Operatic society in running for four Noda stage awards

TEESDALE Operatic Society has been nominated for a series of top awards – less than a year since the group staged its first production.
The society is up for four National Operatic and Dramatic Association (Noda) North East regional awards.
The group’s debut show Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat has been shortlisted for best adult production, while Matilda is in the running for best junior production.
Daniel Vickers, who played one of the brothers in Joseph, is up for best performance in a senior show, while Mathew Kerr, who played Trunchball in Matilda, is nominated for best junior performance.
They will find out if they’ve won at a presentation evening at the Grand Hotel, Gosforth, on September 17.
Operatic society chairwoman Dawn Trevor said representatives of Noda had attended both shows.
“I was surprised and delighted and very pleased for the individuals who have been nominated,” she said.
“It’s nice that the whole group’s work has been recognised as well.”
The society was formed just before Covid struck and was forced to put its plans on hold until lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Joseph was staged at The Witham, Barnard Castle, last December, while Matilda delighted audiences at Barnard Castle School earlier this year.
“We have only really been going ten months,” added Ms Trevor. Being nominated gives us confidence that we are on the right track. It is nice to be recognised alongside more established groups.”
Teesdale Operatic Society boats 85 senior and junior members and is currently preparing to stage The Little Shop of Horrors, at The Witham, in October.
For more about the society, go to www.teesdaleoperatic society.co.uk.