, as produced by the Dagenham Factory at the time of the strike.

This was quite challenge for the production team - these cars are collectors’ items and probably start at around The South West’s Nick Lawrence £3000 – quite outside the show budget! Fortunately one eagle-eyed member of the production team, traveling home becomes NODA President! from business in Cornwall, spotted a car well tucked-away South West almost out of sight from the road with a familiar shape. Committee Was it a Cortina? It was, but not quite the model the Society hoped for and it was a rust bucket, with lots of parts missing. Councillor With some persuasion it was just about affordable though Graham Liverton and was acquired. 01395 579972 [email protected] Membership Secretary Imaginative minds

Nick Lawrence Ria Hodson-Walker got to work. A real 01404 758463 car was needed in [email protected] the show for the song Regional Secretary & Cortina! covering the Pantomime Liaison grand launch of the Iain Douglas 70 Years of 07880 543 719 new Cortina, it also [email protected] faced the scrutiny Regional Treasurer of an audience in the round who would be pretty close to Tony Pomeroy the action. With so much of the car too far gone, the best

Jack Price, Axminster Drama Club Hanham Players 01278 662181 thing to do was to cut it in half …length-ways! And after a [email protected] On Saturday 23rd September at NODA’s AGM Axminster Drama Club, to see their production of The Hanham Players, based in Hanham, Bristol have just considerable number of hours, skill, hard graft, oxy-acetylene, Regional Webmasters in the Marriot Hotel, Bristol, Nick Lawrence was the musical Spamalot. The club were only too glad celebrated their 70th anniversary, with a very special show. welding gear, filler, spray guns, primer, car paint, and go Stuart Lyddon made President - after many years of service to to welcome Nick – and the chain! Compiled by organiser Andrew Stowe, from around 30 faster stripes, the group had their Cortina. It wasn’t an MK2, 07827 317 532 different shows from their back catalogue, the 70th Anniversary [email protected] NODA and NODA South West in particular. but the dancing girls, clad in shiny gold dresses, were good We’ll keep abreast of Nick’s travels this year and Showcase did its best to demonstrate the breadth of productions enough to provide a distraction, as did the 12ft by 10ft video Sarah Hall the group had staged over the decades. The whole show was set [email protected] Nick has a year ahead of travelling the length and update you on the other events at the AGM in movie of really classy Lotus 1968 MK2, actually made in the around 70 years of world history, using elements Regional Awards Secretary breadth of the country to visit all of the regions. coming editions of NODA today. Dagenham factory, that was filmed earlier. Frankie Telford His first visit however, was much closer to home – of all their favourite past productions to illustrate their journey through time. 01453 842 695 Read about So the illusion was complete, pulled together by a great [email protected] Winston Churchill could be heard next deal of imagination, an eagle-eyed fixer, hours of skilled Oddity Theatre to Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn and another 70th Regional Editor anniversary in hard work, a bit of filming, and the magic of lights, costume Matthew Heaton even Her Majesty the Queen made an raises funds for the the Wales and and one great song and dance routine. All 4 minutes 41 01249 713 743 appearance! [email protected] Ireland roundup seconds of it looked great, and my goodness it was worth Wessex Multiple it! Find out more at www.codsonline.com! Regional Youth Adviser Past members were invited back to overleaf Jack Price Sclerosis Therapy 07921 290 654 the group in a one-off event just before [email protected] Centre the show, and filmed interviews with them were used during the production. The video New South West District South West Districts At their recent run of Avenue Q, projections used throughout the show gave the audience a Representatives & Representatives Warminster based Oddity Theatre glimpse behind the curtain of the group. Their large local raised £577.23 for the Wessex DISTRICT 1 following contains members that have come to see their shows District 3 – Plymouth and West Devon: Gareth Davies Oriel Bennett Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. for 20 or 30 years, and so this was special as it was their (replacing Michael Simpson) 01726 883 523 Congratulations on a fantastic chance to see the history of the people within the group. [email protected] effort for a very worthy cause – District 5 – Mid and East Devon: Joyce Pomeroy (replacing DISTRICT 2 and a great production of the Whilst mindful of making a show fit for their audience, there was Graham Liverton, whom has become South West Region Kathy West musical too! also a sense that the show should be for the group - so there Jack Price Jack Councillor) 01208 816 214 [email protected] were a few surprises along the way. One such surprise came in the form of support from Broadchurch actor Joe Sims, who used District 10 – East Somerset and South Wiltshire: Delia Lee DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 8A DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 14 Gareth Davies Janet Elworthy Jo Wilson-Hunt Sylvia Coates Dee Way to be a member of the group, appearing in their pantomime (replacing Petra Schofiled) 07967 704107 01823 680 117 01823 663 257 07904 929 989 01225 867 099 back in 1994. Joe recorded a special message for the cast of [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] the show, which was used during the final video projection. Michael Simpson has stepped down as a DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 15 District Representative after an incredible 35 Iain Douglas Di Ffitch Sue Pomeroy Brian Oliver Frankie Telford Combining the talents of the adult cast members, with those of years in the role, for both the North and the 07880 543 719 07799 557 871 01278 662 181 [email protected] 01453 842 695 the Hanham Players Youth Group, the Players ran their show for South West. Michael, and his wife Marilyn [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 13 two nights in September to large audiences. Congratulations to received their 55 year service awards at the DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 10 Tony Winstone DISTRICT 16 all involved and here’s to another 70 years of the group!! Joyce Pomeroy Leigh Conley Delia Lee 07974 289 817 Stuart Dark NODA AGM in September. 01404 813748 07496 612258 01225 833 349 [email protected] 07894 660 060 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01793 630 655 [email protected] 30 NODA Today – November 2017 31 New Youth Fusion Theatre does Starlight Express Adviser to Wales regionalroundup and Ireland Matt is an Arranger, Orchestrator, Conductor and Musical Director from Cardiff. He trained Wales & Ireland at The Royal Military School of Music and The Royal Academy of Music with Professor Veronica Clayton. He also Check out the works as conductor and orchestrator and NODA Youth this has taken him across the UK and roundup on pages COUNCILLOR’S CHAT Ireland working with some of the world’s As you will see in this edition of NODA Today 6-7 for more leading artists including Lorna Luft, Having recently news from youth returned from the we have appointed Mr Allan Mears as your Kerry Ellis, Jai McDowall, Joe McElderry, societies across National AGM and District 4 representative and Mr Matt Hampson Adam Garcia & Christina Bianco. Wales & Ireland Gala weekend in as your Regional Youth Adviser. I would like the country! Committee Bristol, I had the honour to give them a very warm welcome to the As a conductor Matt has led some of the UK and Ireland’s leading orchestras Councillor of officially being regional team and look forward to working Jordan Hill FRSA made your Councillor. with them in order to enhance our Youth includingThe Irish Philharmonic 01792 931196 / 07478686251 We had a successful section and District 4. When I was first told that Fusion Theatre’s deal with. In the end what we put on the Orchestra, The British Sinfonietta and [email protected] weekend with seven of your Regional next show was Starlight Express my first stage was something way beyond my The Welsh Session Orchestra. Regional Secretary Committee in attendance supporting our Please remember in order for your society to be thought was, “I hope they have good initial expectations. A few of them even Jackie Titley 01686 650955 new President, Nick Lawrence. We also nominated for a Regional Award the Regional insurance!” My second thought was, “I performed split leaps, backwards rolls Matt is looking forward to working with and [email protected] witnessed Mrs Jackie Steadman (London Councillor must be invited to your production. I hope my own health insurance is up to and cartwheels. Most importantly we got supporting youth societies in Wales and Regional Treasurer & Councillor) being appointed as Vice continue to ask for at least eight weeks notice due date!” We began by simply skating (or through the whole process with no injuries Ireland. If you would like him to attend a Membership Secretary clinging to the side) around a rink for an and the insurance safely intact! Ian Hogg 01686 650955 President. Congratulations to both and to the area which I cover. I welcome invitations to youth performance alongside your Regional [email protected] we wish them every success in their new be sent to [email protected]. hour and a half on a few Wednesday Representative and Regional Councillor, Jillian Liggett Magazine Editor ambassadorial roles. nights. By the 4th or 5th evening I decided then please invite him by sending him Dee McIlroy 01873 855311 I hope you enjoy this edition of NODA to attempt some “dancing”. There were Fusion Theatre Choreographer an email. You can also contact Matt with 07531 260935 In August 2016 I was appointed to Today and do not forget to pop along to our lots of sore bums that night, including regard to policies and child protection [email protected] NODA as Councillor with Responsibility NODA Youth page to catch up with what my own! The biggest challenge for me training. Matt can be contacted on matt. Youth Adviser to Youth. I will continue as your Regional our younger members have been achieving was negotiating the sheer size of the cast [email protected] Matt Hampson Councillor with the added responsibility of in the last couple of months. (52 young people between ages 11 and [email protected] overseeing NODA’s Youth Advisers and 21 in total on skates) and also thinking Web Manager our young people. I am excited to take on Your friend, outside the box in terms of choreography Guy Wooles 02920 710818 New District [email protected] this challenge and I am looking forward and movement. Basic go to steps like a step ball change or a grapevine were Awards Secretary to working with our Youth Advisers and Jordan Hill FRSA 4 Regional Lyn Emmerson supporting them within the organisation. Councillor out of the question as they didn’t work Representative 01492 870205 on skates, and we had three ramps to [email protected] Your regional committee are busy organising Having first stepped your Regional Gala and AGM which will We have received the very sad news of foot on a stage back in Wales & Ireland take place in May 2018. We have lots of the peaceful passing of Mr John Davies 70 Years of Colwyn Abbey Players 1981 in a production of Districts & exciting plans to enhance this year’s Gala husband of Mrs Sharon Davies District Finian’s Rainbow Allan Representatives and Masterclasses. I hope that you will be 7 Representative. Sharon and her family 2017 has been a cause for celebration production – Blink and You’ll Miss Me – has appeared in and directed many DISTRICT 1 able to attend to support the achievements are very much in our thoughts and for the Colwyn Abbey Players. The won the award for best set presentation. productions throughout South Wales. Lyn Emmerson 01492 870205 of fellow societies and also to network with prayers at this sad time. Christmas production, Ebenezer Scrooge His 2014 production of Jesus Christ [email protected] other members. – written by Abbey members Colin But the biggest cause for celebration Superstar won the NODA Wales & DISTRICT 1A Holmes and Peter Williams – won a comes in July, when the Abbey Ireland Best Production, an achievement Jackie Titley 01686 650955 NODA award for Best Production. At the celebrates 70 years since its first he is very proud of. [email protected] same ceremony, David Huxley received production – which was Vindication by DISTRICT 2 Queen Honours Musical Director for her the award for best performance for the Leonard J. Hines. The company has only Allan has for a number of years also been Sheelagh Hobart 02891 852760 Services to Music and Amateur Theatre in role of Scrooge. Later in the year, the grown bigger and stronger since setting an Appraiser for the Glamorgan Drama [email protected] Pembrokeshire Abbey Players’ production of The Bald out with this one-act in 1947. Over the League and is also a member of The DISTRICT 3 Prima-Donna won the Conwy one-act years they have produced numerous Drama Association of Wales. Allan has Dee McIlroy 01873 855311 drama festival, and Rob Edwards took productions of an eclectic range, such also appeared in a number of productions [email protected] The Musical Director of Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society was home the Best Performance award. as The Importance of Being Earnest, as an extra for both BBC and S4C. honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June, with a British DISTRICT 4 This took the group through to the Arsenic and Old Lace, The Killing of Allan Mears 07815 710654 Empire Medal for her Services to Music and Amateur Community Wales finals in Newtown, where Sharon Sister George, Alfie, Stepping Out, Allan is very passionate about keeping [email protected] Theatre in Pembrokeshire. Huxley and Naomi O’Neill received Calendar Girls, and Acorn Antiques: The amateur theatre alive and has a passion DISTRICT 5 nominations for best performance – and Musical – which also won two NODA for nurturing and developing talent, and Luke Spencer 01792 931196 Marian started her love of amateur theatre at the Melyncrythan [email protected] the latter was presented with a bursary Awards. To celebrate, they’ll be is looking forward to making lots of new Operatic Society in 1968 as their Deputy Accompanist, and moved for drama tuition over the summer. having a celebration evening friends within District 4. If you would DISTRICT 6 to Cardiff where she joined Penarth Players before moving onto Llandaff Musical Society, The Bald Prima-Donna also won at Old Colwyn’s Interchange like him to attend your forthcoming Position Vacant becoming their Accompanist. Contact: [email protected] the prize for best production Read about – which will feature production, then please don’t hesitate at the Leverhulme Drama another 70th excerpts, performed live, to email him. Allan can be contacted on DISTRICT 7 In 1979 she moved to Milford Haven and in 1982 became their Musical Director. She is still anniversary in Sharon Davies 01633 764939 Festival in Port Sunlight, from their 70 years of [email protected] [email protected] waving her baton and would like to thank all those who have supported and encouraged her in where another Abbey the South West productions. the Societies where she has been a member. roundup on the previous page

32 NODA Today – November 2017 33 The Writing of Spirits of the Rock A few words from the West regionalroundup We, the New Kinver Players, Midlands team were very honoured when the National Trust invited Our District Representatives us to contribute to the have seen many memorable Centenary Celebrations of performances this year from West Midlands their acquisition of Kinver Snow Whites and Pantomime Edge and the Rock Houses. Dames to Elizas from My Fair Lady, Dancers from Priscilla Kinver Edge, a heath and Queen of the Desert and COUNCILLOR’S COMMENTS woodland escarpment, is Celebrations of longevity. The home to a set of cave houses list goes on and includes a My grateful thanks The new NODA website was carved straight into the local number of youth productions, for your support successfully launched at the sandstone rock face and solos and ensemble pieces in my first year as Presidential Gala and AGM in the last troglodyte dwellings occupied in from the early 1990s, with people who had lived that sent tingles down their Regional Councillor, Bristol in September, where Nick England. in, or visited, the Rock Houses when they were spines, and the year is still not West Midlands a period that has Lawrence was inaugurated as children; meaning I was able to base all my over! There are many more Committee flown by. I am sorry it has NODA President succeeding The first written account of inhabitants characters on real people. productions to come before the not been possible to visit you all, Michael Hastilow. Michael gave his Councillor was back in 1777 and the last residents teams focus on the nominees though I take this opportunity to President’s Award to ‘Side By Side’ a Ian G. Cox 01527 543808 moved out in 1962. Their peak was in the There were six characters, reminiscing about for our awards categories. [email protected] express appreciation for your kind society he has long admired for their early 1860s when there were 11 dwellings, their experiences, who had lived there sometime Regional Secretary and invitations, with many already work and ethos. housing 44 people. between 1917, when the National Trust acquired On behalf of the West Midlands Regional Treasurer in the diary, and I am looking the Rock Houses until 1962. To make it more Committee Members we’d like Wendy Winterburn forward to visiting more societies for the first NODA West Midlands members will be 01432 273907 There were no relevant ‘ready-made’ plays, interesting, I added another dimension and a twist! to extend a warm welcome to time. saddened to hear of the passing suddenly [email protected] so I volunteered; a daunting task as I’d never NODA for our new societies of Derek Wharton while on a cruise with his Membership Secretary written a play before. We decided to stage During my research I discovered Princess and individual members. A I am pleased to welcome to our team wife Linda. Derek enthralled attendees at a Paul Douglass it in one of the caves, which contributed Elizabeth and Princess Margaret visited huge thank you goes to all our 07876 190519 Alan Bruce who succeeds Rachel Millar as workshop he gave at our regional awards greatly to its success. The atmosphere and the Rock Houses in 1949 when they were NODA WM members, you’ve [email protected] Regional Representative for District 3. Alan ceremony in April, our condolences go to acoustics were incredible, helping us to teenagers. It was an impromptu visit – they brought smiles and laughter to Webmaster brings his experience of performing on family and many friends. bring to life not only the characters, but the just turned up! Our Society wrote to the our representatives and have Jordan McFarlane MBCS stage and knowledge as a local newspaper 07450 250059 houses themselves. The intimate setting Queen to tell her about our play the Spirits been understanding when illness critic to the role, I am sure he will be a great Ian G. Cox [email protected] provided space for an audience of 50 per of the Rock, and received a lovely letter in made it difficult to get to see asset to our team. Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands Awards Secretary performance, and we were delighted to return. We’d like to think that Her Majesty you. Our team would like to

Wyn Mason 01782 616486 be sold-out for every one. Such was the remembered her trip to the Rock Houses back say a massive well done to all [email protected] success, we have been invited to do a repeat in her carefree days. Did she have a wry smile societies for your hard work, Regional Editor performance in spring 2018. on her face when reading our letter? We will we are bowled over with the Janine Graeme [email protected] never know. number of Youth Productions The history of the site is fascinating. I was that came up in discussion, Youth Adviser Vacant determined to keep the play factual, and New Kinver Players your efforts are testament to the Contact: [email protected] was fortunate to have access to interviews By Chairman Martin Ward enthusiasm we have for amateur theatre and wish you all the best West Midlands A Marriage Made in Worcester for the rest of the year. Districts & In a time when we are company staged a highly successful Representatives We look forward to seeing you hearing of societies merging, production of Mozart’s The in 2018, if not before. DISTRICT 1 closing or expanding their Magic Flute and next year Opera Louise Hickey MBE repertoire to include drama Worcester will be delivering another 01531 635133 or pantomime, it is not often Mozart favourite to their audience. [email protected] we hear of one changing tack DISTRICT 2 and name completely to take Caroline concluded: “This does Kay Ikin 01948 880200 on Grand Opera. But Opera Worcester, not mean that we will not be offering musical [email protected] SAVE THE DATE formerly Great Witley Operatic Society theatre and G&S productions in the future but DISTRICT 3 have done just that. Grand Opera will now feature much more NODA West Midlands Alan Bruce 07971 953534 AGM and Awards [email protected] strongly and regularly in our repertoire.” day is set for Sunday DISTRICT 4 It’s all going on in the West Midlands Chairman, Caroline Causier commented: Alison Smith 07961 069505 “Nobody else is producing opera locally, With talented support and guidance from 15th April at Stourbridge [email protected] District 8 held their seasonal gathering, attended by a record number of societies and individuals. Dennis there was an opportunity not only to MD Sue Black, a well-known and respected Town Hall, NEW DISTRICT 5 Price’s meetings are simple, friendly and social, where we catch up on the latest from NODA and the attract a whole new audience but to professional soprano, and Director Andew Regional awards for Andy Brown 01905 795996 District, their what’s on list is discussed along with news, issues and concerns all aired openly around the introduce opera to people who hadn’t Rawle introducing a distinctive style, Opera Pantomimes, Youth and [email protected] table. In attendance was Andy Brown from District 5 ahead of the combined meeting with Bruce Wyatt experienced it before. These days, many Worcester’s productions are sure to be a success! Representatives Awards DISTRICT 6 from District 10. Their first joint meeting was held at the Norbury Theatre providing an opportunity for more people can access opera at the Not to mention the chorus, singers and society will be presented. Don’t Joyce Eyre 07711 625353 forget to book your place [email protected] their societies to look into ways to work together, share ideas as well as looking at how NODA could cinema or on television but nothing can members all work hard to create their wonderfully benefit these groups. really replace hearing it live in the theatre.” successful productions. We wish them well. before the date on the DISTRICT 7 form so you don’t miss Jean Beard 01902 882362 out on tickets. [email protected] In 2016 Opera Worcester took on Carmen, Opera Worcester DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 11 their first production which attracted new Patricia Head, Publicity with Janine Graeme, Dennis Price 01384 571737 Paul Douglass 07876 190519 Bruce Wyatt 01905 840684 Brian Hirst 01543 677144 singers and excellent reviews. A year later the Regional Editor. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

34 NODA Today – November 2017 35 Supporting amateur theatre in times of need...

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