The Nationa Operatic and Dramatic Society
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded in 1899, is the main representative body for amateur theatre in the UK. It has a membership of some 2500 amateur/community theatre groups and 3000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to village halls. Members have access to a wide range of benefits. NODA is divided into eleven national Regions , each headed by an Region Councillor who sits on the Council (the ruling body of the Association), supported by a network of Regional Representatives and other volunteers. These volunteers are the vital link to the grass roots of the Association, the amateur theatre companies themselves. The Association is administered from its Headquarters in Peterborough, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff able to deal with virtually any enquiry relating to amateur theatre. There is a broad spectrum of ages involved with amateur theatre nationwide, from a burgeoning number of youth groups to adult companies, which meet the needs of all levels of both performers, whether dramatic or musical, and enthusiasts involved backstage, front of house or in administration. NODA aims •   To give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector •   To help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of best practice and performance •   To provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur theatre sector to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century

...and here is the first review of our performances from NODA...

DICK WHITTINGTON
Chapel Players

Producer Deborah Barnes
Choreography Kelly Nadin & Helena Jodrell
Musical Director Rebecca Varnouse


Although Chapel Players have performed many pantomimes over the years, this is the first time since joining NODA and would like to welcome them into the organisation. It was very refreshing to see new faces and new ideas and I was pleased to see that there were a number of men within this company.

Kelly Nadin as Dick gave a credible performance as did Jill McKenzie as Alice. A strong performer was John Gilberthorpe as Alderman Fitzwarren, he had good clear diction and rapport with the audience. Helena Jodrell was well cast as Vigella Ramsey and had a terrific sense of comedy and timing. Congratulations to Dan Mason as Arfur Rat, again good strong diction and rapport with the audience. Well done to Harry Goddard as Tail, who stepped in at the last moment, he looked sinister throughout and was good foil for Arfur. Sara Banks and Caroline Gilberthorpe worked well together as Dixon and the Gendarme, both well characterised and had the audience on their side throughout. All other principals were well cast and good supporting actors. Congratulations must also go to the chorus and dancers who performed with confidence.

This panto was certainly worth seeing and was well received by the audience, I look forward to seeing you all again in the future, keep up the good work and thank you for your kind hospitality.