Double triumph at the NODA Awards for The Sainsbury Singers

Photography: Emma Ramskill

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.

"I absolutely loved Lorraine’s performance; the portrayal of the dilemmas of a mum involved in political activism felt very real"

Rachel Eden

Mayor of Reading

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.

"Made in Dagenham is a terrific show, and I thoroughly enjoyed this production. The Sainsbury Singers not only brought the musical to life in an impressive and entertaining way, but engaged and challenged their audience; congratulations to you all"

Andrew Walter

NODA Regional Representative

Director
CATH HANNAN

Musical Director
PATRICK NAYLOR

Choreographer
DENISE SCHULT

Assistant Director
MATTHEW SMITH

Additional Choreography
CATH HANNAN, CHARLIE SCOTT, KAZIA GRAINGER

Cast

Band

Behind the scenes

Cast

Band

Behind the scenes

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.