![]() NATIONAL OPERATIC & DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION Who or what is NODA? NODA is the national body that represents amateur theatre. Any amateur theatre society can become a member of NODA. NODA was founded in 1899, “to protect and advance the interests of operatic and dramatic art, and of societies engaged therein”. The membership continues with over 2,000 society members and over 1,000 individual enthusiasts staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in venues ranging from the country’s leading professional theatres to village halls. Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society is, of course, a member. What does NODA do? They support and inspire amateur theatre. Their vision is that amateur theatre is successful and sustainable, providing a range of opportunities for people to develop their skills, and enjoy taking part, at all levels. When we put on a production a representative from NODA comes to watch. They then produce a report which reflects their theatre experience. These are very helpful and most encouraging. Click here to see their review of The Gondoliers in 2018. Mission NODA’s mission is to support the education and information needs of individuals and organisations with high quality services and products that contribute to the success of amateur theatre as well as encouraging appreciation of the sector by participants and audiences alike. They aim to:
How is NODA run? NODA has an elected council, comprising 11 councillors, the Chairman and the President. Each councillor represents a region, and each region has a committee which works to sustain and promote amateur theatre in their part of the country. There are five staff members at HQ based in Peterborough. They produce newsletters and magazines regularly. Awards Each year NODA awards individuals and societies for their achievements. Blackburn comes under District 3 (formerly 12), which has its own awards, and the North West Region. Here are some of our most recent awards. 2014: The Mikado - Nominated for Best G&S Production, North West Regional Awards Best MD - Geoff Hill (Winner) Best Supporting Female in a Musical - Heather Nicholas (Winner) Best Supporting Male in a Musical - Tony Lewis (Nominee) Best Leading Female in a Musical - Debbie Thew (Nominee) Best Musical - The Mikado (Nominee) 2015: The Sorcerer - Nominated for Best G&S Production, North West Regional Awards Best Leading Female in a Musical - Debbie Thew (Winner) Best Supporting Male in a Musical - Craig Fletcher (Nominee) Best Ensemble - Company, The Sorcerer (Nominee) Best MD - Julia Taylor (Nominee) 2016: The Pirates of Penzance - WINNER of Best G&S Production, North West Regional Awards Best MD - Julia Taylor (Winner) Best Leading Male in a Musical - Paul Cross (Nominee) Best Leading Female in a Musical - Debbie Thew (Nominee) Best Ensemble - Company, Pirates of Penzance (Nominee) 2017: Iolanthe - Nominated for Best G&S Production, North West Regional Awards Best MD - Matt Corrigan (Winner) Best Supporting Male in a Musical - David Kennedy (Winner) Best Female Comedy Performance- Heather Nicholas (Nominee) Best Ensemble - Company, Iolanthe (Nominee) Best Leading Female in a Musical - Debbie Thew (Nominee) 2018 (February): The Gondoliers - Nominated for Best G&S Production Best female comedy performance: Heather Nicholas (Winner) Best supporting female in a musical: Debbie Thew (Nominee) Best supporting male in a musical: Tony Lewis (Nominee) Best musical director: Matt Corrigan (Nominee) Thwaites Empire Theatre Award: Best ensemble (Nominee) 2018 (September): Little Shop of Horrors - Nominated for Best Musical Best set / Technical / Staging: Stage / tech / puppet teams (Winners) Best male lead in a musical: Ronan Pilkington (Winner) Best female lead in a musical: Hayley Watson-Reid (Nominee) Best supporting male in a musical: Ryan Coe (Nominee) Best supporting male in a musical: Declan Cowell (Nominee) 2019 (February): Ruddigore - Best G&S Production in NW District 3 Best supporting male in a musical: David Kennedy (Nominee) 2019 (June): The Drowsy Chaperone - Nominated for Best Musical Julie Hopkinson trophy for best comedy cameo: Tony Lewis (Winner) Best female lead in a musical: Lyndsay Pilkington (Nominee) Best supporting female in a musical: Debbie Thew (Nominee) Best supporting male in a musical: Mick Dawson (Nominee) Best supporting male in a musical: Tony Lewis (Nominee) 2023: The Mikado - Best G&S Production in NW District 3 Best Poster / Programme (Winner) Best supporting male: Tony Lewis (Nominee) Best ensemble: the Male Chorus (Nominee) |