NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association recognises theatre excellence across the board and the company received
multiple nominations for events that had taken place since the pandemic.
The awards ceremony took place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on Friday night with the company winning the following categories:
Best Vocal Performance – Lauren Sankson – Dragon – Shrek the Musical
Best Female Youth Performance in an Adult Production – Megan Voss – Brooke Wyndham – Legally Blonde
Best Drama – Two
Best Leading Male in a Drama – Paul Allison – Men – Two
Best Leading Female in a Drama – Leanne Thorniley – Women – Two
Best Youth Production – We Will Rock You
Best Choreographer of a Youth Production – Hannah Thomas and Amy Earith – We Will Rock You.

The company will now represent Greater Manchester’s District One at the regional awards taking place at The Winter Garden’s in Blackpool in April.
Darren Stannage, Company Manager from NK said

“We were absolutely thrilled to win seven awards for so many different elements of our performances. It has been a tough time for theatres since the pandemic and it was brilliant to be able to celebrate with so many societies from across Manchester. Any award won is won for everyone involved, as it takes
so much to come together to put on a successful production, from the backstage team to the front of house team and the tech team to the cast, everyone works so hard. NODA is obviously a nationally renowned organisation and we are thrilled to be able to go on and represent Greater Manchester at the regional awards”

There was also success this weekend for NK’s Studio 2 Dancers at the Evolution Dance Competition in Stockport with the following awards won by the team:
Lyrical 11-12 Novice – Amelia Dunne – 1st
Lyrical 13-14 Novice – Lilly Robb – 2nd
Lyrical 15+ Novice – Amy Earith 3rd , Gemma Thurston 4th
Duo’s 15+ – Megan Voss & Ella Horsfield 1st (1st Overall)
Mixed Troupe – Tribe & Vibe – 1st (2nd Overall)
Hannah Gorst, Director of Dance and MT at NK said

“We were so proud of all of our performers over the weekend, they had a brilliant time and smashed their dances that they have been working so hard on over the last few weeks. To win or be placed in every category we entered was absolutely amazing and it is wonderful recognition for our young performers and great reward for their talent and dedication.”