STAND UP and celebrate our society’s outstanding success at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association’s 2023 District Awards!
We proudly received two prestigious awards last week, honouring the exceptional talent within our ranks. From Lorraine Cox’s remarkable performance to the triumph of our musical production, Made in Dagenham, we’ve left a lasting impression on both the audience and the NODA representatives.
Let us share the excitement and pride surrounding our award-winning achievements…
Lorraine Cox shines as Rita O Grady
Lorraine Cox, a true talent in our society, was awarded the Molly Harle Award for Best Female Character in a Musical (District 13) for her captivating portrayal of Rita O Grady in Made in Dagenham. Her performance struck a chord with the audience, portraying the dilemmas of a politically active mother with authenticity and depth. With praise from the Mayor of Reading, Rachel Eden, it’s evident that Lorraine’s portrayal resonated deeply with viewers.
Victory for Made in Dagenham – Best Musical
Our society’s production of Made in Dagenham achieved tremendous success at the NODA awards, winning the prestigious Joe Putnam Award for Best Musical (District 13). This achievement serves as a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of everyone involved, both on and off the stage. Described by audience members as “amazing” and “an epic night out” the musical truly captivated and entertained. The NODA representative, Andrew Walter, commended the Sainsbury Singers for bringing the production to life and engaging and challenging the audience.
Assistant Director
MATTHEW SMITH
Additional Choreography
CATH HANNAN, CHARLIE SCOTT, KAZIA GRAINGER
- Rita O’Grady – Lorraine Cox
- Beryl – Louise Quelch
- Connie Riley – Emma Reeves
- Sandra Beaumont – Kazia Grainger
- Clare – Johanna Shannon-Little
- Cass – Laura Rountree
- Eddie O’Grady – Matthew Smith
- Monty – Stephen Cox
- Harold Wilson – Brian Bretney
- Barbara Castle – Kate Petford
- Cortina Man – Sam Morris
- Mr Tooley – Dean Davis
- Hopkins – Chris Thomas
- Lisa Hopkins – Sara El-Hanfy
- Barry / Reporter – Gareth Wells
- Sid / Tannoy Announcer – Chris Reeves
- Bill / Mr Buckton / Adams – Steve Jewell
- Sharon O’Grady – Sophie Bagshaw / Georgina Cox
- Graham O’Grady – Oliver Bagshaw
- Ron Macer – Michael Schult
- Gregory Hubble / Chubby Chuff – Rob Latimer
- MC / Reporter – Josh Bethel Club Singer – Charlie Scott
- Emma / Rachael – Hannah Scarisbrick-Rowe
- Jo / Tracey – Sam Viner-Smart
Dagenham Girls/Boys, Civil Servants, Cheerleaders, Flag Bearers, Cortina Girls, Backing Singers: Becca White, Charlie Scott, Chris Reeves, Claire Wilson, Denise Schult, Gareth Wells, Hannah Scarisbrick-Rowe, Hannah Thompson, Helen Thomas, Jessamy Vincent, Jessica Wilkins, Joshua Bethal, Katie Wise, Michael Schult, Rob Latimer, Sam Morris, Samantha Viner Smart, Simon Moore, Steve Jewell. Children: Alfie Wilson, Bronwyn Cox, Georgina Cox, Jorgia Petford, Ophelia Rakowska, Sophie Bagshaw, Tilly Shannon-Little
- Woodwind/Reed 1 – Anna O’Brien
- Woodwind/Reed 2 – Jo Paterson-Neild
- Trumpet – Gregor Spowart
- Keyboard 1/Conductor – Patrick Naylor
- Keyboard 2 – Mark Webb
- Keyboard 3 – Tim Newbury
- Guitar – Simon Barnard
- Drums – Martin Carrick
- Bass – Graeme Hollingdale
- Prompt – Melanie Gogerly
- Lighting Designer – Kim Hollamby & Rebecca Simons
- Technical Assistant – Louis Martin
- Lighting / Sound Equipment Hire & Rigging – Dinino Theatre Service
- Production Coordinator & Stage Manager – David Edwards
- Deputy Stage Manager – Jackie Stoffels
- Stage Crew – Joe Daniels, David Edwards, Caroline Saunders, Andy Scott
- Sound – Pete Ashton
- Sound Assistant – Millie Naylor
- Props – Kazia Grainger, Sophie Hannan
- Scenery Design – lan Reeves
- Scenery Hire – Dinino Theatre Services
- Wardrobe Team – Cath Hannan, Emma Reeves, Gareth Wells
- Makeup, Hair & Wigs – Becca Allen, Cath Hannan
- Front of House Presentation – Jessamy Vincent
- Displays – Emma Reeves, Marketing Team
- Webmaster – Kim Hollamby
- Marketing Officer & Publishing Manager – Jessamy Vincent
- Marketing Team – Denise Schult, Eve MacDonald, Hannah Scarisbrick-Rowe, Jessamy Vincent, Johanna Shannon-Little, Kazia Grainger, Louise Quelch, Sara El-Hanfy, Steve Jewell
- Show Week Photography – Emma Ramskill
- Biography Photos – Johanna Shannon-Little jslittlephotography.co.uk
- Fundraising Team – Lorraine Cox, Michael Schult
- Social Team – Louise Quelch, Kate Petford, Rob Latimer
- Ticket Officer – Stephen Cox
- Front of House Liaison – Michael Schult
The double win at the awards have filled our society with immense pride and joy! With exceptional performances and the resounding success of the show, we have showcased our unwavering commitment to excellence in local theatre. As we continue on this exciting journey, we invite you to join us for an extraordinary experience — where talent, dedication and unforgettable performances take centre-stage.
Stay tuned to find out if we’ve been successful in the Regional Awards on 18th June 2023.